After taking two of three on the road in Atlanta, the Washington Nationals traveled out west and dropped three-straight in San Francisco, and now the Nationals head around-350 miles south to Los Angeles where they take on the Dodgers in a three-game weekend series at Dodger Stadium...

On The Hill...

DC's 23-year-old lefty John Lannan's won two straight starts after going (0-5) in his previous 8 outings from 5/24-7/9, and in these last two wins, which raised his '08 record to (6-9, 3.29 ERA), "Cool Hand" Lannan's allowed 9 hits, 1 run, and 6 walks with 4 K's in 12.0 innings on the mound against the D-Backs and Braves. Lannan, who will be making his 26th start over two seasons in the Majors will be facing the Dodgers for the first time. On the road in '08, Lannan's (4-4) in 11 starts with a 2.44 ERA in 70.0 innings pitched, over which he's allowed 67 hits, 19 ER, 4 HR's and 20 walks with 47 K's, as opposed to his 4.71 ERA, 41 hits, 22 ER, 8 HR's and 18 walks allowed at home, where he's struck out just 16 in 42.0 innings pitched...

The Dodgers counter with 23-year-old right-hander Chad Billingsley, who brings a (9-9) record and a 3.32 ERA to the mound for tonight's turn. (5-3) in his last 10 starts, Billingsley's (2-2) in 4 starts in July, having allowed 12 hits, 9 ER, 2 HR's and 8 walks while collecting 31 K's in 26.0 innings pitched, over which he's posted a 3.12 ERA. Against DC in his 3-year career, Billingsley is undefeated at (2-0) in 2 starts with a 2.77 ERA and 11 K's in 12 innings. So far in '08, Billingsley's held his opponents to a .235 AVG over 122.0 innings in 20 starts and 22 appearances...

Nationals' #'s Against Chad Billingsley...

Ronnie Belliard - 1 for 3, .333 AVG, 1 3B. 

Felipe Lopez - 2 for 6, .333 AVG. 

Ryan Zimmerman - 0 for 5, .000 AVG.

Willie Harris - 1 for 2, .500 AVG.

Lannan '08 #'s Breakdown...

Lannan vs Lefties - 25.1 IP, 28 hits, 4 HR, 7 BB, 17 K's, 1.38 WHIP, .272 BAA.

Lannan vs Righties - 86.2 IP, 80 hits, 8 HR, 31 BB, 46 K's, 1.28  WHIP, .249 BAA.

Say Goodbye To The Flat-Brimmed Closer...

Following up on yesterday's revelations that DC GM Jim Bowden had made clear the Nationals' intention to "non-tender" DC reliever Chad Cordero when the season was over, MLB.com's Bill Ladson is back with another report at the Nationals' official site entitled, "Cordero's agent upset with GM's timing", in which Mr. Ladson writes:

"One baseball source said that Cordero is so angry by(sic) the early announcement that he plans not to re-sign with the Nationals next year."

What's wrong? Cordero never pitched for the Reds? Was there ever really any interest in re-signing Cordero? GM Jim Bowden said as much in Mr. Ladson's first article on the issue, but his actions here seem to belie his own words...So, I guess DC fans had better hope that Joel Hanrahan works out as the closer...or does GM Jim have someone else in mind as a future stopper for the franchise? Rauch is gone, Cordero's gone...but I'm sure this is part of some plan...

The Flat-Brimmed Closer told Washington Post writer Chico Harlan how he received the news of his impending non-tender(ing) in a post entitled, "'It's a little disrespectful'" at the Post's "Nationals Journal" blog, in which Cordero recounts:

"'My dad called me,' Cordero said, explaining how he received the news. 'He had received a phone call from a friend who heard on the radio. My dad got the call, and then he called me and told me. That's how I found out. Bowden never once made contact with myself or my agent before he announced it on the radio.'"

Uh...any chance we can have someone else within the organization other than Mr. Bowden deal with Ryan Zimmerman on his new contract once this season's through?

And While We're On The Subject Of Disgruntled Former Players...

In another post on the "Nationals Journal" by Chico Harlan, entitled, "Milledge back, Estrada gone", the soon-to-be former DC backstop, who was placed on waivers to make room on the roster for a returning Lastings Milledge, tells Mr. Chico:

"I stil know I have a lot left in the tank, and look forward to playing against the Nationals."

That sounds vaguely threatening, right? What's he so mad about? Yes, Estrada was a National, for those of you who didn't notice, and in 23 games and 53 at bats, Estrada hit .200 with 9 hits and 4 RBI's...and he gets paid $1.25 Million regardless. Yeah, Thanks for your contribution Mr. Estrada...and don't threaten the Nationals. Maybe the Mets want to sign and release you again?

The Friday night special starts at around 10:40 pm EST. "Cool Hand" Lannan vs The Biller? Will Willie Harris Want To Play? Vin Scully would rather do things himself, thank you. The Best Announcer in Baseball? Can't think of one better? Sorry, Mr. Sutton! The Nationals are now 18-34 on the road...The Dodgers at home? One game over .500 at 25-24 and just 1.0 game out of first at 49-52, behind the Diamonbacks in the NL West's All Under-.500 Division...Who's Watching The Nationals On The Left Coast?...Rumor has it it's gonna be sunny and 70 in Cali???

On The Hill...

DC righty Tim Redding is (1-1) in his last two starts, which is significant only in light of the fact that the two decisions came after a 9-start stretch, which reached all the way back to the 19th of May, in which Redding received no decisions.

Redding's '08 record now stands at (7-4) with a 4.17 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and .261 BAA in 118.2 IP in 21 starts over which the 30-year old Rochester, NY native has allowed 121 hits, 55 ER, 13 HR's and 41 walks, while striking out 78. Redding's winless against San Francisco at (0-4) over his 7-year MLB career, with 7 appearances, 5 starts and 26.1 innings pitched against the various Giants' lineups, against whom he's allowed 30 hits, 19 walks, 19 ER's, 3 HR's and posted a 6.49 ERA with a 1.86 WHIP and .291 BAA. Redding did not start against San Francisco when the Giants visited the nation's capital earlier this season... 

...San Francisco right-hander Matt Cain did face DC in that June series, winning the Monday finale of the Giants' extended-weekend four-game sweep at Nationals Park, with 6.1 innings on the mound in which he struck out 6 and allowed 8 hits, 1 ER and 1 walk. Cain, 23, has already faced the Nationals 5 times as a starter in his third year in the Majors, posting a (2-2) record and 3.00 ERA against Washington, with 30 K's, a 1.06 WHIP, .216 BAA, and 24 hits, 11 ER's, 2 HR's and 11 walks allowed over 33.0 innings pitched. 

