DonRocks Posted March 1, 2015 Author Posted March 1, 2015 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.
darkstar965 Posted March 1, 2015 Posted March 1, 2015 [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.
dgreen Posted March 2, 2015 Posted March 2, 2015 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.
aaronsinger Posted March 5, 2015 Posted March 5, 2015 Looking from the outside, this team appears to be the best in baseball on paper. But Spring Training don't always amount to much...
lovehockey Posted March 8, 2015 Posted March 8, 2015 Sit in section 403 or 404 while you can to watch the dismantling of the Display Ship Barry.
darkstar965 Posted March 8, 2015 Posted March 8, 2015 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.
darkstar965 Posted March 25, 2015 Posted March 25, 2015 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. 1
lovehockey Posted March 27, 2015 Posted March 27, 2015 DarkStar, I remember reading that article (I think I have the dead tree version of it still lying around), and the photo of Clippard without his trademark specs. 1
darkstar965 Posted March 29, 2015 Posted March 29, 2015 As a Nats fan since their arrival here in 2005, I was reminded today that there's always mire you can learn; of course about anything but talking local baseball here.I never before knew that Tom Brady could have been a Nat. Yes, That Tom Brady. Drafted in MLB's 18th round in1995 as a catcher...by the Expos.
Al Dente Posted April 6, 2015 Posted April 6, 2015 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!
Al Dente Posted April 7, 2015 Posted April 7, 2015 I predict a nap during the middle innings. I also predict a victory! At least I was right about the nap. Scherzer looked good, Ian Desmond not so much.
darkstar965 Posted April 7, 2015 Posted April 7, 2015 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!
DonRocks Posted April 7, 2015 Author Posted April 7, 2015 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.
aaronsinger Posted April 7, 2015 Posted April 7, 2015 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.
lovehockey Posted April 7, 2015 Posted April 7, 2015 On the other hand, you could have attended the opening day game in Philly (8-0 loss), or Milwaukee (10-0). At least the Yankees scored a run in their 5-run loss.
darkstar965 Posted April 8, 2015 Posted April 8, 2015 ... 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.
DaveO Posted April 13, 2015 Posted April 13, 2015 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.
darkstar965 Posted April 14, 2015 Posted April 14, 2015 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
Al Dente Posted April 14, 2015 Posted April 14, 2015 The fielding has been atrocious. I GOT IT, I GOT IT, I GOT IT! 1
darkstar965 Posted April 14, 2015 Posted April 14, 2015 The fielding has been atrocious. True! And the throwing, from SS in particular where our guy leads all MLB...with five errors...in the first week. That's no bueno. No bueno at all.
darkstar965 Posted April 18, 2015 Posted April 18, 2015 This post just deserves a bump as the Nats suddenly have decided to play some fantastic baseball with shockingly big offensive output the last four days. 3-game win streak and 29 runs plated in the last 4 games. Nicely done. The team may be for real, after all.
Al Dente Posted April 21, 2015 Posted April 21, 2015 Statcast will debut tonight in the Nats/Cards game on MLB Network.
darkstar965 Posted April 21, 2015 Posted April 21, 2015 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?
Al Dente Posted April 22, 2015 Posted April 22, 2015 Great game last night-- at least in terms of drama. In case this isn't already in your favorites, here's a website with extensive stats to geek out on: MLB Stats on teamrankings.com 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.
darkstar965 Posted April 22, 2015 Posted April 22, 2015 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! 1
DonRocks Posted April 22, 2015 Author Posted April 22, 2015 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.
darkstar965 Posted April 23, 2015 Posted April 23, 2015 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.
bookluvingbabe Posted April 23, 2015 Posted April 23, 2015 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! 2
darkstar965 Posted April 24, 2015 Posted April 24, 2015 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?
bookluvingbabe Posted April 24, 2015 Posted April 24, 2015 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? 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. 1
darkstar965 Posted April 26, 2015 Posted April 26, 2015 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.
bookluvingbabe Posted April 27, 2015 Posted April 27, 2015 Is it too early to invoke the Sports Illustrated curse?
