lovehockey Posted September 27, 2015 Posted September 27, 2015 The 8th and 9th innings of today's game were brought to you by Whiskey, Tango, and Foxtrot, a pitch to the head from Wednesday, and a brawl in the dugout today between the potential NL MVP and the closer who ended up getting the loss. A year ago, the last game of the regular season* was Zimmermann's no-hitter. *This was supposed to be the last game of the regular season but there's a makeup game tomorrow at 3:05. If the crowd cracks 10,000 I'll be stunned.
Pat Posted September 28, 2015 Posted September 28, 2015 Yesterday's game was horrifying. The disasters just keep coming, and thanks to yesterday we have now have an iconic image to represent the season. It's an awful and distressing image, but it's the clear-cut winner. I don't even want to consider the possibility there's something worse that could happen in the last 7 games. They have to be at rock bottom by now, don't they? I am going today. I hope Harper plays at least some of the game so I can cheer him one more time this season. He's been a joy to watch all season, and this slump at the end must be horribly frustrating for him. 1
farmer john Posted September 28, 2015 Posted September 28, 2015 If Williams fate was not already sealed hopefully that does it.
Pat Posted September 28, 2015 Posted September 28, 2015 If Williams fate was not already sealed hopefully that does it. He didn't know the extent of the fight that occurred a few yards away from him in the clubhouse, a fight that two of his coaches helped break up?! A fight that caused his star player to walk straight into the clubhouse and not come back out?!! He left the aggressor in the (meaningless) game because it was a tie score in the 9th and "he's our closer"?!!! Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, indeed.
Pat Posted September 29, 2015 Posted September 29, 2015 My anger has risen to new levels now that they have said Harper was pulled for the game today due to the incident. He was scheduled to be off today, so why did they even make that mention? They could have just gone with the scheduled day off thing and said nothing else to the public. People at the game were screaming for him to come out and pinch hit. He wasn't even allowed on the field at the end of the game. The fans have not been able to give him a proper sendoff. I guess I'm glad I got a two-day sore throat out of screaming for him when he won the game for us Saturday night. That's when he last got the love for the season. I would have a really hard time not responding to someone giving me the verbal crap that he had to deal with from a known sociopath, but replying not only got him attacked but also got him formally punished by his team? The bitter taste in his mouth must be about unbearable by now. What are those people doing? Yankees on the white courtesy phone...
aivlys Posted September 29, 2015 Posted September 29, 2015 We were at the game today - and we noticed Bryce coming on to the field with Werth and Desmond to shake hands after the Nats won. I wasn't sure until I watched the end on MASN. 2
DaveO Posted September 29, 2015 Posted September 29, 2015 I have a difficult time following baseball till half the season is over. On July 4th we were 9 games over .500. The Mets were playing .500 ball Since then we have had a losing record. The Mets have played at a 65% winning clip since July 4th. Over a full season that would get them to 105 wins...a great season. They really had a great second half. We had a terribly disappointing season on so many levels. The players will feel it more than the fans. But frankly you have to give the Mets credit. They came on like gangbusters. But for the Nats a freaking disappointing year. I have little or no hope for the Redskins. Bring on the winter sports season.
Pat Posted September 29, 2015 Posted September 29, 2015 We were at the game today - and we noticed Bryce coming on to the field with Werth and Desmond to shake hands after the Nats won. I wasn't sure until I watched the end on MASN. I'm glad to know I'm wrong on that and it was just my bad vision not picking him up. I was looking for him with no success. At that point, I only had the word of the guy in front of me that he had been suspended for the game (he showed an article to me on his phone), and when I didn't spot him, I thought he hadn't been allowed to come out.
DonRocks Posted October 4, 2015 Author Posted October 4, 2015 "Nationals Starter Max Scherzer Throws Second No-Hitter of the Season" 17 strikeouts and 0 walks. WTF? Could this possibly be the most strikeouts *ever* thrown without a walk or a hit? The Nationals' starters have thrown no-hitters in 2% of their past 162 games. The Mets deserved to win the division, and my hat's off to them. The Nationals have had a good season; not a great season, but nothing to be ashamed of - just keep plugging, guys, and you'll get your due.
lovehockey Posted October 4, 2015 Posted October 4, 2015 I feel bad for Escobar, because his throwing error stands between Scherzer and a perfect game.