Cain's best start against the Nationals came late last year, however, when he threw 6.0 shutout innings on 8/8/07, with just 3 hits and 1 walk surrendered in a 5-0 win over Washington at home in AT&T Park. Cain's dropped 2 of his last 4 '08 starts, but he's shutout the opposition in the other two appearances, both against the Chicago Cubs; one an 8.0 inning, 2-hit, 10 K outing which the Giants held on to win 2-1, and the other a no-decison in a start again against Chicago, where he completed another 7.0 shutout innings and gave up just 3 hits in a game the Giants eventually lost 3-1 to the Cubbies...

Nationals' #'s Against Matt Cain...

Felipe Lopez - 4 for 10, .400 AVG, 1 2B, 1 3B, 1 BB. 

Johnny Estrada - 6 for 11, .545 AVG, 2 2B, 1 HR, 5 RBI's, 1.545 OPS.

Ryan Zimmerman - 2 for 9, .222 AVG, 1 HR, 2 RBI's.

Paul Lo Duca - 4 for 9, .444 AVG, 1 RBI.

Cristian Guzman - 3 for 6, .500 AVG. 

Redding's #'s Against the Giants. (Classic and Current)...

Rich Aurilia - 1 for 4, .250 AVG, 2 BB.

The Old Giants' Left Fielder - 2 for 7, .286 AVG, 1 2B, 1 HR, .857 SLG, 1.357 OPS.

Aaron Rowand - 4 for 8, .500 AVG, 1 2B, 1 BB.

Yeah, But What Have You Done For Me Lately...

According to MLB.com's Bill Ladson's article entitled, "Nats GM says Cordero will hit market", DC GM Jim Bowden announced Wednesday that the Nationals will "non-tender" the injured closer...two months from now when the season ends?

Why did Mr. Bowden feel the need to announce this now? 

Mr. Ladson writes that:

"While the Nationals would like to have Cordero back, Bowden said the team does not want to pay him a lot of money."

..and Mr. Bowden himself is quoted in Mr. Ladson's article stating:

"'We hope that Chad Cordero re-signs with us, but based on his surgery, our interest would be a low base salary with incentives,' Bowden said via e-mail."

If the Nationals do really want to bring Cordero back at a significantly lower salary, this was probably not a great first step in the process of convincing the Flat-Brimmed Closer to return...

There Might Be A Crowd In The Outfield...

Washington Post sports writer Chico Harlan reports, in a post at the "Nationals Journal" entitled, "Boone to have MRI", that Lastings Milledge, who is currently on a rehab stint with Triple-AAA Columbus as he recovers from an injured groin, could be back in the Majors as early as this weekend in Los Angeles, news that Mr. Harlan attributes to a source as high up as Nationals' Manager Manny Acta. 

If Milledge is going to be back this weekend in Los Angeles?...Who does Manny Acta put in the outfield? Sounds like a poll question...Who starts in the outfield once Milledge returns?

Game Time In AT&T Park is a 3:45 pm EST. Redding vs Cain...It almost happened last night...But when will DC fans get a glimpse of new closer "Wild" Joel Hanrahan? Where will Paul Lo Duca play today? WWJD this time? Did you know that, "Willie Harris Wants To Play?" Who's watching the Nationals?

On The Hill...

San Francisco starter Kevin Correia's started 10 games this season and appeared in 11 for the Giants. The 27-year-old right hander is just (1-5), with a 5.81 ERA, 1.63 WHIP, .286 BAA, and 60 hits allowed in 52.2 innings pitched, over which he's given up 34 ER's, 8 HR's and 26 walks while striking out 35. Correia's faced the Nationals 8 times in his six MLB seasons as a Giant, with a (1-1) record and a 2.55 ERA in 17.2 IP against the DC franchise. 

At home in AT&T Park this season, Correia's (1-2) with a 5.26 ERA in 25.2 innings, a 1.40 WHIP and a .265 BAA, with his one '08 win coming in San Francisco back on April 10th against the Cardinals. Over his career, Correia's (6-7) in Frisco, with 20 starts, 73 appearances, a 4.31 ERA and 117 K's in 163.0 innings pitched in front of the Bay Area fans...

Some of the AT&T Park crowd will no doubt be cheering for Correia's opponent on the mound, DC righty (and Huntington Beach, CA native) Collin Balester, (1-2) who is all of 3 starts into his MLB career, with a win in his MLB Debut and two losses to follow, during which the 22-year old right hander has posted a 5.87 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and a .254 BAA. Two of Balester's three starts with DC have come on the road, in Florida, (the debut win), and Cincinnati, where Balester pitched 5.2 innings, and allowed 4 hits, 5 ER's, 1 HR and 3 walks...

Nationals' #'s Against Kevin Correia...

Austin Kearns - 2 for 7, .286 AVG, 2 HR's, 2 RBI's, .375 OBP, 1.143 SLG, 1.518 OPS.

Ryan Langerhans - 1 for 1, 1.000 AVG, 1 HR, 2 RBI's, 2 BB. 

Balester Breakdown...

Balester vs Lefties - .217 BAA, 1.88 WHIP, 1 HR in 5.1 IP, 5 hits, 5 BB, 3 K's. 

Balester vs Righties - .275 BAA, 1.20 WHIP, 1 HR in 10.0 IP, 11 hits, 1 BB, 6 K's.

DC Roster Shuffle...

With former DC closer Jon Rauch already fitted for an extra-long D-Backs' uniform and out on the mound before some Nationals' fans had even realized he'd been traded, the Nationals made a move to replace Rauch's arm in the Nationals' bullpen, assigning Emilio Bonifacio to Triple-AAA Columbus and recalling another former D-Backs' prospect, right-handed hurler Garrett Mock to the Washington roster, where, according to MLB.com's Bill Ladson's article entitled, " Nats recall right-hander Mock": 

"The Nationals are planning to use Mock in the bullpen for the time being. Manager Manny Acta said the organization still considers Mock a starter."

If the Nationals do still think of Mock as a starter as Acta's quoted stating above, what do you think about effectively "wasting" innings on his arm by using Mock out of the DC bullpen instead of...say...letting him start in the Triple-AAA playoffs, where he could gain important big-game experience? Why bring up Mock instead of Clippers' reliever?

Mock, however, will not be replacing Jon Rauch as the Nationals' closer...That job is being given, for the time being, to "Wild" Joel Hanrahan, as the readers of federalbaseball.com once again correctly predicted in a poll that was started as soon as news of the Rauch trade broke and before Washington's official announcement about their ninth-inning plans...