Barbara Posted April 27, 2015 Posted April 27, 2015 Is it too early to invoke the Sports Illustrated curse? Apparently not. 1
darkstar965 Posted April 27, 2015 Posted April 27, 2015 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.
MC Horoscope Posted April 29, 2015 Posted April 29, 2015 Coming back from a 9-1 deficit, that was exciting! More like a football score, 13-12. 1
TedE Posted April 29, 2015 Posted April 29, 2015 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.
DonRocks Posted April 29, 2015 Author Posted April 29, 2015 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.
darkstar965 Posted April 29, 2015 Posted April 29, 2015 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. 2
lovehockey Posted April 30, 2015 Posted April 30, 2015 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?
darkstar965 Posted April 30, 2015 Posted April 30, 2015 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. 1
Al Dente Posted April 30, 2015 Posted April 30, 2015 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.
DonRocks Posted April 30, 2015 Author Posted April 30, 2015 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.
darkstar965 Posted April 30, 2015 Posted April 30, 2015 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.
TedE Posted May 1, 2015 Posted May 1, 2015 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, 1
darkstar965 Posted May 1, 2015 Posted May 1, 2015 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.
TedE Posted May 4, 2015 Posted May 4, 2015 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 1
lovehockey Posted May 5, 2015 Posted May 5, 2015 I'm just going to rewind the DVR and watch the bottom of the 8th again...
darkstar965 Posted May 5, 2015 Posted May 5, 2015 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.
DonRocks Posted May 5, 2015 Author Posted May 5, 2015 The team is playing some really good baseball these days. It's a nice change after a terrible April. The Nats won 2 of the final 3 games of the Mets series, while being outscored 4-2 (there's actually only 1 mathematically possible way to do that). I suspect winning 3 of the 4-game series might be looked upon as a turning point in their season - it's early, we'll see - but to win those final 2 games by a score of 1-0 must be a huge psychological boost, giving confidence to both the starters and the closers, and taking pressure off the hitters.
Lydia R Posted May 5, 2015 Posted May 5, 2015 Good decision. We were at last night's game the first 7 innings were maddening. We almost left early and we never do that. >clip< Tanner Roark's first save was something to behold, especially given how he got the last out. I know there are strong opinions about Chick-fil-A on this board. [http://www.donrockwell.com/index.php?/topic/3875-chick-fil-a-a-large-atlanta-based-chicken-sandwich-chain-now-with-a-food-truck/?p=48817] [i'll fix links when I'm not behind a big, green firewall] As a reminder to darkstar's post in the Eating at Nations Park thread, this season has a new promotion [http://www.donrockwell.com/index.php?/topic/8631-eating-at-nationals-park/?p=290739] For seven days after an at-home save, show your game ticket (or season plan holder card) and get a free regular sandwich.
darkstar965 Posted May 5, 2015 Posted May 5, 2015 The Nats won 2 of the final 3 games of the Mets series, while being outscored 4-2 (there's actually only 1 mathematically possible way to do that). I suspect winning 3 of the 4-game series might be looked upon as a turning point in their season - it's early, we'll see - but to win those final 2 games by a score of 1-0 must be a huge psychological boost, giving confidence to both the starters and the closers, and taking pressure off the hitters. If the team goes on to 1st place in the division and postseason, I don't think anyone will cite the Mets series as a turning point. The turning point was when Dan Uggla hit the winning home run at Turner Field the week prior. They scored 34 runs in 3 games there and the starting pitching got back on track in the last game before NY. The two 1-0 scores were great but not how you win sustainably. Have to have a balanced attack with smart baserunning, solid defense, situational hitting and strong pitching. The Nats rotation is the assumed lead horse for the team. So a 1-0 shutout here and there is fully built into the expectations for the team. The relative unknowns are the bats and the pen. The bats have been wildiy inconsistent for three years, along with the past month. And, this year, the pen has only started looking good for about the past week. They do seem to have turned a corner. Wining this series against Miami would be great since most believe the Marlins are the most serious competitors in the division. Just need one of two of the next two games to do that. Then the Braves are in town, hopefully for some more pummeling. And, then another serious test with the Yankees here for two.
