Wire Taps: Washington Nationals Welcome San Francisco Giants To D.C.

• Programming Note: The Washington Nationals and 2010 World Series Champion San Francisco Giants start a four-game series in the nation's capital tonight with two-time Cy Young award winner Tim Lincecum on the mound against Nats' right-hander Jason Marquis. MASN HD on tv, 106.7 the FAN and 1500 WFED on the radio in D.C. Sirius/XM channel 188 for subscribers. 4-6 in their last 10, the Giants arrive in Washington after having taken two of three from the Pirates on the road in PNC. The Nats dropped two of three to the New York Mets, but stopped a four-game losing streak with their game-three win. Who's Watching the Nationals?

• LINKS AND LINKS AND...

• NATS BEAT: 

• "'It was late in the game,' Rodriguez said. 'Everybody knows, when Reyes is in scoring position, any base hit is going to score him.'" - "On defense, Ivan Rodriguez has still got it" - Adam Kilgore, Nationals Journal - The Washington Post

• "Manager Jim Riggleman said the Nationals will continue to approach the Nationals' save situations on a case-by-case basis." - "Riggleman remains non-committal on Nationals' closer" - Ben Goessling, MASNSports.com

• "'We've been struggling,' Desmond said. 'We needed some offense, and I was able to bring that tonight.'" - "New York Mets at Washington Nationals: Proud papa Desmond, Livan pace Nats" - Kristen Hudak, MLB.com WSH Recap

• "Lincecum, also 55 strikeouts away from 1,000 for his career, has led the National League in K's each of the last three seasons, putting up 757 from 2008-10." - "San Francisco Giants at Washington Nationals: Nationals face strikeout king Lincecum" - Alden Gonzalez, MLB.com Preview

• "'He’s the big daddy,' Hernandez said. 'He’s very happy. He came back relaxed and you see him today, he’s unbelievable.'" - Livan on Desmond - "New dad Desmond helps deliver Nationals win" - Amanda Comak, Washington Times

• "The Nationals are not speculating any timetable for Zimmerman's return from the disabled list, but they are taking a slow approach with the third baseman..." - "Desmond back with Nats, Bernadina sent down" - Mark Zuckerman, CSN Washington

• "During a needed victory where 'a lot of good things happened,' Manager Jim Riggleman said, Desmond stood out." - "Nationals vs Mets: Ian Desmond leads Washington in his first game since birth of his child" - Adam Kilgore, The Washington Post

• "Whatever came out in the papers, if they do not say the truth, it's OK. I can't do nothing when something came out. I can't do nothing." - "After tumultuous week, Desmond and Hernandez lift Nationals to win over Mets" - Ben Goessling, MASNSports.com

• "'If there is a situation where it's predominantly right-handed, then definitely it would be Drew,' Riggleman said. 'If it's predominantly left-handed, I would want to have [Burnett] there.'" - "Burnett, Storen to continue to team at closer" - Kristen Hudak, MLB.com

• "Rodriguez’s presence creates a delicate situation for Ramos - who as a child idolized Pudge - and for manager Jim Riggleman, who believes Rodriguez still has a lot to offer." - "SNYDER: Ramos shows he catches on quickly" - Deron Snyder, Washington Times

• "'It was nice to be back,' Desmond said. 'Watching the games the last couple days, it seemed like the team needed a little spark.'" - "Desmond, Hernandez lead Nats to win" - Mark Zuckerman, CSN Washington

• Nats Minor League Updates: 

• "Five singles and a double off Milone (1-3) helped create the scoring outburst before righthander Jeff Mandel stepped to the mound in relief." - Triple-A Syracuse: "Chiefs lose fifth straight" - Syracuse Chiefs News

• Double-A Harrisburg: "[Brad] Peacock went seven innings and struck out seven while allowing just five hits." -"Tyler Moore goes deep twice in Senators 6-2 win" - Terry Byrom, Harrisburg Senators News

• Class-A Potomac: "Trevor Holder (1-2) earned his first victory of the 2011 campaign, Pat Lehman sealed the ballgame with his fifth save, but the headliner was Potomac's offense." - "FIVE-RUN THIRD TRIGGERS NATS 8-6 WIN" - Potomac Nationals News

• "Harper's fifth home run in the first game of Thursday's twinbill -- the completion of Wednesday's rain-suspended contest, a 14-2 West Virginia win -- came before going 2-for-3 with two RBIs in the nightcap, a 3-2 Hagerstown victory." - "Harper connects again in twinbill" Danny Wild, MiLB.com News

• SHARKNatsTown: 

• "As promised, here is my full recap of meeting Roger Bernadina and becoming Fan of the Game." - "How I Met Your Shark" - Sharkadina: Roger Bernadina's Unofficial Blog

• "Thousands of sharks, squids, and whales formed a blockade along the eastern seaboard, wreaking major havoc in the shipping lanes." - "SHARK OPTIONED, OCEAN UP IN ARMS" - Sharkadina: Roger Bernadina's Unofficial Blog

• Your Daily Message From The Dalai Lama On Twitter (@DalaiLama): "Whenever there is a challenge, there is also an opportunity to face it, to demonstrate and develop our will and determination."

• NatsTown: 

• "After Hernandez struggled in his last start, there might have been cause for concern, but Riggleman wouldn't admit to any.  'I don't worry too much about Livo.  Livo's just such a consistant competitor, a good thinker out there.'" - "GAME 24 REVIEW: Desmond Returns "Relaxed", Leads Nats to 4-3 Win Over Mets" - Dave Nichols, Nats News Network

• "Gorzelanny is coming off of a bounce-back year with the Cubs, winning 7 games with a sub-4 FIP, while also earning his 2nd highest WAR total ever with a 2.3." - "Will the Real Gorzelanny Please Stand Up?" - Mac, Capitol Baseball

• "April 29, 1886 - The Washington Nationals made their National League debut when they played the Philadelphia Quakers at the Swampoodle grounds in Washington D.C." - "This Day in D.C. Baseball History - Nats' National League Debut" - Mark Hornbaker, Washington Nationals Daily News

• "Nationals 4, Mets 3: Beats changing diapers! Ian Desmond returns from paternity leave with a home run, triple, no errors. Rinse, wash, repeat for Livan..." - "Baby Boomer" - The Nationals Enquirer

• NL East Updates: 

• Marlins: "'They said when I was in spring training it was something that could [last] six to eight weeks, but that’s if you do rehab, don’t do anything,' said Coghlan." - "Florida Marlins hoping Chris Coghlan can play" - Manny Navarro, MiamiHerald.com

• Mets vs Phillies: "They told me they're going to watch,' Pelfrey said. 'Terry told me all he can do is go off what I tell him. I told him I'd be honest with him.'" - "Mets notes: Mike Pelfrey gets the call" - Steve Popper, NorthJersey.com

• Braves: "After a tough loss in thirteen innings on Monday night, the Braves battled back to win the final two games in San Diego. Let's take a look at the good, bad, and ugly from the series..." - "Atlanta Braves Win Series Against San Diego Padres" - Series Recap - mvhsball, Talking Chop