When will Hanrahan get his first chance to close? Is there some chance of the fans negotiating about Hanrahan's closer music? Brooks and Dunn? Anyway...Game time is 10:15 live out of San Francisco, California's AT&T Park, for the second of this three game series between the Nationals and Giants. DC's Road Trip after 4 games...(2-2). Will it be the Balester who dominated when he debuted? Or the Balester who struggled in his second and third starts in the Majors? Balester's back in California? Zimmerman's back at third...and federalbaseball.com is back and ready to watch the Nationals...Who's watching the Nationals?

On The Hill...

With losses in 5 of his last 11 starts, and no-decisions in the other 6, Jason Bergmann has struggled to a (1-6) record in 13 starts and 15 appearances this season, while the Washington Nationals are just (2-13) when the Neptune, NJ native takes the mound. Bergmann's posted a 4.03 ERA in 82.2 IP, with a 1.29 WHIP, .261 BAA, and 88 hits, 45 runs, (37 earned), 13 HR's and just 19 walks allowed with 63 K's collected, though 30 of those 63 K's came over just 4 starts in May, (easily Bergmann's best month on the mound), during which he was (1-1) in 4 starts and 27.2 IP, with 1 CG, and the only 4 runs allowed in those games coming on 4 HR's in his 5/31 start in Arizona, a 4-0 DC loss, before which Bergmann had pitched 19.2 scoreless innings in a row, leaving the right-handed sinker-baller with a 1.30 ERA after May and arguably his best sustained run of success as a DC starter. 

Bergmann faced tonight's opponent, the San Francisco Giants, earlier this year, on June 6th in DC, throwing just 3.0 innings, and giving up 10 hits, 8 runs, (5 earned) and 1 HR with 2 walks and 0 K's in a game the Giants would win 10-1. Bergmann's only other career outing against the Giants was a relief appearance in 2005 at old RFK Stadium, where he worked 2.0 scoreless innings in a 5-1 Nationals' loss, striking out 4 and allowing just 1 hit.

Tonight's start in AT&T Park will be Bergmann's first in San Francisco. On the road this year, Bergmann's (1-4) in 6 starts and 7 appearances with a 3.92 ERA. Opposing him on the mound at AT&T will be Barry Zito, the Giants' left-handed disappointment, who is just (1-8) in 10 starts at home in '08, (3-4 in 9 on the road), with a 6.66 ERA and 35 walks, 3 HR's, 37 ER's and 64 hits allowed in 50.0 innings pitched before the Bay Area crowd.

Zito matched up against DC rookie Garrett Mock during San Francisco's visit to the nation's capital in June, earning one of his 4 '08 wins for 5.0 innings of work, with 7 hits, 3 ER's, 1 HR and 4 walks allowed, and 2 batters K'd in a 6-3 Giants' win. Zito's started 4 games against the Nationals in his 9-year MLB career, all four times since joining the Giants last season, and he's (1-1) with a 3.91 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, and .244 BAA, having allowed 20 hits, 10 ER, 5 HR's and 11 walks with 16 K's in 23.0 innings pitched against Washington. 

After signing a 7-year, $126 million dollar deal in late-December '06, the 30-year old Zito, who was coming off a (16-10) '06 season in Oakland, is (15-25) in 42 starts as a Giant, posting an (11-13) record with a 4.53 ERA last season, and a (4-12) '08 record so far with a 5.62 ERA, 62 K's, a 1.79 WHIP, .299 BAA, and 115 hits, 61 ER's, 9 HR's and 60 walks surrendered in 19 starts and 97.2 innings pitched...(Over Bergmann's last 19 starts, he's (5-7) for (roughly) $784,000, which...is... = to a start and a half's pay for Mr. Zito!!)

Nationals' #'s Against Barry Zito...

Ronnie Belliard - 11 for 30, .367 AVG, 1 2B, 1 HR, 6 RBI's. 

Johnny Estrada - 2 for 6, .333 AVG.

Austin Kearns - 1 for 8, .125 AVG, 1 HR, 2 RBI's. 

RYAN ZIMMERMAN!!! - 1 for 5, .200 AVG, 1 3B.

Felipe Lopez - 3 for 8, .375 AVG, 1 2B, 1 HR, 1 RBI.

Paul Lo Duca - 4 for 9, .444 AVG, 1 2B, 1 RBI. 

The "If They Were Playing" List...

DY - 5 for 25, 200 AVG, 1 2B, 1 RBI.

Aaron Boone - 2 for 14, .143 AVG, 1 2B, 2 RBI's.

Lastings Milledge - 2 for 3, .667 AVG, 1 HR, 2 RBI's.

Nick Johnson - 3 for 4, .750 AVG, 1 2B, 1 HR, 2 RBI's.

Jason Bergmann Best Watch Out For...

Aaron Rowand vs Bergmann - 5 for 13, .385 AVG, 3 2B, 1 RBI. 

Baseball America: Newsstand Edition...

In the most recent edition of Baseball America's newsstand magazine, they have a list of the, "Top 25 Prospects" in baseball which is subtitled, "Midseason Snapshot", and though I was disappointed to find that there were no Washington Nationals on the list, I did quickly find DC's Class-A outfielder Michael Burgess 4th on a list of players "On The Rise", which the Baseball America writers describe as being comprised of:

"...all kinds of players who weren't in the Top 100 (prospects list) coming into the season but are strong contenders right now."

...And Michael Burgess, all of 19-years old, and one of three 1st Round Picks by the Nationals in the '07 Draft, chosen 49th overall after pitchers Ross Detwiler (9th) and Josh Smoker (31st), is also the subject of Baseball America's DC Correspondent Lacy Lusk's column in the MLB "Organization Reports" where Lacy Lusk labels Michael Burgess the "Best Player" in the Nationals' organization, writing:

"Burgess, a first-round supplemental pick last year out of a Tampa high school, hit just .245 in April but was at .265/.350/.512 overall with 15 HR's and 51 RBI's in 283 at bats...(with) power so prodigious that the 19-year-old worried about injuring fans outside the ball park during the home run derby*." 

The "Biggest Leap Forward" according Lacy Lusk: Roger Bernadina

The "Biggest Disappointment" according to Lacy Lusk: Josh Smoker

(ed. note -  " * = South Atlantic League All-Star Game Home Run Derby...won by Michael Burgess.)

--Dave at Bottomfeeder Baseball checked in yesterday with a FANPOST on this week's MLB Player of the Week...(Hint: This DC OF, "...Wants To Play!")

"Zimmerman Watch: Left Coast Edition" - Federal Baseball's 24-Hour, 22 Hou...12 Hour... Intermittent Dodgy Coverage of the BREAKING NEWS! And ACTION!!......(Once Again With EXTRA! ACTION!!)...