darkstar965 Posted May 6, 2015 Posted May 6, 2015 Tonight's 2-1 loss to Miami perfectly illustrates the point that great pitching alone isn't enough. The staff tonight, especially the pen after Strasburg was pulled in the 3rd with a mysterious ailment, did a great job. But, the offense only had three hits and a single run. This is much more illustrative of the few-year trend and, with it, the team's big opportunity for this season.
lovehockey Posted May 12, 2015 Posted May 12, 2015 Currently 10-0, 1 out in the top of the 2nd in Arizona. Correction: Now 2 outs, and Bronx cheers.
darkstar965 Posted May 12, 2015 Posted May 12, 2015 Currently 10-0, 1 out in the top of the 2nd in Arizona. Correction: Now 2 outs, and Bronx cheers. The all-time MLB record for runs by one team in a single game is 30 by Texas over Baltimore in 2007. Touchdown and a field goal so far. Who knows?
DonRocks Posted May 12, 2015 Author Posted May 12, 2015 Currently 10-0, 1 out in the top of the 2nd in Arizona. Correction: Now 2 outs, and Bronx cheers. In 2010, I went to Jason Marquis' much-hyped debut for the Nats, and after ONE OUT in the top of the first inning, they were down 10-0. Marquis' stats for that game: 4 hits, 1 BB, 2 HBP, and 7 earned runs - he was lifted after seven batters, and did not record a single out. Miguel Battista, Marquis' replacement, loaded the bases and allowed a grand slam, and by that time, the Nationals had only retired one batter, on a sacrifice fly. There may be other major league games that started out this badly, but I don't know of any. Somewhat amazingly, the final score was 11-7. The day before, Livan Hernandez had pitched a four-hit shutout, and had retired 27 batters. Another factoid: At that moment in time, Marquis' W-L was 0-3, and he had a 20.52 ERA.
lovehockey Posted May 12, 2015 Posted May 12, 2015 In 2010, I went to Jason Marquis' much-hyped debut for the Nats, and after ONE OUT in the top of the first inning, they were down 10-0. Marquis' stats for that game: 4 hits, 1 BB, 2 HBP, and 7 earned runs - he was lifted after seven betters, and did not record a single out. There may be other major league games that started out this badly, but I don't know of any. That'll do a number on your self-esteem. He's a starting pitcher for the Reds now.
darkstar965 Posted May 12, 2015 Posted May 12, 2015 That'll do a number on your self-esteem. He's a starting pitcher for the Reds now. Only player ever to be on teams making the playoffs for each of the first ten years of his career with at least 3 teams. DC wasn't one of his better stops among the 9 teams he has played with.
bookluvingbabe Posted May 12, 2015 Posted May 12, 2015 That'll do a number on your self-esteem. He's a starting pitcher for the Reds now. Now that manager Dusty Baker is gone, being a pitcher on the Reds isn't always the death knell of your career. We didn't watch last night's game--past our bedtimes--but Mr. BLB has Josh Collmenter (Arizona Diamondbacks) on his fantasy team and I have Max Scherzer on mine. Only one of us was happy this morning. (I could have warned him. I had Collmenter two years ago and didn't keep him but that would have been collusion...) 1
darkstar965 Posted May 12, 2015 Posted May 12, 2015 Now that manager Dusty Baker is gone, being a pitcher on the Reds isn't always the death knell of your career. We didn't watch last night's game--past our bedtimes--but Mr. BLB has Josh Collmenter (Arizona Diamondbacks) on his fantasy team and I have Max Scherzer on mine. Only one of us was happy this morning. (I could have warned him. I had Collmenter two years ago and didn't keep him but that would have been collusion...) Are you a Reds fan, blb?