DonRocks Posted October 4, 2015 Author Posted October 4, 2015 I feel bad for Escobar, because his throwing error stands between Scherzer and a perfect game. I hate to say this, but his throwing error stands between Scherzer and the single greatest game ever pitched in major-league history (although Kerry Wood might have something to say about that).
Pat Posted October 4, 2015 Posted October 4, 2015 I had been rooting so hard for Bryce to get the batting title, but it was not to be. Mr. Baseball, however, had a very fine hustling last at bat. He got the second of two hits for the Nats today and stretched a single into a double in the ninth inning. This guy lives and breathes baseball. Anybody who says he doesn't hustle is discounting his ability to determine how much hustle is required in a given situation. He tied for the home run title, and his on base percentage-type statistics and WAR are off the charts. Peace out to Ian Desmond. Brave of him to talk to the media when it was so emotionally difficult. 2
TedE Posted October 5, 2015 Posted October 5, 2015 Sigh. That was a tough season, but not a lost one in my mind. Too many positives to hang future expectations on. Off season checklist: - Fire Matt Williams - Pay the soon-to-be-NL-MVP whatever the f*%& Boras wants you to pay him. Lock him up now until his early 30s. If this is just the beginning of his career output let somebody else overpay for his years in decline, but pay for the privilege of his prime. Bryce (and Scherzer) will put butts in seats for the next decade, this is not a bad investment no matter what the record-setting total $$$$$$ - Replace Desi, if only for the short term (no, I don't think Turner is ready to be the full time guy) - Take JZimm's money and buy A) a proven 4th or 5th starter AND B ) LH 'pen fodder - Crack team of private investigators and lawyers to find a way to void Papelbon's contract (I don't think he'll be back in any case) - One of those memory flashing things from Men In Black to use on Storen - A new foot for Zimm - Somebody, preferably a recent DII or DIII slugger without any professional experience or ties to the club, to take one swing for me at Nats Park this weekend. 1
MC Horoscope Posted October 5, 2015 Posted October 5, 2015 - Somebody, preferably a recent DII or DIII slugger without any professional experience or ties to the club, to take one swing for me at Nats Park this weekend. For the free season tickets, right? What a promotion!
TedE Posted October 5, 2015 Posted October 5, 2015 For the free season tickets, right? What a promotion! Even at the height of my baseball career (which peaked in Little League about the 6th grade) I couldn't hit worth a damn. It'll be a good photo op at least.
DonRocks Posted October 6, 2015 Author Posted October 6, 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. 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. I don't know how Mike and John called this so early, but they did. I still think 2015, disappointing though it may be, is nothing to be ashamed of, especially looking at this: "Parity In Baseball: A Blessing or a Curse?" [Hey, would you all mind if I started some individual threads about people like Harper, Scherzer, etc.? Otherwise, they'll never have their own thread, and they deserve them.] 1
bookluvingbabe Posted October 7, 2015 Posted October 7, 2015 Go for it. I will happily post my love of Scherzer until the end of time. Or he breaks my heart...
Pat Posted March 18, 2016 Posted March 18, 2016 Congratulations to Gio Gonzalez on the birth of his son Enzo Louis Gonzalez yesterday (it looks like yesterday). Can't wait until you can bring him into the clubhouse! (Yes, I have an opinion on that. It's very old school to bring the sons into the clubhouse.) Enzo Gonzalez, welcome to our crazy world . 2
DonRocks Posted April 17, 2016 Author Posted April 17, 2016 Well, if I thought the Baltimore Orioles were off to a hot start (and they are, at 8-3), the Washington Nationals are currently 9-1: "Bryce Harper Hits Fifth Home Run, and Max Scherzer Cruises as Nats Rout Phillies, 8-1" by Chelsea Janes on washingtonpost.com
DonRocks Posted April 25, 2016 Author Posted April 25, 2016 "Watch: Nationals Tie Game on Errant Throw, Walk Off in 16th" by Kenny Ducey on si.com The Nats are now 14-4, and have the best record in the National League so far - what a game (16 innings!) - and this doesn't even mention Bryce Harper's pinch-hit, game-tying home run with a 3-2 count against him in the 9th inning. 1
Al Dente Posted April 25, 2016 Posted April 25, 2016 9 hours ago, DonRocks said: The Nats are now 14-4, and have the best record in the National League so far Best record PERIOD. The team has been electric! You gotta love Dusty Baker's energy, the phenomenal pitching (best in baseball at 2.24 ERA), incredible defense (tied with Mets for fewest errors), and clutch hitting.