Washington Post sports writer Chico Harlan reports that Ryan Zimmerman will be back in the lineup tonight, in an article entitled, "Nats Hoping Zimmerman Provides Boost", in which Mr. Harlan writes that Zimmerman, according to DC Manager Manny Acta, "...'has no limitations' because of the injury," and Mr. Harlan follows that up with a comment from DC GM Jim Bowden who states:

"I don't think he's coming back 100 percent ready to go. It might take a while to get the bat going, but he's such a great player."

Did DY's move to the DL hasten Zimmerman's return from his "slight labral tear"? Mr. Chico mentions that, "All along, the team had allowed Zimmerman, 23, to gauge when he felt ready," and DY's health issues simply, "...provided the green light for Zimmerman's return."

Zimmerman's back at third? Where does Belliard go? Any predictions for tonight's starting lineup? I went with Zimmerman, Guzman, Belliard and Casto around the infield with Langerhans, Harris and Kearns left to right around the outfield...though I'm guessing PLoD's gonna get in at first instead of Casto, but I'll accept that (until 7/31) as long as Jesus Flores is behind the plate...Game time: 10:15 pm EST...live from AT&T Park, with "McCovey Cove" right outside, and the SBN's McCovey Chronicles covering the action as well, so check them out to get the Giants' fans' perspective on the series...But More Importantly - Who's Watching the Nationals?

The Sunday matinee of the three games series between the Washington Nationals and Atlanta Braves gets underway at just around 1:35 pm EST live from Turner Field with "Opening Night" Odalis Perez on the mound for DC against another ATL lefty, Jo Jo Reyes. After last night's Nationals' win, the season series between the two teams stands at 6-4 in favor of DC. 

I asked My Brother Scout, Braves Fan and Source For All Things Baseball for a quick Scout(ing) Report on Atlanta's second year starter, Jo Jo Reyes, who was selected with the 43rd Pick, in the 2nd Round of the 2003 MLB Draft out of West Covina, California:

"(Atlanta Manager) Bobby Cox has had a quick hook with Jo Jo lately. His #'s say 'hard luck', the walks are high, and K-rate down, and in his starts against Texas (6/18)* and the Jays (6/29)*, he gave up 11 hits and two runs combined over 14 innings and got a loss and a no-decision, so..."

In 14 stars this season, the 23-year old left-handed Reyes has posted a (3-8) record with a 4.40 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, and a .276 BAA, allowing 81 hits, 41 runs, (38 earned), 8 HR's, and 30 walks with 59 K's collected. At home in Atlanta in '08, Reyes is (2-4) with a 6.16 ERA in 8 starts and 38.0 innings pitched, and over his first two seasons in Atlanta, Reyes is just (3-5) at "The Ted" with a 5.43 ERA and visiting teams hitting .285 off him, with 40 ER and 10 HR hit off him in 66.1 innings pitched in Georgia.

Reyes is (0-4) in his last 4 starts and (1-7) over his last 10, with the Braves (3-7) over that same stretch...Washington lefty Odalis Perez has struggled similarly, dropping 3 of his last 5 starts with two no-decisions, and in his last 10 outings Perez is just (2-4), with the Nationals (4-6) when his turn comes around. 

On the season, Perez is (2-7) with a 3.71 ERA, 62 K's, 33 walks, a 1.46 WHIP, 98 hits against, 42 runs, 12 HR's and 33 walks allowed over 17 starts and 89.2 innings pitched, over which opponents have hit for a .279 BAA. Perez last faced the Braves on Opening Night in DC, (earning himself the nickname I think I'll not drop 'til he leaves DC), throwing 5.0 innings, 70 pitches, 43 for strikes, and giving up 4 hits, 1 ER and 1 walk with 2 K's in a game the Nationals won when Ryan Zimmerman hit his decisive walk-off HR. 

Perez has faced Atlanta in Atlanta 8 times in his 10-year MLB career, 7 times as a starter, and he's accumulated a (1-3) record, 4.81 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and .285 BAA in 43 innings pitched against the Braves, but he also pitched for Atlanta for three years, so his career-totals in Turner Field include the 52 games and 33 starts he made as a Brave from '98-01, leaving Perez (8-10) with a 4.50 ERA in 22 starts and 31 appearances at "the Ted."

Jo Jo Reyes has never faced the Nationals so...

Nationals' '08 #'s Against Lefties...

Cristian Guzman - 46 for 127, .362 AVG, 11 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 12 RBI's.

Jesus Flores - 13 for 45, .289 AVG, 3 2B, 2 HR, 7 RBI's. 

Ryan Langerhans - 0 for 9, .000 AVG.

AK - 7 for 49, .143 AVG, 1 2B, 1 HR, 4 RBI's. 

-Scout(ing) Report-...

Paul Lo Duca career vs Lefties - .321 AVG...Lo Duca vs Lefties in '08 - .241 AVG.

Braves #'s Against Odalis Perez...

Jeff Francouer - 5 for 8, .625 AVG, 1 3B, 1 HR, 2 RBI's.

Chipper Jones - 7 for 19, .386 AVG, 2 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR's, 3 RBI's.

Mark Kotsay - 6 for 18, .333 AVG, 2 2B, 2 3B, 2 RBI's. 

Classic Braves vs Odalis Perez Matchup...

Julio Franco - 3 for 16, .188 AVG, 3 RBI's, 5 K's. 

"Zimmerman Watch: Columbus Edition" - Federal Baseball's 24-Hour, 22 Hou...12 Hour... Intermittent Dodgy Coverage of the BREAKING NEWS! And ACTION!!......(Once Again With EXTRA! ACTION!!)...

Clippers' third baseman Ryan Zimmerman, 23, is due for a call-up to the Majors at any time now as the hard-hitting prospect is really excelling with the Nationals' Triple-AAA affiliate in Columbus, OH. Even with an 0 for 4 night Saturday against Indianapolis Indians, Zimmerman, a 2005 1st Round pick out of the University of Virginia, managed to score 2 runs, including the winning run after he walked to lead off the bottom of the ninth and then walked-off  after he scored on a bases loaded HBP for a 6-5 Clippers' win**. Exciting!! Fantastic! I agree! This is the Best!! Bring the kid up!! That's just the kind of offensive boost the Nationals' need...Remember that name, Ryan Zimmer- THE KIDS CALL HIM ZIM!! THE KIDS CALL HIM ZIM!!!