bookluvingbabe Posted May 12, 2015 Posted May 12, 2015 Are you a Reds fan, blb? Cardinals, born and bred. But what Dusty Baker did to pitchers, starting with the Giants and then with the Reds makes me shudder. (Fantasy baseball gets a lot of knocks for creating fans more interested in individual players than in the outcome of the game see: Dream Teams - but for me, I pay much attention to the game beyond the Cardinals because of my fantasy baseball participation. And I've developed irrational attachments to all sorts of players. Like Pedro Martinez whom I had for $1 when he was first an Expo...) 1
lovehockey Posted June 14, 2015 Posted June 14, 2015 Scherzer pitches a complete game 1-hitter and sets a new club record with 16 strikeouts (the previous record was 14) in a 4-0 win against the Brewers. Only hit was a pop-up single just into the outfield that Rendon couldn't quite reach. One walk. 1
JPW Posted June 15, 2015 Posted June 15, 2015 I love how Gomez seemed apologetic about breaking up a no-no with a lame hit. 1
brian Posted June 26, 2015 Posted June 26, 2015 Scherzer's been amazing, but the whole rotation has been stepping it up. Last six Nationals starts: 6/19: Joe Ross, 7.1 IP, 1 run allowed 6/20: Max Scherzer, 9 IP, 0 runs allowed 6/21: Gio Gonzalez, 7 IP, 0 runs allowed 6/23: Stephen Strasburg, 5 IP, 0 runs allowed 6/24: Jordan Zimmermann, 8 IP, 0 runs allowed 6/25: Doug Fister, 7 IP, 0 runs allowed pretty incredible run 1
DonRocks Posted June 26, 2015 Author Posted June 26, 2015 Scherzer's been amazing, but the whole rotation has been stepping it up. Last six Nationals starts: 6/19: Joe Ross, 7.1 IP, 1 run allowed 6/20: Max Scherzer, 9 IP, 0 runs allowed 6/21: Gio Gonzalez, 7 IP, 0 runs allowed 6/23: Stephen Strasburg, 5 IP, 0 runs allowed 6/24: Jordan Zimmermann, 8 IP, 0 runs allowed 6/25: Doug Fister, 7 IP, 0 runs allowed pretty incredible run Quite: 41 1/3 consecutive scoreless innings as of right now, with Mad Max on deck. The May, 2008 Indians had an impressive 44 1/3 innings, so this is the best team performance for that stat in over 7 years, with Cleveland's mark well-within reach - does anyone know what the next hurdle is beyond that, and when it happened, and by whom? Scherzer has two separate things he's pitching for, both basically involving "doing" the same thing. It's going to be quite a bit of pressure on him, but he seems like he has it in pretty good perspective, and should he falter, he'll smile, and relish his accomplishments (which he should), all the while most likely being gnawed apart from the insides. But if he falters on hits, he can still preserve the lack of runs. Gosh what a great signing he has been. I hope Strasburg realizes that this is taking pressure *off* of him - one of the things that impresses me about the Nats fans is that they're not busting on Strasburg because they know he's trying as hard as he can. We really have a *likable* team, don't we? From the reserves on up to top management. I don't care what the evil media is saying about Harper - he's a good guy, and he's just fine by me. They're just jealous that they don't have him on their pet teams. I say that not with scorn, but because he's a *good guy* and doesn't deserve the trashing he sometimes gets. It has nothing to do with him being young; he's just *not a jerk*. Am I wrong? Gosh, I sure hope these guys like playing for the Nats as much they appear to like it - I'd like to have them around for awhile. 1
aivlys Posted June 26, 2015 Posted June 26, 2015 "If Scherzer can start Friday night's game against Philadelphia with four scoreless innings, the Nationals will eclipse the 2008 Indians (44 1/3 innings) and have the second-longest scoreless streak in the expansion era. Orioles starters threw 54 consecutive scoreless innings in 1974." "Nats Starters Set Franchise Scoreless Streak" by Jacob Emert on m.nationals.mlb.com
