Jump to content

The Washington Nationals (2005-), 2019 WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS! W00000000000T!


DonRocks

Recommended Posts

New topic for 2015? Wasn't sure the convention on these newer topics.

Scherzer?

[Nah, continuity is a good thing. We can always start new topics about specific things though (like Max Scherzer, for example).]

Scherzer! While he doesn't have the best postseason performance, he's at least been there, so he won't be quaking in his boots when it happens again this year.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

[Nah, continuity is a good thing. We can always start new topics about specific things though (like Max Scherzer, for example).]

Scherzer! While he doesn't have the best postseason performance, he's at least been there, so he won't be quaking in his boots when it happens again this year.

True enough but, not knocking the youngsters (I.e., Barrett) too much, just Gio and Storen have had that issue in the past.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

At the very least, I hope we finally see Gio dropped in the rotation to #5. Personally, I wouldn't mind seeing Roark get #5, but I understand the desire for at least one left-hander and the fact that Roark has experience out of the pen and Gio doesn't. But, I'm almost done with Gio. (Isn't it absolutely amazing that the rotation is so strong that Gio is a guy that doesn't inspire any confidence?) He's just way too shaky at times. Barring injury(ies), I see no way Gio should be part of the postseason four-man rotation.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

At the very least, I hope we finally see Gio dropped in the rotation to #5. Personally, I wouldn't mind seeing Roark get #5, but I understand the desire for at least one left-hander and the fact that Roark has experience out of the pen and Gio doesn't. But, I'm almost done with Gio. (Isn't it absolutely amazing that the rotation is so strong that Gio is a guy that doesn't inspire any confidence?) He's just way too shaky at times. Barring injury(ies), I see no way Gio should be part of the postseason four-man rotation.

Gio is a total wild card to me. Won't be a bit surprised if the 2015 results lead to him being left off a PS roster. OTOH, he is one of about ten possible redemption/bounceback stories percolating in Viera right now between Tyler Moore, Espinosa, Harpet, Carp, Uggla, Janssen, Escobar, Stammen, Gwynn Jr, and even Storen to a lesser extent. All those guys have much to prove. When you combine that kind of incentive with enough raw ability, anything can happen, including Gio being a most-improved story.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I posted a recc for an article elsewhere on this site which more properly should be here now that threads like this one exist.

On the dining out and food parts of this website, discussions start occasionally about all the unsung heroes who make fabulous restaurant or food store experiences possible. These discussions often get quite heated. Invariably, someone goes to bat (pun not intended) for the busboys, the severs, the dishwashers or the small, unknown places that lack new-millennium PR or celebrity chefs. We argue for and against tipping. And we click the "like button" more for heartwarming stories that shine lights on deserving targets normally off the radar (I.e., KibeeNayee's "Brandon" at GAR).

I think that all great stuff. I get more excited about what people actually DO (often without promotion or taking credit) to help others than just talk; but even the talk is positive and helpful.

So, the link from that to the Washington Nationals. I'm a baseball fan and have adopted the local team since they moved here from Montreal a decade ago. Like any fan, I can hold my own over beers about Bryce Harper, Steven Strasburg, Denard Span, Ryan Zimmerman or even less well known players/coaches who deserve credit and attention like Craig Stammen, Wilson Ramos, Randy Knorr or Aaron Barrett. Many websites, broadcast media and broadsheet types like Boswell, Wagner, Zuckerman, Carpenter and Janes help.

But, as much as I love all that stuff, my favorite article ever penned about this team was this one by Barry Svrluga. If you missed it last fall, I thought you'd enjoy it too.

 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yeah sure, the first game of the MLB season was last night, but in my mind today is THE FIRST DAY OF SPRING. Wish I had tix for the game, but I'm heading home from work early to open the windows, grab a blanket and pillow, and watch the Nats game from my couch. I predict a nap during the middle innings. I also predict a victory!

Here's to another great (and hopefully greatest) season!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

At least I was right about the nap. Scherzer looked good, Ian Desmond not so much.

You're not kidding.  We were there and will all the hand-wringing inside the park and the kazilion words penned since, your 8-word summary really sums it up. Only one game is the popular, and of course true, cliche.  The hope is just that yesterday won't be emblematic of half a season or more since some struggles along precisely that line in the past. You know, 2013, first half of 2014, the 2014 LDS...