DonRocks Posted April 25, 2016 Author Posted April 25, 2016 3 hours ago, Al Dente said: Best record PERIOD. The team has been electric! You gotta love Dusty Baker's energy, the phenomenal pitching (best in baseball at 2.24 ERA), incredible defense (tied with Mets for fewest errors), and clutch hitting. Dusty Baker rode into town with something to prove, and although 18 games doesn't prove very much, what I was told to believe by the media is shaping up to be worthy of some healthy skepticism. 1
DonRocks Posted May 2, 2016 Author Posted May 2, 2016 After three games of a tough ten-game road trip: ¨Max Scherzer Has Best Start of Season as Nationals Complete Sweep of Cardinals" by James Wagner on washingtonpost.com
DaveO Posted May 2, 2016 Posted May 2, 2016 10 hours ago, DonRocks said: After three games of a tough ten-game road trip: ¨Max Scherzer Has Best Start of Season as Nationals Complete Sweep of Cardinals" by James Wagner on washingtonpost.com For those keeping tabs this was the first time the Nats swept the Cards in St Louis. The Cards may not be the powerhouse Yankees of old, but over the last decade or so they probably have the premier record in baseball. On the other hand Harper didn't get a hit during the series. They are pitching him tough. 1
Josh Posted May 2, 2016 Posted May 2, 2016 4 minutes ago, DaveO said: For those keeping tabs this was the first time the Nats swept the Cards in St Louis. The Cards may not be the powerhouse Yankees of old, but over the last decade or so they probably have the premier record in baseball. On the other hand Harper didn't get a hit during the series. They are pitching him tough. It was tough to watch Harper struggle, but it some ways, it makes me feel better about the team that they were able to pull this off with Harper scuffling. 3
Al Dente Posted May 25, 2016 Posted May 25, 2016 Is anyone going to "Taste of the World" night on Saturday? I'm thinking of going, but can't find anyone else who can go. I feel like a schmuck going to a game by my lonesome.
MC Horoscope Posted May 29, 2016 Posted May 29, 2016 Continued nationwide prime time jinx! We don't give the Fox broadcasters enough to praise us about when we are covered nationally!
TedE Posted June 1, 2016 Posted June 1, 2016 Assorted thoughts as we round first on the season: - The Daniel Murphy of May is unfortunately not the Daniel Murphy we will see for the rest of the season. But Bryce Harper of May is probably not the Bryce we will see, either. So hopefully average out those bats and that's where the combined production lands at the end of the season. - Strasburg at 9-0 and ready to battle for Cy Young. Scherzer with the worst ERA on the team at 4.05 (including relievers !!!), which seems worrisome. They have almost identical stats for Ks, hits and walks, though. The big difference: Max has single-handedly given up almost one third of the team HRs; that is either dumb luck or he is serving up a meatball or two every game to the wrong people. Could be some control issues he needs to rein in. Go back and watch the last 3 innings of that 20 K game. Still worried? Team ERA 2nd in the league. - Offensive production outside of Murphy and Ramos is a real issue. The occasional outbursts from Espinosa, Werth and the pinch hitters have come at opportune times it seems. Revere needs to continue his steady ascent back to lifetime numbers, and Espinosa ... well, Trea Turner is available as of today under an extra year of control. I doubt we see him until later in the summer, though (see Boswell's chat from yesterday for a great breakdown of minor league careers for players with the same profile) - In Dusty We Trust 1
TedE Posted June 3, 2016 Posted June 3, 2016 On June 1, 2016 at 10:51 AM, TedE said: and Espinosa ... well, Trea Turner is available as of today under an extra year of control. I doubt we see him until later in the summer, though Ignition!