DonRocks Posted June 27, 2015 Author Posted June 27, 2015 "If Scherzer can start Friday night's game against Philadelphia with four scoreless innings, the Nationals will eclipse the 2008 Indians (44 1/3 innings) and have the second-longest scoreless streak in the expansion era. Orioles starters threw 54 consecutive scoreless innings in 1974." "Nats Starters Set Franchise Scoreless Streak" by Jacob Emert on m.nationals.mlb.com The Orioles did it during 9/1/71 (9th inning) through 9/7/74 (1st 8 innings). The details and box scores are here - pretty impressive: 1 inning away from 6 consecutive shutouts; Ross Grimsley gave up 2 runs in the 9th. How am I supposed to pull against Brooks Robinson, Mark Belanger, Paul Blair, Mike Cuellar, Dave McNally, and Jim Palmer? You know it would've never happened if it weren't for them. This record also occurred during a 10-game winning streak in which the Orioles only allowed 9 runs in those 10 games.
Al Dente Posted August 3, 2015 Posted August 3, 2015 Hey! Wake up! The lack of participation in this thread is directly responsible for causing the Nats to slip. We're tied with the freakin' Mets after being up 3 games! I predict a win tonight due to my presence at the ballpark. What are YOU doing to get them back on track?
DonRocks Posted August 3, 2015 Author Posted August 3, 2015 What are YOU doing to get them back on track? Tweeting about how awesome Manny Machado is.
Al Dente Posted August 3, 2015 Posted August 3, 2015 Tweeting about how awesome Manny Machado is. WTF? When did you move to Bawlmer?
Al Dente Posted August 4, 2015 Posted August 4, 2015 I predict a win tonight due to my presence at the ballpark. Well, that didn't work out so well...
DonRocks Posted August 4, 2015 Author Posted August 4, 2015 Well, that didn't work out so well... Mike, just FYI, I grew up an Orioles fan, but I'm pulling for the Nats all the way now.
Al Dente Posted August 4, 2015 Posted August 4, 2015 Mike, just FYI, I grew up an Orioles fan, but I'm pulling for the Nats all the way now. I kinda did too when my father moved to Baltimore in my teens. I've probably been to 100 games or so over the years. Before that, I was a Yankees fan. Sad but true.
DonRocks Posted August 4, 2015 Author Posted August 4, 2015 I kinda did too when my father moved to Baltimore in my teens. I've probably been to 100 games or so over the years. Before that, I was a Yankees fan. Sad but true. You always have a fondness for your childhood team. This is not necessarily a monogamous relationship; if it was, I would have divorced the Redskins years ago.
MC Horoscope Posted August 4, 2015 Posted August 4, 2015 Well, that didn't work out so well... Hope you stayed til the end. It got kind of exciting! I was a Houston Astros fan until I gave that up completely the year DC got the Nationals, 2005. That turned out to be the ONLY year the Astros ever made it to the World Series, and I had switched allegiances! They got swept by Chicago White Sox, all tight games.
lovehockey Posted August 5, 2015 Posted August 5, 2015 If Papelbon can be a well-behaved closer, I'm all for it. Storen got screwed, but he's a trouper and I hope he flourishes in his new role. 1
DonRocks Posted August 5, 2015 Author Posted August 5, 2015 If Papelbon can be a well-behaved closer, I'm all for it. Storen got screwed, but he's a trouper and I hope he flourishes in his new role. I love reading about your posts, especially about hockey. I wish every single member here would write about their hobbies and passions, regardless of whether or not we have threads or forums from them. I can always create new threads and forums, and I'm willing to go out and recruit experts to converse with you. Everyone, please consider it? 1
MC Horoscope Posted August 8, 2015 Posted August 8, 2015 Rough 8 day stretch! There was even a game where the fans booed the pitcher AND the manager in the same break in the action! You don't see that too often! Hoping they can put it all together real quick!