It's a new season!  Play Ball!  And, hit the damn ball!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

At least I was right about the nap. Scherzer looked good, Ian Desmond not so much.

I was going to say something similar yesterday during the game, but I was watching a Spanish broadcast, and couldn't tell if people were making these bad plays because of the sun or not (the dropped fly ball (which, I'm sorry, a major-league player needs to catch) bolstered my hypothesis that Desmond lost the pop-up in the sun - that, and the fact that some people were wearing sunglasses). The throwing error by Desmond seemed like panic at his own success ("Oops! Look what's in my mitt! I'd better get rid of it. Right! Now!" even though he had a second to compose himself.)

ESPN Spanish version is free, but does anyone know how to watch live streaming games (that are legal and won't take me to porn sites)? I actually kind of enjoy watching in Spanish, but I don't understand it well enough to pick up on nuances like "was the sun in their eyes?"

So, *was* the sun in their eyes?

This was a tough loss to watch, and there are both positive and negative takeaways from the game - we all know what they are. Positive: Scherzer and Harper looked terrific. Negative: Defense needs to be rock-solid confident (and isn't), and as darkstar says, "hit the damn ball!"

My thoughts are that the Nats will be a playoff team even without rock-solid confident defense, but errors due to nervousness will come out in the playoffs, and they need to be so confident in their defense that an earthquake wouldn't bother the execution of a play.

I haven't checked yet, but I assume Scherzer is 0-1 with a 0.00 ERA?

What did people think of the small-ball strategy with Harper attempting a bunt in the bottom of the 9th? Rod Carew would have been on first base.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I was going to say something similar yesterday during the game, but I was watching a Spanish broadcast, and couldn't tell if people were making these bad plays because of the sun or not (the dropped fly ball (which, I'm sorry, a major-league player needs to catch) bolstered my hypothesis that Desmond lost the pop-up in the sun - that, and the fact that some people were wearing sunglasses). The throwing error by Desmond seemed like panic at his own success ("Oops! Look what's in my mitt! I'd better get rid of it. Right! Now!" even though he had a second to compose himself.)

ESPN Spanish version is free, but does anyone know how to watch live streaming games (that are legal and won't take me to porn sites)? I actually kind of enjoy watching in Spanish, but I don't understand it well enough to pick up on nuances like "was the sun in their eyes?"

So, *was* the sun in their eyes?

This was a tough loss to watch, and there are both positive and negative takeaways from the game - we all know what they are. Positive: Scherzer and Harper looked terrific. Negative: Defense needs to be rock-solid confident (and isn't), and as darkstar says, "hit the damn ball!"

My thoughts are that the Nats will be a playoff team even without rock-solid confident defense, but errors due to nervousness will come out in the playoffs, and they need to be so confident in their defense that an earthquake wouldn't bother the execution of a play.

I haven't checked yet, but I assume Scherzer is 0-1 with a 0.00 ERA?

As long as you're in the Nats blackout zone, which covers a fairly large chunk of the mid-Atlantic, you can't legally watch games streaming.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

...

So, *was* the sun in their eyes?

...

My thoughts are that the Nats will be a playoff team even without rock-solid confident defense, but errors due to nervousness will come out in the playoffs, and they need to be so confident in their defense that an earthquake wouldn't bother the execution of a play.

I haven't checked yet, but I assume Scherzer is 0-1 with a 0.00 ERA?

What did people think of the small-ball strategy with Harper attempting a bunt in the bottom of the 9th? Rod Carew would have been on first base.

Sun in their eyes? Definitely not.  Desmond admitted as much. Even Williams, who almost always has his players' backs with media even with bordering on the ridiculous, commented that Desmond lost track of his position and where he was.  Just way to aggressive. Another possible factor was Uggla, whose ball it was, may not have yelled loudly enough for Desmond to hear that he was camped under the ball. Just bad coordination and judgment on that play.

Scherzer is, in fact, now 0-1 with the perfect ERA.  Situations like that are both common in the first few days of a season and a good example of why "new math" baseball stats have taken over the game.  Many of the new mathematicians HATE using W/L to evaluate pitchers.  Games like yesterday are why.