DonRocks Posted June 7, 2016 Author Posted June 7, 2016 "Tom Brady, Once An Expos Draft Pick, Could Have Been The Nats' First Catcher" by Scott Allen on washingtonpost.com
bettyjoan Posted June 8, 2016 Posted June 8, 2016 So, I'm trying to get into Nats baseball (the Braves have just made too many bad decisions, and it's clear that they don't value their in-town fans, let alone those of us who reside elsewhere), but I am just NOT a fan of the TV broadcasting crew. I feel like half the time they aren't even talking baseball. Am I just spoiled after years of award-winning Atlanta folks? Or is there something that might help me appreciate them more? Hopefully this Benedict Arnold feeling will subside eventually...
Josh Posted June 8, 2016 Posted June 8, 2016 21 minutes ago, bettyjoan said: So, I'm trying to get into Nats baseball (the Braves have just made too many bad decisions, and it's clear that they don't value their in-town fans, let alone those of us who reside elsewhere), but I am just NOT a fan of the TV broadcasting crew. I feel like half the time they aren't even talking baseball. Am I just spoiled after years of award-winning Atlanta folks? Or is there something that might help me appreciate them more? Hopefully this Benedict Arnold feeling will subside eventually... Do what I do: mute the TV and listen to the radio broadcast. Definitely better.
Pat Posted June 8, 2016 Posted June 8, 2016 1 hour ago, JoshNE said: Do what I do: mute the TV and listen to the radio broadcast. Definitely better. But there seems to be a delay on that. I don't know if it's all the time or just when I've tried it, but it drives me crazy when the audio and video are out of sync. I grew up in the Philly area with amazing baseball broadcasters, and I'm totally spoiled for life by that. I don't mind F.P. so much, but listening to Bob drives me around the bend. I'm sure he's a nice guy, but his play-by-play skills are not top notch.
Al Dente Posted June 8, 2016 Posted June 8, 2016 3 minutes ago, Pat said: I don't mind F.P. so much, but listening to Bob drives me around the bend. I'm sure he's a nice guy, but his play-by-play skills are not top notch. I like Bob-- "See. You. Later!" I like F.P. too but gimme a break with the "taters". Is it me, or has there been a lot of audio where you can hear individual fans yelling at away games? Sometimes it's really distracting but occasionally it's amusing when you hear some drunk screaming "YOU SUCK!" over the announcers voices.
Bart Posted June 8, 2016 Posted June 8, 2016 I love all of FP's insights and when he does his "tips for young players" things. I learn so much.,
Al Dente Posted June 8, 2016 Posted June 8, 2016 8 minutes ago, Bart said: I love all of FP's insights and when he does his "tips for young players" things. I learn so much., "There goes the no-hitter." He's married to a Playboy Playmate
Pat Posted June 12, 2016 Posted June 12, 2016 Well, Jayson waited until exactly the perfect moment and, after knocking in the winning runs today, referred to Papelbon as the "DC Strangler." Dan Kolko looked very uncomfortable/confused. At first I thought it was Papelbon who ripped Werth's jersey open, but on replay it was Harper. I'm glad it's all worked out and very especially glad that Pap has gotten crap from the team for what he did. It just took a long time for anyone on the outside to see it.
TedE Posted June 20, 2016 Posted June 20, 2016 This is probably as close as you get to must-see baseball this early in the season: Washington Nationals Strasburg (10-0, 2.90 ERA) vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Kershaw (10-1, 1.58 ERA) June 20th, 10:10 PM EST @ Dodger Stadium 1
Al Dente Posted June 20, 2016 Posted June 20, 2016 1 hour ago, TedE said: June 20th, 10:10 PM EST @ Dodger Stadium These west coast games are killing me. Oh well, another groggy morning in store for tomorrow.