The well-traveled reliver Chris Schroder** got the win for the Clippers in return for 1.0 inning of work in the top of the ninth. Roger Bernadina** was 1 for 3 and is now hitting .500 in 5 games for Columbus, with 10 hits in 20 AB's, 1 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR and 8 RBI's. First baseman Larry Broadway** was 2 for 4 with 3 RBI's, and so far in '08, Broadway's hitting .269 with 24 doubles, 1 3B, 7 HR's and 41 RBI's. And veteran infielder Pokey Reese was 1 for 3, and took one for the team on the GWHBP!!!

Keep An Eye On These Negotiations!

According to MLB.com's Bill Ladson's article, "Nationals working on Guzman contract":

"The Nationals are still in negotiations on a contract extension for shortstop Cristian Guzman. However, if a deal is not done soon, there is a possibility that Guzman could be traded before the July 31 deadline, according to a baseball source." 

Damn you, "A Baseball Source" for even putting that out there. I'll argue that my pessimism is well-earned over the years as an Expos' and Nationals' fan, but I have a feeling that after three injury-filled mediocre seasons as a National, Cristian Guzman is going to cash in on his '08 All-Star season with either a trade to a contender or a free agent contract somewhere other than Washington, DC, even though Mr. Ladson's article quotes an apparently "optimistic" Guzman's agent Stanley King, who says:

"'Cristian is optimistic that something will get done,' King said by phone. 'Cristian has made concessions and has shown that he wants to stay in Washington.'"

But as Mr. Ladson goes on to note:

"With the Dodgers' Rafael Furcal out indefinitely with a back injury, Guzman will be among the top free-agent shortstops entering the offseason."

As for the Nationals' only other tradeable commodity, Jon Rauch, the White Sox and Devil Rays are interested according to Mr. Ladson, and the only name of interest on the Nationals' radar is....Adam "A Bigger Wilkerson" Dunn" a player DC GM Jim Bowden has coveted for several seasons...But Bill Ladson then goes where the entire DC blogosphere has been going for months, writing:

"Reds infielder/outfielder Adam Dunn is a person Bowden has interest in, but it will be interesting to see if the front office will allow him to acquire another player from Cincinnati."

Oh no he didn't!!! Apparently the DC baseball bloggers aren't the only ones questioning the fact that DC GM Jim Bowden is still sure he was right five years ago!! These last few weeks before July 31st  are gonna be interesting alright...

* = Yahoosports.com box scores.

** = MiLB's Stats at the Clippers' Official site.

Game time is 1:35 pm EST live from Turner Field in Hotlanta, GA. "Opening Night" vs Jo Jo!! DC looks to take two of three from Atlanta. Will Paul Lo Duca continue to impress the scouts? Zimmerman's Coming Back? Zimmerman's Coming Back!!! Don't you think the Nationals could use another catcher? Who's watching the Nationals?

On The Hill...

John "Cool Hand" Lannan is (5-9) with a 3.40 ERA in 18 starts this season, two of which have come against Atlanta, against whom Lannan's (1-1) with 14 hits, 6 ER's, 1 HR and 7 walks allowed over 11.0 innings pitched, collecting 6 K's and posting a 4.91 ERA against the Braves. In Lannan's last start against Atlanta, which took place in Turner Field, the 23-year old lefty pitched 7.0 innings of shutout ball, giving up just 4 hits and 4 walks in a 6-0 Nationals' win.

Lannan snapped a five-game losing streak with a win over the D-Backs in his last start, throwing a two-hit shutout over 6.0 innings in a 5-0 DC victory, but before that "Cool Hand" was (0-5) in 8 starts stretching back to his last win on May 18th against the Orioles, with the Nationals (0-8) in games Lannan started over the same stretch. 

Atlanta looks for their second straight, and a tie to the season series between themselves and DC which stands at 5-4 Washington after the Braves' win last night. Atlanta turns to their second-year right-hander out of Willemstad, Curacao, Jair "JJ" Jurrjens, who, along with last night's starter Tim Hudson, has worked to keep Atlanta alive in the mediocre (at best) NL East. 

Jurrjens, 22, with a (9-4) record and 3.00 ERA in 25 starts and 141.2 innings pitched this season, received no decision when he faced Washington for the first time in his career back on April 30th in DC. Jurrjens threw 7.0 innings against the Nationals in that start, giving up just 2 hits and 1 run with 0 walks and 3 K's, for a 1.29 ERA, 0.29 WHIP and .087 BAA. At home at the "Ted", JJ's (5-1) in 9 starts, posting a 2.83 ERA and 1.43 WHIP over 54 innings, (as opposed to Jurrjens (4-3) record, and 3.16 ERA in 9 starts on the road, though he's won three-straight away from Atlanta.) In his last 10 starts...Jair Jurrjens is (5-1) with the Braves (8-2) in JJ's starts since May 16th.  

Nationals' #'s Against Jair Jurrjens...

Cristian Guzman - 0 for 3, .000 AVG.

Felipe Lopez - 1 for 3, .333 AVG, 1 RBI.

Austin Kearns - 0 for 3, .000 AVG.

Braves' #'s Against "Cool Hand" Lannan...

Brian McCann - 2 for 6, .333 AVG, 1 2B, 2 K's. 

Yunel Escobar - 2 for 7, .286 AVG.

Kelly Johnson - 2 for 7, .286 AVG, 1 2B. 

Chipper Jones - 1 for 4, .250 AVG.

Mark Teixeira - 1 for 5, .200 AVG, 1 RBI.

Jeff Francouer - 3 for 4, .750 AVG, 1 HR, 5 RBI's.

Matt Die-Az (Currently on DL) - 3 for 5, .600 AVG. 

From Harrisburg With Love...

Washington Post writer Chico Harlan is waxing poetic in his article entitled, "Nats See Pitching Growth on Farm", in which Mr. Harlan reports on the progress of the Nationals' other Zimmerman, right-handed pitching prospect Jordan Zimmermann, whose last outing is described in detail by Mr. Harlan, who relates what the pro scouts were seeing from the young pitcher:

"They noticed how Zimmermann's fastball hit 94 mph, and how it brushed the plate's edges. They noticed how his wind-up depends on a driving lower-body push, mechanics that make Harrisburg Manager John Stearns think of Hall of Famer Tom Seaver. They noticed how he cleaned up a first-and-third, no-out mess with a popup and a double play. When scouts see something that cannot be measured, they become most convinced of talent."

Mr. Harlan then quotes Washington's Scouting Director Dana Brown, who witnessed Zimmermann's last start and quickly sums up what the scouts are looking for and where the young 22-year old pitcher stands within the organization:

"'When you need to get somebody out, can you do it?' said Washington scouting director Dana Brown, who watched the game from behind home plate. 'You see that, like with Zimmermann, you see somebody very close to being major league ready, if not right there scratching at the surface.'"