Harper has bunted at odd times in the past.  Generally, it has always been his decision to do so and generally panned by knowledgable fans and media. He's a power hitter. He's seeing the ball very well and he's healthy.  Except for rare, close and high-stakes situations, Harper shouldn't be bunting. Hit and run is good "small ball" for him.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Well the Nats' bats have started out very slow. Meanwhile of all ironies A-Rod's bat has started off relatively hot. I can't think of anything more irritating.

Today's game as the Red Sox victims on their home Opening Day at Fenway, was one of the worst all-around performances I've seen by the Nats in the past five years. Normally, they lose by not supporting good or great pitching with the bats. We had the mixed experience (lovely day, wonderful pre-game ceremonies, Ryan Zimmerman HR and nice job by Tanner Roark) of seeing the 9-4 thrashing in person today. It was embarrassing to see, all in a single game:

- Jordan Zimmermann implode and not make it through the 3rd (almost never happens)

- A fifth Desmond error

- A misplayed ball by Werth

- Two fly balls that just dropped alongside befuddled outfielders Taylor and Harper

- Infield ineptitude in the form of two plays not scored as errors and a very rare two stolen bases allowed, by the same player (Betts) on the same play

- 2 of the 4 runs the Nats did score were unearned

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Statcast will debut tonight in the Nats/Cards game on MLB Network.

MLB is making presidential political candidates and consumer product companies look shy with how heavily they're promoting this. Guessing most assembled at Nats Park tonight would be oblivious we're it not for the likelihood it'll be all over the scoreboard and who knows where else. Statcast brews, dogs and giveaways maybe?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Great game last night-- at least in terms of drama.

Was a bizzare-o game. We were there.  The sluggers didn't slug when we needed them to (bottom of the 9th).  The starter barely got through his innings but didn't allow a run. The insanely error-prone shortstop was a defensive hero. The closer couldn't close.  And the lighter-hitting, OBP guy hit the walkoff homerun.  Not too many games are won with two runs but we'll take it!

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Here's an interesting stat: The Nats lead the league in allowing 1 home run per 97.6 at bats. The next closest are the Giants with 52.5.

In today's game, this is a deceptively important statistic (when I say "deceptively," I mean it's not something you initially think of) - if you keep the ball inside the park like this, you're going to win the pennant; maybe not the World Series, in which anything can happen, but the pennant - I think that year-in, year-out, winning the pennant (or getting to the playoffs) is all you can hope for: A certain percentage of those years, you'll win the World Series, and a certain percentage you won't, but, as the lottery commercial says: "You've got to play to win." I've almost never bought the "Choking In The Playoffs" stigma, because the sample size is almost always too small to make that conclusion - if a team goes 0-for-10, then it becomes significant, but 0-for 3? 0-for 4? No - the other teams are trying to win, too.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Definite pooch screwing today. When the offense plates 5, it takes a bad day from the starter or pen to make it a loss. Today both were culprits but that's baseball Definitely can't win 'em all though over .500 would be nice. Max on the hill tomorrow for what would be a confidence-building series win against the team which is arguably a Top 2 nemesis. Surest thing going in the first three weeks.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Taking BL-2nd grader to today's game.  This is a tough one.  Lifelong Cards fan who had Nat's season tickets when they first came to DC (NL baseball finally!) and who lost some of the enthusiasm for the team over the years.  But I frigging adore Max Scherzer.  Like I may have cried a little when he went to the American League.  And he's back. And I "own" him on my fantasy team again.

BL-2nd grader is supposed to be a Nats fan. That is the deal Mr. BLB (a Met's fan) and I made when he was born.  Except that the Cards were good before the Nats were good so the first baseball he can remember is the Cards winning the World Series in 2011.  (And dear god,  the Mets may actually be good this year!!!)

I think we're hoping for good baseball, better fielding for the Nats and not to freeze.

Fingers crossed!

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Taking BL-2nd grader to today's game.  This is a tough one.  Lifelong Cards fan who had Nat's season tickets when they first came to DC (NL baseball finally!) and who lost some of the enthusiasm for the team over the years.  But I frigging adore Max Scherzer.  Like I may have cried a little when he went to the American League.  And he's back. And I "own" him on my fantasy team again.

BL-2nd grader is supposed to be a Nats fan. That is the deal Mr. BLB (a Met's fan) and I made when he was born.  Except that the Cards were good before the Nats were good so the first baseball he can remember is the Cards winning the World Series in 2011.  (And dear god,  the Mets may actually be good this year!!!)