DonRocks Posted June 21, 2016 Author Posted June 21, 2016 12 hours ago, TedE said: This is probably as close as you get to must-see baseball this early in the season: Washington Nationals Strasburg (10-0, 2.90 ERA) vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Kershaw (10-1, 1.58 ERA) June 20th, 10:10 PM EST @ Dodger Stadium 11 hours ago, Al Dente said: These west coast games are killing me. Oh well, another groggy morning in store for tomorrow. Let the conspiracy theories begin! "Scratch That: Stephen Strasburg Scratched from Monday Night's Start" by Chelsea James on washingtonpost.com
TedE Posted June 28, 2016 Posted June 28, 2016 On June 21, 2016 at 1:17 AM, DonRocks said: Let the conspiracy theories begin! "Scratch That: Stephen Strasburg Scratched from Monday Night's Start" by Chelsea James on washingtonpost.com I wouldn't be surprised if the Nats haven't encased him in bubble wrap for this latest stint on the DL! Hopefully this is just more abundance of caution than further signs of worrisome fragility. In any case it affords us the opportunity to peek into the future tonight if the rain holds off. A big debut win would do an awful lot to erase memories of that road trip behind last night's hammering of Thor ( sorry )
TedE Posted July 5, 2016 Posted July 5, 2016 Yesterday's loss was painful, but it did re-enforce the old baseball adage: just by showing up at the park you'll probably see something you've never seen before. They didn't make any announcement over the PA to clear up the confusion, and even after reading up on it at home I still have no idea how the official scoring for that works. Lucroy was 0-1 without an official plate appearance, Braun was stranded on base and then led off the next inning!!! Speaking of Lucroy, by dint of the MLB participation rules (somebody from Milwaukee has to make the All Star team), Ramos might not be invited at all despite having objectively the best season by an NL catcher. Posey/Molina are neck-and-neck in the fan voting; only one of them really has a case for 2016 based on defensive performance in addition to offensive production ....
Pat Posted July 30, 2016 Posted July 30, 2016 The Nats turned the first triple play in team history last night and the first 3-3-5 triple play in major league history. The second video down here (the "Must C" one) has four different calls of the play. The SABR triple play spreadsheet is linked here.
DonRocks Posted July 30, 2016 Author Posted July 30, 2016 4 hours ago, Pat said: The Nats turned the first triple play in team history last night and the first 3-3-5 triple play in major league history. The second video down here (the "Must C" one) has four different calls of the play. The SABR triple play spreadsheet is linked here. Wow, Zimmerman had his head on the whole time, as did all three announcers, who knew exactly what was happening despite them being in near-total disbelief. Not that this is any big surprise, but without Strasburg and Scherzer's W-L records, the Nats (61-42) are 36-35. On a related tangent, is it my imagination, or has the Post virtually stopped mentioning pitchers' W-L records in articles? Whenever you see a mention (often the first mention), of "Nationals," their W-L record is next to it in parentheses, and it used to be like that for pitchers as well; now, I find myself clicking over to (the outstanding) baseball-reference.com way more than I used to, because that simple little seven-character statistic isn't in the Post article. I've really been noticing this a lot, and I'm wondering if it's just me - maybe with the progression of advanced metrics, W-L for pitchers has fallen out of fashion, but I'll always consider it to be of great importance, along with E.R.A. and Strikeouts (you can blame Topps for this). 1
Pat Posted August 13, 2016 Posted August 13, 2016 Seems like it must fit one of the definitions of irony that Harper is out with a stiff neck when the Nats release Papelbon. I tried my best to get on board with Pap, who does have great career numbers, but his inconsistent performance made him too stressful to watch. Maybe Harper's neck will improve now.
DonRocks Posted August 13, 2016 Author Posted August 13, 2016 44 minutes ago, Pat said: Seems like it must fit one of the definitions of irony that Harper is out with a stiff neck when the Nats release Papelbon. I tried my best to get on board with Pap, who does have great career numbers, but his inconsistent performance made him too stressful to watch. Remember Billy Cundiff? (I wonder if he's got the all-time record of "Number of Times Being Released by Teams" - I count *14 times*!) Papelbon was the Nationals' Cundiff, at least in my eyes.