lovehockey Posted August 8, 2015 Posted August 8, 2015 If Papelbon can be a well-behaved closer, I'm all for it. Storen got screwed, but he's a trouper and I hope he flourishes in his new role. Alas, Storen had a horrible inning and lost the game last night.
bookluvingbabe Posted August 10, 2015 Posted August 10, 2015 They should have kept Clippard back in the day. Max Scherzer and his no decisions are killing me and my fantasy baseball team. Sigh... That is all....
MC Horoscope Posted August 27, 2015 Posted August 27, 2015 Bump to the top of the Sports forum because I couldn't stand to see NY Mets first on the list of topics! 2015 Miracle Nats? Sure hope so!
farmer john Posted August 31, 2015 Posted August 31, 2015 It's over in a big way. 3 years ago we all thought the Nats could lead the NL for years to come. Now the future of the Mets, Cubs, and Pirates (at minimum) appear much much brighter. Yankees future will be good too when Harper is in pinstripes.
DonRocks Posted August 31, 2015 Author Posted August 31, 2015 Is it all over but the crying? It's over in a big way. 3 years ago we all thought the Nats could lead the NL for years to come. Now the future of the Mets, Cubs, and Pirates (at minimum) appear much much brighter. Yankees future will be good too when Harper is in pinstripes. You've both picked an odd time to be saying this - the Nationals have won 4 series in a row, and they're 8-4 in their last 12 games. Granted, the Mets are 9-3 in their last 12 games and have actually increased their lead by a game, but no team plays .750 baseball for very long. The Mets are playing like champions, and deserve to be where they are right now. And don't forget that in 2014, the Mets had a 79-83 record - such are the consequences of parity in baseball. Personally, I would like nothing more than a villain such as the 1927 Yankees to simultaneously marvel at, and try to gun down.
Al Dente Posted August 31, 2015 Posted August 31, 2015 If the Mets play 500 ball from now to season end, how many games do the Nats need to win?
DonRocks Posted August 31, 2015 Author Posted August 31, 2015 If the Mets play 500 ball from now to season end, how many games do the Nats need to win? Let me take a stab at this: as many games over .500 as they are behind?
Josh Radigan Posted August 31, 2015 Posted August 31, 2015 If The Mets play 500 ball we have to play 6 over 500 ball. It can happen, and I have faith in the Nats.
lovehockey Posted September 3, 2015 Posted September 3, 2015 Hey, we made The Onion! Shouldn't it be, "Jayson Werth Catches Foul Ball Despite His Hair In His Face"? P.S. Up 4-0 and lose 8-5? Sigh.
DonRocks Posted September 7, 2015 Author Posted September 7, 2015 "Thomas Boswell: Welcome the Nationals to a Good, Old-Fashioned Pennant Race" by Thomas Boswell on washingtonpost.com
Bart Posted September 9, 2015 Posted September 9, 2015 Michael A Taylor (especially) and the rest of the offense must be screaming, "WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO TO GET A WIN ON THIS TEAM?!?!?"
Al Dente Posted September 9, 2015 Posted September 9, 2015 I don't think I've ever seen an inside-the-park grand slam before. When I saw that, my fantasy was that it would mark the turning point in the pennant race and the Nats would go on to dominate. Oh well... There's still time left. They better freakin' win today.