I think we're hoping for good baseball, better fielding for the Nats and not to freeze.

Fingers crossed!

I'm so sorry, blb.  We were there today with family from out of town.  What a horribly played game in almost every way save Scherzer, who wasn't quite himself at $210M but did fine, and one reliever (Thornton).  My one family member who knows the game but doesn't follow it closely now basically thinks the Nationals are like a lower-tier college team and won't be dissuaded of that until and if they're on national tv in October playing at least in the LCS, which they've never achieved.  Unseasonably cold and windy today too.  Geez.  Errors, comatose bats and bad baseball. Hope you weren't also an object of scorn from Mr. BLB or confusion/boredom from BL-2nd grader?  :blink:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm so sorry, blb.  We were there today with family from out of town.  What a horribly played game in almost every way save Scherzer, who wasn't quite himself at $210M but did fine, and one reliever (Thornton).  My one family member who knows the game but doesn't follow it closely now basically thinks the Nationals are like a lower-tier college team and won't be dissuaded of that until and if they're on national tv in October playing at least in the LCS, which they've never achieved.  Unseasonably cold and windy today too.  Geez.  Errors, comatose bats and bad baseball. Hope you weren't also an object of scorn from Mr. BLB or confusion/boredom from BL-2nd grader?  :blink:

Well, we didn't freeze.  BL-2nd grader got to eat his first chili dog and had his first taste of Cracker Jack.  So he was pretty happy, at least until really tall people sat in front of him.

As one person in the elevator in the garage said, at least it was a short game!

April baseball is rarely great baseball but this April seems to be a rougher start for many teams than I remember in previous seasons.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Today's hapless loss, completing a sweep at the hands of the Miami Marlins, was the fifth consecutive loss for the World Series favorites. Is hasn't happened since the disappointing season of 2013. The talent is there. It's a very interesting study in the importance of leadership and chemistry within an organization. Right now, the Nats seem to really be lacking both.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Is it too early to invoke the Sports Illustrated curse?

Totally reasonable question, bllb!

But, I vote no. Here's my reasoning.

In 2013, they got off to a horrendous start, fizzled out and were pretty much cooked by early summer.

In 2014, the start was similarly awful and they ended up in postseason with the best record in MLB.

So, too early to say. But, check this space in a month. If they're even around .500 and middle of the NL East pack, another month may tell the tale. If they're in the cellar, 10 or more games below .500 and 15 or more back of whichever team is kneading, might be time to shift focus competitive hotdog eating contests and preseason football.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

So, too early to say. But, check this space in a month. If they're even around .500 and middle of the NL East pack, another month may tell the tale. If they're in the cellar, 10 or more games below .500 and 15 or more back of whichever team is kneading, might be time to shift focus competitive hotdog eating contests and preseason football.

Absolutely, way too early to panic.  Remember, they were a game under .500 on June 1st last year.  They can't absorb too many weeks like the last one, but it's not time to throw in the towel.  Offense will eventually catch fire (maybe last night was the spark).  The only thing that really gives me pause is the 'pen.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Absolutely, way too early to panic.  Remember, they were a game under .500 on June 1st last year.  They can't absorb too many weeks like the last one, but it's not time to throw in the towel.  Offense will eventually catch fire (maybe last night was the spark).  The only thing that really gives me pause is the 'pen.

I would read yesterday's chat by an uncharacteristically cranky Tom Boswell - he's all over this issue.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Whatever happens with this season, last night's game was one of the five best in the history of the team. And, that's no exaggeration. Besides being their biggest comeback ever (8 runs)...and being behind by that number twice...and the very-light-hitting backup catcher being the second most productive bat...and it being in the best place imaginable (Turner Field)...it is exceedingly rare that a redemption story like Dan Uggla's plays out in real life and not on the silver screen. Last night, it did.

If you're a fan of baseball, you must watch this game. It's available in archives with an MLB.com subscription. You have to watch the whole thing because, unless you go through the utter hopelessness of the first four innings, you can't fully appreciate the miracle of the latter five.