DaveO Posted August 26, 2016 Posted August 26, 2016 Good game last evening. Crowded house. Substantial number of Orioles fans in the stadium. I must admit to mixed allegiances. Low scoring, pitchers duel. Scherzer was very very tough and dominated. The extra Nats runs poured in at the end with critical hits to right and left field. Bam bam. Broke the Nats losing streak. Fans should appreciate this rivalry. It spices up the game. A very good and a needed win. 1
TedE Posted October 4, 2016 Posted October 4, 2016 They all but limped to the NL East title, but here we are. NLDS time! - Trea Turner needs to keep playing like Bryce Harper 2015 - Bruce Harper 2016 needs to start playing like ... well, something. Even a well-timed extra base hit here or there. It looked like he was coming around the last couple of weeks before the thumb thing, but I think in the first 9 at bats after that he had 8 Ks. Pitchers have stopped fearing him. - Catcher platoon! Severino looks like the real deal, and they need that badly. I think the only game we are guaranteed to see Lobaton is anything Gio pitches (I haven't followed if other starters on the staff have personal preferences absent Ramos). Scherzer will call his own game on Friday. - Game 1! Scherzer! Kershaw! You really hate to think that is a must win, but they might see Kershaw again as early as Game 4, and at home he is on a completely different level. Much rather see him again on as short rest as possible. - The bullpen. On paper they are fine, but then again we've been there before. It feels like PTGD (post-traumatic game disorder) - 4th starter. Ross + the afore-mentioned bullpen. Need quality starts from 1-3 so they aren't burned out by that point. - Murphy is a question mark right now. He needs to be an exclamation point. Go watch some baseball! Weather is going to be great. 2
MC Horoscope Posted October 5, 2016 Posted October 5, 2016 This is our year! I feel good! (Knew that I would)
TedE Posted October 10, 2016 Posted October 10, 2016 The Nats have to feel good coming away with a split this weekend. The next two games should at least be interesting! Gio with success recently against L.A., but he's the same Gio who hasn't showed up strong for the playoffs in the past. Game 4 might be the battle of the also-ran starters and a race to see who can get the most out of their bullpens! Or if Washington takes the game today, do we get Kershaw tomorrow? Lots of drama for Dodgers fans on short rest and his woeful history in important playoff situations. 2
DonRocks Posted October 11, 2016 Author Posted October 11, 2016 "With Two Shots To Knock Out the Dodgers, the Nats Are in the Driver's Seat" by Thomas Boswell on washingtonpost.com About the only thing I have to add is that it really isn't important whether or not a team wins a given post-season series; what's important is that they put themselves in the post-season, year after year - then, the odds will take care of themselves, and they'll win a certain percentage of games, series, and World Series. Consistent excellence is what a team wants to strive for; the near-randomness of the post-season almost can't be controlled. 2
MC Horoscope Posted October 11, 2016 Posted October 11, 2016 Seems like the Lerners should buy their own radio station like Snyder of the Redskins, and TV network like Angelos of the Orioles. And dedicate it to coverage of the Nationals. Saturate the airwaves, and that'll go a long way toward building fan loyalty. IMO the MASN deal is not even as bad for building loyalty as the radio domination is.
dracisk Posted October 11, 2016 Posted October 11, 2016 6 hours ago, DonRocks said: About the only thing I have to add is that it really isn't important whether or not a team wins a given post-season series; what's important is that they put themselves in the post-season, year after year - then, the odds will take care of themselves, and they'll win a certain percentage of games, series, and World Series. Consistent excellence is what a team wants to strive for; the near-randomness of the post-season almost can't be controlled. This makes me feel better about the 2016 Red Sox postseason, so thank you. I wish I could say I'm all in for the Nats now (I'm a Red Sox fan first, but the Nats are my NL team, though I admit I don't pay a ton of attention since my husband is a bigger baseball fan than I am and doesn't care about them at all), but I can't help but want to see the Cubs win the World Series.
Bart Posted October 11, 2016 Posted October 11, 2016 11 hours ago, DonRocks said: "With Two Shots To Knock Out the Dodgers, the Nats Are in the Driver's Seat" by Thomas Boswell on washingtonpost.com I didn't like that headline when I read it 12 hours ago, and I like it even less now. If things don't go well for the Nats in this series, Boswell is to blame! 2
DonRocks Posted October 12, 2016 Author Posted October 12, 2016 2 hours ago, Bart said: I didn't like that headline when I read it 12 hours ago, and I like it even less now. If things don't go well for the Nats in this series, Boswell is to blame! LA's balls had eyes on them in the 8th inning.