In 13 starts with the Nationals' AA-affiliate in Harrisburg, Jordan Zimmermann's (4-2) with a 3.45 ERA in 13 starts and 73.0 innings, over which he's allowed 59 hits, 28 runs, 8 HR's and 38 walks while striking out 92. Add Zimmermann to the list for a possible September call-up...

Rumor Mill...

A lot of blogs and columns around the internets are reporting on the widespread interest in the Tallest Pitcher in MLB History, Jon Rauch, with the rumor-mongering website, mlbtraderumors.com, in particular, summing up a recent report from Fox Sports' writer Ken Rosenthal, in a post by Tim Dierkes entitled, "Rosenthal's Latest: Holliday, Burnett, Rauch and Ibanez", with Mr. Dierkes identifying potential destinations for Rauch, writing, "Jon Rauch is a hot commodity, drawing interest from the Rays, Red Sox, and Diamondbacks."

...and a FANPOST here at federalbaseball.com yesterday by wrigley's ivy entitled, "Who becomes closer if Rauch moved??", pointed to a yahoosports.com article, by three writers, Brad Funston, Andy Behrens, and Brad Evans, entitled, "High Fives: Second Look", where both Mr. Behrens and Evans include Jon Rauch's name on their lists of the, "Top five players you expect to see moved at the deadline," with Mr. Behrens ranking Rauch 2nd and writing:

"2. Jon Rauch - Looking back, perhaps Washington regrets that they didn't deal Chad Cordero." 

...and Mr. Evans ranking Rauch 5th on his list, and noting (somewhat cryptically):

"5. The Washington Monument supposedly has 10 potential suitors - so long save opportunities."

So let's enjoy our time with Rauch in case he's moved before the end of the month. Tonight's game starts at 7:10 pm EST in Hotlanta. Jurrjens vs Lannan. Nationals vs Braves. Good vs Evil. Atlanta vs DC. Who's watching the Nationals?

Season Series...

The last time the Washington Nationals played the Atlanta Braves, DC took two straight at home in Nationals Park, on April 29th and 30th, in a two-game set that effectively completed the normal three game visit to the nation's capital for the Braves, which began on March 30th with the one night stand on Opening Night. So in a way, you can say that the Nationals swept the Braves in three straight the last time they met, even if it might not be exactly, factually, true, but they did sweep two...

The Braves were back in DC only 12 days after Opening Night, for a three game weekend series from April 11th-13th, with Atlanta taking two of three on the road, and in Washington's only visit to Atlanta, Georgia's Turner Field so far in '08 on April 21-22, (another abbreviated two-game set), the teams split, leaving the season series so far at 5-3 in favor of DC...

On The Hill...

Tim Redding (7-3, 3.85 ERA) started the second of the Nationals' two games down South in Atlanta, taking the hill on April 22nd, and throwing 6.0 innings of 4-hit, 2 run ball with 2 walks, 2 K's and 1 HR surrendered, that being the solo shot Chipper Jones hit in the sixth inning to tie at 2-2, a game which the Nationals would eventually win 6-3. In Redding's career, he's faced Atlanta 5 times, with 4 starts and a (2-1) record in 22 innings pitched, over which he's allowed 23 hits, 11 ER, 4 HR's and 10 walks with 12 K's and a 4.50 ERA overall. Two of those starts against Atlanta came this year, with Redding holding the Braves to a .244 AVG, with 10 hits, 5 ER's and 2 HR's in 11 innings all at Nationals Park. 

On the road this season, Redding's undefeated at (3-0) in 8 starts, posting a 3.42 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and a .223 BAA in 47.1 innings on the mound, but on the road...in Atlanta...in 2 career starts, the 30-year old Redding is (1-1) with a 5.00 ERA, 1.67 WHIP and a .324 BAA, having given up 11 hits, 5 ER, 2 HR's and 4 walks while striking out 5 Braves' batters. 

Tim Hudson (9-7, 3.13 ERA), has beaten the Nationals two of the three times he's faced DC this season, with a (2-0) record and a 1.25 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, .216 BAA, and just 16 hits, 3 ER's and 4 walks allowed in 21.2 innings pitched during which he's collected 11 K's. 

In fact, in his career, Hudson's dominated DC, with a (7-1) record in 11 starts against the Nationals, posting ridiculous numbers...like his 1.13 ERA in 79.1 innings, or his 0.93 WHIP, or .212 BAA, and the fact that he's held the Nationals to just 61 hits, 14 runs, (10 earned), 1 HR and 13 walks while setting 57 down either swinging, looking, or fouling third strikes into a catcher's mitt is kind of impressive...

Not quite as impressive? Hudson's record at home in Turner Field, where the 32-year old right-hander is just (2-6) in 11 starts and 12 appearances in 2008, having doubled his runs allowed on the road, (15 to 30 at home) while nearly doubling the number of home runs surrendered (4 to 7), as well as his ERA from (2.13 to 4.09), though he's still held opponents to just a .253 BAA. Hudson's struggled through his last ten starts, going just (2-4), while the Braves have gone just (3-7) with Hudson on the hill...

Nationals' #'s Against Tim Hudson...

Jesus Flores - 0 for 5, .000 AVG.

Paul Lo Duca - 7 for 23, .304 AVG, 1 2B.

Cristian "All-Star" Guzman - 10 for 53, .189 AVG, 2 2B's, 8 K's.

Felipe Lopez - 5 for 27, .185 AVG, 2 2B, 1 HR, 2 RBI's.

DY - 9 for 13, .158 AVG, 1 HR, 3 RBI's. 

Willie Harris 1 for 6, .167 AVG, 1 2B, 1 RBI.

Austin Kearns - 10 for 30, .333 AVG, 1 HR, 4 RBI's.

Ryan Langerhans - 1 for 4, .250 AVG, 1 RBI.

The "If They Were Playing" List...

Aaron Boone - 3 for 11, .273 AVG, 1 2B, 2 RBI's.

Lastings Milledge - 0 for 12, .000 AVG, 1 RBI.

Ryan Zimmerman - 3 for 23, 130 AVG, 1 2B, 6 K's.

Nick Johnson 4 for 23, .174 AVG, 2 2B, 1 RBI.

Tim Redding's Been Hit Hard By...

Yunel Escobar - 2 for 5, .400 AVG.

Chipper JONES - (Career #'s) - 7 for 9, .778 BA, 2 HR's, 6 RBI's, .778 OBP, 1.444 SLG!!, 2.222 OPS!!!. - (C. Jones vs Redding in '08 - 4 for 6, .667 AVG, 2 HR, 3 RBI's. 

Mark Teixeira - 3 for 7, .429 AVG, 3 2B, 1 RBI. 