As delightful a baseball game as you'll ever see with so many great subplots.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Whatever happens with this season, last night's game was one of the five best in the history of the team. And, that's no exaggeration. Besides being their biggest comeback ever (8 runs)...and being behind by that number twice...and the very-light-hitting backup catcher being the second most productive bat...and it being in the best place imaginable (Turner Field)...it is exceedingly rare that a redemption story like Dan Uggla's plays out in real life and not on the silver screen. Last night, it did.

Wait...what?!?!?!?  They won last night?

I had a TV-less night last night.  I didn't turn on the TV this morning, missed the sports on the radio, and briefly saw the rerun this morning when it was 10-3.  I threw in the towel, thinking, "Well, it was a bad night."

I am ashamed of myself.

I'm sure this game will show up a multitude of times on Nationals Classics.

In the top of the 9th tonight they mentioned something about Uggla being booed all the way to New York.  I'm guessing it has a bit to do with last night?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Wait...what?!?!?!? They won last night?

...

In the top of the 9th tonight they mentioned something about Uggla being booed all the way to New York. I'm guessing it has a bit to do with last night?

They did! 13-12. And, again tonight with 13 runs but, this time, the pitching also held so 13-4, a much more perfunctory and balanced blow out. As 13-run wins go, the one last night was the one for the ages.

The Uggla story (and explanation for the boos) goes back much longer than last night. In a nutshell, he was a highly touted prospect and then an enduring (2006-2010) All-Star caliber second baseman for the Marlins when Atlanta gave him a huge contract in 2011 ($62 Million/5-Years). After a year with Atlanta of continued strong performance his numbers went over a cliff and, after struggling mightily for two years, the Braves released him, still responsible for his contract. After a very brief, and unsuccessful, stop with SF, we picked him up in the offseason because the Nats' GM (Mike Rizzo) had first drafted him many years ago with Arizona and saw something to like now.

That something was an unusual vision problem related to concussions he'd suffered, which were finally dealt with this past off season. Meanwhile, the Braves fans hate him because of the huge contract, the degree to which that limited their ability to make other moves, their team's sag in the standings (under also-hated manager Fredi Gonzalez) and Uggla's terrible performance. Now, he's playing for us, had the game of his life last night and, all the while, Atlanta is still paying his salary. He makes more this year than any active player on the Braves roster so, yeah, it's a unique (and quite cool, if you're a Nats fan) situation but the fans in ATL have been merciless toward him even knowing he'd had the concussions and was a clubhouse favorite. All that was in the water last night when he hit his first HR in a year to win the game, at Turner Field, in the 9th inning with the boos raining down.

If interested, here's the basic bio. And, here's an article covering the injury, its discovery and treatment related to the Nats decision to bring him to this year's Spring Training, where he hit well enough to make the regular-season 25-man roster. Finally, a good piece from the main Atlanta daily newspaper putting last night into their own tortured context.

If really interested to peel back this onion even more, can read this which explains how the boos and bad feelings are totally the concoction of the Braves' fanbase and not of the club itself. Within the Braves' organization, he was universally respected and loved; and still is. Locally here, the odds are still fairly against him sticking with the team all year but it's a great story and Nats fans have embraced him big time.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Interesting stats:

Avg Errors/Game: 1.09 (worst in MLB)

Double Plays/Game: 1.09 (5th best in MLB)

In a sense, the errors cancel out the double plays.

I would say they more than cancel out the double plays (which tend to involve potential runners on first and second). Somewhere out there, there must be a stat which says what percentage of errors involve multiple bases and/or runs scored. Throwing errors can be lethal - must more so than a bobbled grounder.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Interesting stats:

Avg Errors/Game: 1.09 (worst in MLB)

Double Plays/Game: 1.09 (5th best in MLB)

In a sense, the errors cancel out the double plays.

To me, these two stats in isolation don't do a great job of telling the story. They're not apples and apples because they don't account for timing and game context. The errors/game stat, which could just as easily been the total errors stat, tells us the team has been making errors at record pace in April. And, indeed, if you watched the games, you know the April defense has been atrocious.

The double play stat might imply the D has been a mixed bag.(or "cancel out" the errors) but that's not really correct.

Statistically, you'd need to look at runs per game, earned runs per game, relative SLG and OBP, pitching measures and, of course, the win rate. You'd also probably be surprised to look more closely at those double plays, when they occurred relative to score, etc. And those are all "traditional", versus many sabermetrics, that can well explain the team's success, and lack thereof.