MC Horoscope Posted October 12, 2016 Posted October 12, 2016 If you're superstitious like me, you also did not like the umpire's bad call strike 3 on Puig and refusal to get help from an umpire in better position to see if Puig checked his swing. I'd rather have gotten Puig out clearly on a strikeout or grounder. What happened just made the Dodgers mad and gave them some juice! (If nothing else, at least I demonstrated how superstitious baseball fans think!) 1
DonRocks Posted October 12, 2016 Author Posted October 12, 2016 13 minutes ago, MC Horoscope said: What happened just made the Dodgers mad and gave them some juice! You make an excellent point, and I don't think there's anything superstitious about it: It *did* make them mad and pump them up (and it *was* a blown call - why the home-plate ump didn't check, I just don't know).
dracisk Posted October 12, 2016 Posted October 12, 2016 37 minutes ago, TedE said: Creeping dread. Impending doom. I can't watch. Nooooo! Keep the faith! Signed, a Red Sox fan who kept watching against the Yankees in 2004 ETA a random factoid: Dave Roberts, the Dodgers manager, stole the base that turned that series around for the Red Sox! 1
Al Dente Posted October 12, 2016 Posted October 12, 2016 Who's going? Any tips on where to park or how to get outta there after Metro, in all its wisdom, closes? On StubHub I'm seeing nosebleeders for around $80, and some baseline box seats for around $180. All my baseball-loving friends are O's fans. I'll likely go by myself.
Al Dente Posted October 12, 2016 Posted October 12, 2016 $250 later, including parking and all sorts of fees, I'll be in Section 132 Row K. It is inevitable that, due to my presence, the Nats will kick ass! 2
TedE Posted October 13, 2016 Posted October 13, 2016 23 hours ago, dracisk said: Nooooo! Keep the faith! Signed, a Red Sox fan who kept watching against the Yankees in 2004 ETA a random factoid: Dave Roberts, the Dodgers manager, stole the base that turned that series around for the Red Sox! I'll be watching through my fingers (transferred all of our seats to season ticket partners, for reasons other than wanting to actually be at the game)! But, seriously, it's great to be in the position to experience that kind of sports anxiety. Better than absentmindedly checking scores for other teams the morning after the games are played. 2
DonRocks Posted October 14, 2016 Author Posted October 14, 2016 Goodness. Justin Turner just had an at-bat where he was behind 0-2 on 2 called strikes, but then extended the at-bat to 13 pitches, with 7 foul balls, and finally fought for a walk - that was Scherzer's second walk, and second baserunner, of the game. Man, that was a tough at-bat, like a boxer killing you with body blows - it can show up later in the game. Scherzer is through 4 innings with no hits, but he needs some run support, like, *now*, because he won't last the game, not after the number of pitches he's thrown (67 pitches!). They've got to keep Scherzer in until he's spent. He's pitching too well to take him out just because of a high pitch count.
DonRocks Posted October 14, 2016 Author Posted October 14, 2016 18 minutes ago, DonRocks said: They've got to keep Scherzer in until he's spent. He's pitching too well to take him out just because of a high pitch count. Shit. The velocity of his pitches has dropped 3-4 mph between the 4th and 5th innings. The Nats batting 3-up, 3-down in the bottom of the 4th did *not* help things.
DonRocks Posted October 14, 2016 Author Posted October 14, 2016 21 minutes ago, DonRocks said: Shit. The velocity of his pitches has dropped 3-4 mph between the 4th and 5th innings. The Nats batting 3-up, 3-down in the bottom of the 4th did *not* help things. Scherzer just earned his paycheck by getting out a bases-loaded 5th and still maintaining a shutout. If the Nats don't win this game, you can't blame it on Mad Max - not at this point.
DonRocks Posted October 14, 2016 Author Posted October 14, 2016 17 minutes ago, DonRocks said: Scherzer just earned his paycheck by getting out a bases-loaded 5th and still maintaining a shutout. If the Nats don't win this game, you can't blame it on Mad Max - not at this point. Okay, gentlemen - it's the final game of the playoffs, you're at home, you have your 3-4-5 hitters batting, and you have a quality start - *six shutout innings* - from your ace: It's time to win this with your bats, or you have no one to blame but yourselves. Jason Werth walks. Runner on 1st, none out, and the hottest postseason batter in baseball, Daniel Murphy, at the plate.