Cristian Guzman @ The All-Star Game in NYC...

The Nationals' All-Star shortstop, Cristian Guzman, comported himself well at MLB's Mid-Summer Classic, (which actually lived up to that moniker this season in a tense 15-inning affair), which saw Guzman, who entered the game as a pinch runner in the ninth, end up getting 3 AB's, and going 0 for 3 with 3 LOB. But if he didn't impress with the bat, he did in the field, where Guzman, who agreed to play third base for the first time at the Major League level, made at least one game-saving play, whilst simultaneously increasing his value by adding another position to his resume as he plays his way towards a new free agent deal after this season...

Guzman talked to MLB.com's Bill Ladson about the experience, talking to Mr. Ladson for an article entitled, "Guzman doesn't sell himself short", in which Guzman admits:

"'In the first inning, I was so nervous,' Guzman said. 'I never played third in my life. We didn't have anymore infielders. He (NL Manager Clint Hurdle) talked to me and he asked, 'Are you going to play third?' I go, 'Why not?'"

...(and Bill Ladson gets a laugh out of Guzman by asking after his night at third base, "So, watch out Ryan Zimmerman?" to which Guzman replies, "He's the best, he's the best.") Speaking of Ryan Zimmer...THE KIDS CALL HIM ZIM!!!!

"Zimmerman Watch: Columbus Edition" - Federal Baseball's 24-Hour, 22 Hou...12 Hour... Intermittent Dodgy Coverage of the BREAKING NEWS! And ACTION!!......(This Time With Extra Action)...

Ryan Zimmerman was 1 for 3 with a double last night in his '08 debut with the Nationals' Triple-AAA affiliate in Columbus, though the Clippers dropped a 5-2 decision to the Indianapolis Indians. Roger Bernadina was 2 for 3 to lift his '08 AVG to .417. Shairon Martis, fresh off his save in the XM MLB All-Star Futures Game, lost the game, giving up 7 hits, 5 runs, (2 earned) and a walk with 3 K's....

...Mike Hinckley, (I'm still waiting to see Hinckley debut in DC), was just called up from Double-AA Harrisburg on (7/12) to make his Triple-AAA debut with Columbus after 8 seasons in the Nationals/Expos organization, according to Dan Watson's article entitled, "LHP Mike Hinckley Goes to Columbus." In last night's game, Hinckley tossed 2.0 scoreless in relief, allowing 1 walk with 1 K after losing his Clippers' debut, as a starter, to the Scranton/Wilkes Barre Yankees after allowing 9 hits and 2 ER in 6.0 innings, with 1 walk and 6 K's on July 12th. 

7:35 pm EST start at Turner Field in Atlanta. The "So-Called Second-Half" begins the same way the first half did, with the Nationals and Braves in an NL East tilt. Redding vs Hudson. Game 97! Who's watching the Nationals?

Shairon Martis: April 10, 2008 (via mashmore98)

On the Hill...In NY.

Columbus Clippers' righty Shairon Martis pitched 7.0 innings in his last start opposite the Indianapolis Indians, allowing 5 hits and 1 run, with 3 walks and 5 K's, ending the night with a 3.80 ERA after 4 starts and 23.2 innings pitched with the Nationals' Triple-AAA affiliate. Martis started the season with Double-AA Harrisburg before earning the call-up to Columbus after going (4-4) in 14 starts with a 3.98 ERA over 74.2 IP. 

Acquired from the San Francisco Giants in July '06 in return for lefty reliever Mike Stanton, Martis, now 21, was 19 at the time, and DC GM Jim Bowden talked about Martis, in MLB.com's Bill Ladson's article entitled, "Nats acquire hurler Martis from Giants", proclaiming:

"'We like Martis a lot...We like his arm,' Bowden said. 'He throws 91-95 miles per hour. We like his delivery. He is only 19 years old. He has a high ceiling. Certainly, it's down the road. It's a building for the future.'"

Martis was selected as the Nationals' and his home country of Curacao's lone representative at tomorrow's XM MLB All-Star Futures Game, which takes place at 12:35 pm EST live from Yankee Stadium. Keep an eye on the future before (or possibly) while the Nationals are finishing their three game series with the visiting Houston Astros...

On The Hill...In DC.

Odalis "Balk-Move" Perez (2-6, 3.66 ERA) takes the mound for the Nationals in the finale, and rubber match, of their three game series with the visiting Houston Astros, who turn the ball over to 30-year old right-hander Brandon Backe (5-9, 5.07 ERA) as both teams head into the extended All-Star week break. 

Odalis Perez pitched against the Astros during the Nationals' trip to Texas in early May, giving up 5 hits, 1 HR and 3 runs in 5.0 IP but receiving no decision in the Nationals' 4-3 loss to the Astros. In his career against Houston, Perez is (0-4) in 7 games and 6 starts with an 11.57 ERA, a 2.39 WHIP. with a .355 BAA in 28 innings pitched against the Astros, during which he's allowed 44 hits, 36 ER's, 5 HR's and 23 walks with 24 K's. 

Old "Balk-Move" is (0-3) in 8 starts in Nationals Park this season with a 2.11 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP, holding opposing hitters to a .225 BAA, and in 2 day games this year, the 31-year old lefty has two no-decisions, a 1.42 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and a .204 BAA, and he's just plain cruel to lefties this season, holding his backward brethren to a pitiful .182 BAA and 0.75 WHIP in the random stat pile...

Brandon Backe's pitched 104.2 innings in '08, 6.0 of them against Washington, and of the 119 hits, 59 runs, 22 HR's, 46 walks and 78 K's Backe's on the books for in 19 starts this season, the Nationals are responsible for 6 of the hits, 4 ER's, 1 HR, 3 walks and 9 of Backe's K's all in their one game back on May 8th in Houston which the Astros lost 8-3, dropping Backe' record to (2-4) at the time. 

In his career against DC, Backe's (1-2) in 3 starts with a 4.50 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, .227 BAA, 18 IP, 15 hits surrendedered, 9 ER's allowed and 2 HR's launched by the Nationals. In 11 road starts, Backe's just (2-6) with a 5.15 ERA in 57.2 innings pitched during which opposing hitters have hit at a .295 clip.

Backe's lost 4 of his last 8 starts, with 1 win and 3 no-decisions, and Houston's (2-6). Backe's last outing was cut short after 3.0 shutout innings by inclement weather. Odalis Perez is (0-2) in his last four starts, with the Nationals (1-3). Perez's last outing was cut short after 2.2 IP by Umpire Angel Hernandez.

Nationals' #'s Against Brandon Backe...

Willie Harris - 1 for 4, .250 AVG, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 2 BB.