It's basically a data cherry-picking problem. Errors have been a huge problem which has cost the team several games on a still very small sample (around only 20 games played). Double plays haven't come close to negsting the impact of the bad D.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

To me, these two stats in isolation don't do a great job of telling the story. They're not apples and apples because they don't account for timing and game context. The errors/game stat, which could just as easily been the total errors stat, tells us the team has been making errors at record pace in April. And, indeed, if you watched the games, you know the April defense has been atrocious.

The double play stat might imply the D has been a mixed bag.(or "cancel out" the errors) but that's not really correct.

Statistically, you'd need to look at runs per game, earned runs per game, relative SLG and OBP, pitching measures and, of course, the win rate. You'd also probably be surprised to look more closely at those double plays, when they occurred relative to score, etc. And those are all "traditional", versus many sabermetrics, that can well explain the team's success, and lack thereof.

It's basically a data cherry-picking problem. Errors have been a huge problem which has cost the team several games on a still very small sample (around only 20 games played). Double plays haven't come close to negsting the impact of the bad D.

Also, how many potential DPs have they not turned because of a throwing miscue or fielding bobble?  Remember, a DP is never a given, so failing to turn a routine double play will not result in an error charged (unless the ball gets past the 1B and the runner takes 2nd).  As horrific as Desmond's official error total is so far, it would be far worse stat-wise if those were allowed to count in the score book.  He's been forcing the issue in the field just like the rest of the team had been forcing the issue at the plate until Tuesday.  Hopefully these wins will loosen everybody up a bit and let their bodies do what they're capable of.

Harper's plate discipline has been a revelation this year.  Here's hoping he's finally realized that his greatest career talent will be making pitchers work for an out, not trying to tattoo everything within reach,

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Also, how many potential DPs have they not turned because of a throwing miscue or fielding bobble?  Remember, a DP is never a given, so failing to turn a routine double play will not result in an error charged (unless the ball gets past the 1B and the runner takes 2nd).  As horrific as Desmond's official error total is so far, it would be far worse stat-wise if those were allowed to count in the score book.  He's been forcing the issue in the field just like the rest of the team had been forcing the issue at the plate until Tuesday.  Hopefully these wins will loosen everybody up a bit and let their bodies do what they're capable of.

Harper's plate discipline has been a revelation this year.  Here's hoping he's finally realized that his greatest career talent will be making pitchers work for an out, not trying to tattoo everything within reach,

Great point on the missed DPs which, by scoring rule, can't be counted as errors. Usually voiced as "mistakes" or "miscues" by those calling the game for radio or TV, they'd surely add at least 4 or 5 to Desmond's total if counted.

Also uber strong agree on the Harper point. Most fans are excited about his HRs and slash line (BA/OBP/SLG) but the best stat, by far, for him is BB, where he leads all baseball with 22. The boy has evolved and matured significantly and that's very bad news for all teams without curly Ws on their caps.

BTW, last njght's opener with the Mets, while not historic like The Comeback this past Tuesday, was probably the best played game yet this year with great performance in all four phases: hitting, defense, pitching and base running. A real rarity in April.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Also uber strong agree on the Harper point. Most fans are excited about his HRs and slash line (BA/OBP/SLG) but the best stat, by far, for him is BB, where he leads all baseball with 22.

Now, if he could only do something about those strikeouts (5th in the majors) ...

Other thoughts;

- Don't rush Denard.  His scratch the other night was troubling.  Let Taylor get some more time until Span is as close to 100% as he will be this season.  They give up something at the plate, but defensively Taylor might be an upgrade.

- Werth.  Eh, he'll come around.  Hopefully.

- Zimm hobbling around the base paths is another thing to keep an eye on.  He is noticibly bothered by whatever the current ailment is (Hamstring?  Plantar fasciitis?  I can't even remember)

- The bullpen needed those back-to-back 1-0 wins more than the starters

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm just going to rewind the DVR and watch the bottom of the 8th again...

Good decision.  We were at last night's game the first 7 innings were maddening. We almost left early and we never do that.  But, when the smoke cleared, it was a pretty amazing experience.  Watch the top of the 9th too.  Tanner Roark's first save was something to behold, especially given how he got the last out.  But, Yunel Escobar, Denard Span, Ian Desmond....wow!  The team is playing some really good baseball these days. It's a nice change after a terrible April.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...