DonRocks Posted September 9, 2015 Author Posted September 9, 2015 There's still time left. They better freakin' win today. I don't know, Mike - games like last night are devastating. I looked online and saw the Nats were ahead 7-1 late in the game, then checked a moment later and it was 7-2, and was like ... oh, so what. Then I checked a few minutes later and it was 7-6, and I started to really worry. "How Mets Stole NL East from Nationals" by Adam Rubin and Eddie Matz on espn.go.com I question whether or not we'll see Matt Williams back next year. At this point, I'll take a 2nd-place finish, a .500+ season, and ... Wait Til' Next Year! It's hugely important that they finish over .500 because people judge franchises by long-term traditions, and this season won't be looked at as a total loss. *Now* it is, because it's so fresh in our minds, but 20 years from now, most people will merely be glancing at the standings, and this would be the 4th straight year they've gone over .500. Take a look at this: "List of Washington Nationals Seasons" on wikipedia.com 2012 will be looked upon as a pivotal season for the Nats if they can keep the .500+ ball going. I understand that's cold comfort right now, but it's probably all we can hope for.
MC Horoscope Posted September 10, 2015 Posted September 10, 2015 "How Mets Stole NL East from Nationals" by Adam Rubin and Eddie Matz on espn.go.com It's more like "How the Nationals Gave Away the NL East." At least in the print edition the headline about the Tuesday night loss was "Giveaway Night." See Barry Svrluga's WaPo piece on Sept. 8: "In One Inning, Nationals' Bullpen Delivers a Tough Truth and Tougher Consequences" If not for the bullpen I believe we would have swept the Cardinals last week and the Mets this week. We would probably be only one or two games behind in the standings, imo.
TedE Posted September 21, 2015 Posted September 21, 2015 For an outside shot, at the bare minimum, the Nats need to make up 3 games on the Mets over the next 10. That sets up the possibility of a division tie with a sweep at Citi Field to close out the season (and then a pesky tie breaker game). Unlikely? Sure. Doable? The Mets have not exactly been lighting it up recently and the Nats seem to be firing on more cylinders offensively. Until that last series both of them face a cavalcade of patsies. I'm not sure what would be worse: stumbling in to finish 7 or 8 back and having to dwell on another season lost as the favorites to win it all, or clawing back only to lose Game 162 in heartbreaking fashion? At least Storen won't be available as potential Knife Plunger in Chief.
Bart Posted September 21, 2015 Posted September 21, 2015 At least Storen won't be available as potential Knife Plunger in Chief. That line made me think of this quote from Thomas Boswell's chat today: A: Thomas Boswell It's not over. Could be soon. Don't tear your hair. The pain's over. They already blew it. Just watch and enjoy it in case the Mets blow it right back to 'em. Sure, very long shot. But longshots are fun, too. Just a different kind. If Nats (Storen) hadn't blown that 7-1 lead to the Mets, the lead would be four games. If Storen hadn't given up the grand slam to Carlos Gonzalez, when he was the hottest hitter in baseball for a month, to blow a 4-1 lead, it's be three games. If Williams had used Storen and Papelbon correctly in New York, the Mets wouldn't have swept that series and the lead would be one game. And if frogs had wings...
DonRocks Posted September 21, 2015 Author Posted September 21, 2015 That line made me think of this quote from Thomas Boswell's chat today: A: Thomas Boswell It's not over. Could be soon. Don't tear your hair. The pain's over. They already blew it. Just watch and enjoy it in case the Mets blow it right back to 'em. Sure, very long shot. But longshots are fun, too. Just a different kind. If Nats (Storen) hadn't blown that 7-1 lead to the Mets, the lead would be four games. If Storen hadn't given up the grand slam to Carlos Gonzalez, when he was the hottest hitter in baseball for a month, to blow a 4-1 lead, it's be three games. If Williams had used Storen and Papelbon correctly in New York, the Mets wouldn't have swept that series and the lead would be one game. And if frogs had wings... This reminds me of what Ken Beatrice used to say on his radio show: "If Ifs and Buts were candy and nuts, oh, what a party we'd have!"
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