Austin Kearns - 1 for 9, .111 AVG, 2 RBI's.

Paul Lo Duca - 2 for 5, .400 AVG, 1 HR, 2 RBI's.

Aaron Boone - 1 for 2, .500 AVG, 1 HR, 3 RBI's.

Felipe Lopez - 3 for 8, .375 AVG, 4 BB's.

The "If They Were Playing" List...

Nick Johnson - 4 for 8, .500 AVG, 2 2B, 1 RBI, 2 BB.

Johnny Estrada - (ed. note - "For the last time, yes, he's a National.") - 0 for 12.

Odalis "Balk-Move" Perez Might Want To Just Go Ahead And Walk...

Lance Berkman - 8 for 12, .667 AVG, 1 2B, 2 HR, 5 RBI's, 2 BB.

Ty Wiggington - 4 for 11, .364 AVG.

Darin Erstad - 5 for 17, .294 AVG, 3 RBI's. 

CLASSIC ASTRO MATCHUP vs Odalis Perez...

Jeff Bagwell - 4 for 7, .571 AVG, 1 HR, 2 RBI's.

File this under something to look forward to...

"Zimmerman Watch" - Federal Baseball's 24-Hour, 22 Hou...12 Hour... Intermittent Dodgy Coverage of the BREAKING NEWS! And ACTION!!......

MLB.com's Bill Ladson's article entitled, "Zimmerman's rehab plan announced."

Finally some good news heading into the "second-half"...

Check the NatCast if you're heading to Nationals Park... 

Shairon Martis' Game Thread Starts at around 12:35 pm for anyone watching the Futures Game...The Nationals and Astros get underway at 1:35 pm EST in Nationals Park. The final game before the BREAK! After today, the Nationals don't play again until Friday night in Atlanta, except for DC All-Star Cristian Guzman, who'll be representing DC in the ASG in NY...Who's watching the Nationals?

On The Hill...

24-year old Collin Balester, the Montreal Expos' 4th Round Pick, 114th overall in 2004, was (9-3) in 15 '08 starts for Washington's Triple-AAA affilliate in Columbus, OH before being called up to DC where he's (1-1) in his first two Major League starts, winning his MLB debut against the Marlins and then dropping his next outing against the Reds. At 6'5'' and around 200lbs, Balester's imposing on the hill, and he's got mid-90's heat and a dramatic curve that should help him make a name for himself in the Majors and keep him around for at least a little while. 

Astros' lefty Wandy Rodriguez has faced Washington 5 times so far in this his fourth year in the Majors, (all with Houston), and he's (2-1) in 30.1 innings pitched against Nationals, over which he's allowed 26 hits, 8 ER's, 4 HR's and 12 walks with 22 K's and a 5.34 ERA against the franchise. After 12 starts In 2008, Rodriguez is (3-3) with a 3.23 ERA in 69.2 innings pitched, having missed a considerable amount of time after injuring his groin in mid-April. 

Rodriguez has recorded no decision in his last two trips to the mound, (with the Astros suffering losses in both outings), and the 29-year old, 5'11'' left-hander hasn't lasted through the fifth inning in 4 of his last 5 starts, with his only win back on June 26th, in the one anomalous outing in which he lasted 8.0 innings and allowed just 5 hits and 1 run in a 7-2 Astros' win over Texas. Since that win, Rodriguez has allowed 13 hits, 8 ER's, 2 HR's and 6 walks with 13 K's in 10.1 innings pitched against the Dodgers and Braves. On the road this season, Rodriguez is (1-1) with a 4.05 ERA in 5 starts, as opposed to his (2-2) record and 2.72 ERA at home in Houston.

Nationals' #'s Against Wandy Rodriguez...

Austin Kearns - 1 for 3, .333 AVG, 3 RBI's. 

Wily Mo Pena - 2 for 8, .250 AVG, 1 2B, 1 HR, 2 RBI's.

The "If They Were Playing" List...

Lastings Milledge - 1 for 2, .500 AVG. 

Ryan Zimmerman - 3 for 9, .333 AVG, 1 3B, 1 HR, 3 RBI's.

Nick Johnson - 0 for 9, .000 AVG.

Johnny Estrada - (ed. note - "A National, I checked.") - 2 for 5, .400 AVG.

Everyone Wants A Piece Of The Tallest Pitcher In MLB History...

According to MLB.com's Bill Ladson's article entitled, "Source: Teams interested in Rauch", the Tallest Pitcher in MLB History, DC's 6'11'', 250+lb, right-handed closer, Jon Rauch is drawing the interest of a number of teams, with Mr. Bowden writing:

"One source said at least 10 teams are seriously interested in Rauch, but the source wouldn't say which teams had Rauch on their radar screens because a deal isn't close. It's no secret that a team such as the Red Sox needs bullpen help, and Rauch would be a perfect fit for them."

DC GM Jim Bowden has said recently that he is open to any offers for just about anyone outside of the clear nucleus of the franchise, and the Nationals' 29-year old closer is probably never going to be as valuable a commodity as he is right now. By the time the Nationals are planning on competing...(ed. note -"Remind me again, did the 5-year plan start with the new stadium or back in '05?")...one has to wonder if Rauch would still be a viable late-game option at 31 or 32 years of age? Is Rauch the only tradeable player the Nationals have now that will bring anything in return? With DY injured, Felipe Lopez and Wily Mo Pena underperforming and veterans like Paul Lo Duca not drawing any serious interest...he might just be...(ed. note - "I'm hoping that if I just don't mention Belliard, no one will think of asking about him...")

Jim Bowden Being Investigated By Fede...

(content redacted by a paranoid e. chigliak)...

Next story...

Check The Rule Book, Rook! You Almost Missed A First...

Did you know that regardless of the size of a lead, a pitcher is awarded a save any time, according to Rule 10.19 (d)(3) of the MLB Rulebook, "He pitches for at least three innings," in a relief appearance in which (a) his team wins, (b) he is not the winning pitcher, and (c) he is credited with at least a third of an inning pitched? Nationals' reliever Steven Shell, who claimed his first Major League save for his 3.0 scoreless innings of relief work last night didn't know...

...According to Washington Post writer Chico Harlan's article entitled, "For a Night, Nats a Perfect 10", in which Mr. Harlan writes:

"Entering the ninth, a Washington clubhouse attendant had realized that Shell needed to pitch just one more inning for a save -- the first three-inning save in Washington history. So he paid attention, and grabbed the ball when the outcome became official.

 

"When Shell walked into the clubhouse, the attendant, Mike Wallace asked if Shell wanted the ball.

 

"'I didn't know it was a save,' Shell said soon after.'"

Check the NatCast