DonRocks Posted October 14, 2016 Author Posted October 14, 2016 7 minutes ago, DonRocks said: Okay, gentlemen - it's the final game of the playoffs, you're at home, you have your 3-4-5 hitters batting, and you have a quality start - *six shutout innings* - from your ace: It's time to win this with your bats, or you have no one to blame but yourselves. Jason Werth walks. Runner on 1st, none out, and the hottest postseason batter in baseball, Daniel Murphy, at the plate. 1-0 after 6 with Scherzer tired, Strasbourg out, and Kershaw injured. The Cubs are out drinking right now.
Bart Posted October 14, 2016 Posted October 14, 2016 What the hell just happened?!?! They had 15 feet to spare to get Werth out at home. Why did he attempt the impossible?!?!!? And before I could hit "submit reply" the game is tied. Edit - since I posted the message above I've seen the reply and Henley, the third base coach, waving him home from somewhere in the outfield. WTF was he thinking?!?! 1
Bart Posted October 14, 2016 Posted October 14, 2016 ......from someone on Twitter: Werth was just trying to catch the Metro before it closed 1
dracisk Posted October 14, 2016 Posted October 14, 2016 I was going to go to bed if there were no positive developments this half inning. Looks like I'm staying up!
Bart Posted October 14, 2016 Posted October 14, 2016 8 hours ago, dracisk said: I was going to go to bed if there were no positive developments this half inning. Looks like I'm staying up! That was such a glimmer of hope! And then when Werth got up with runners on first and third, I was thinking REDEMPTION! Here it comes! Sadly, it never came. 1
DonRocks Posted October 14, 2016 Author Posted October 14, 2016 13 hours ago, DonRocks said: Shit. The velocity of his pitches has dropped 3-4 mph between the 4th and 5th innings. The Nats batting 3-up, 3-down in the bottom of the 4th did *not* help things. I was watching that little MLB "cartoon thing," so I know for a fact that his fastball dropped from about 97 mph to about 93 mph in one inning - that 13-pitch at-bat may have ended the season for the Nats. Both the Nats and Orioles should be holding their heads high right now, even though we all know they aren't. I hope Scherzer got a standing O when he came out of the game - that guy is an animal, with ice running through his veins. Take *some* consolation in knowing that there's no way in hell that the Nats could have beaten the Cubs - everything is clicking right now for Chicago. I'd almost bet even money right now that they'll win the World Series, and that's with *two* series to go. 1
dracisk Posted October 14, 2016 Posted October 14, 2016 3 hours ago, Bart said: That was such a glimmer of hope! And then when Werth got up with runners on first and third, I was thinking REDEMPTION! Here it comes! Sadly, it never came. I realized around midnight that I'd probably be up until at least 1am if I watched until the bitter end, so I called it. I heard the sad news on NPR this morning. Oh, well. It was a good run. And now I can root for the Cubs without conflict. :-)
Al Dente Posted October 14, 2016 Posted October 14, 2016 On 10/12/2016 at 3:31 PM, Al Dente said: It is inevitable that, due to my presence, the Nats will kick ass! I take full responsibility. It took FORTY-FIVE FUCKING MINUTES just to get out of the parking garage-- and I was only 1 level down! Added insult to injury.
Ericandblueboy Posted October 14, 2016 Posted October 14, 2016 It's on days like this that I'm glad that I no longer follow baseball and never watched hockey.
DonRocks Posted October 14, 2016 Author Posted October 14, 2016 1 hour ago, Al Dente said: I take full responsibility. It took FORTY-FIVE FUCKING MINUTES just to get out of the parking garage-- and I was only 1 level down! Added insult to injury. You saw a double-elimination, major-league playoff game, and spent only about twice what I spent last night at dinner. Although I had a good meal, you have a lifetime memory, bitter though it may be - you spent your money well. 1
Bart Posted October 14, 2016 Posted October 14, 2016 1 hour ago, Al Dente said: I take full responsibility. It took FORTY-FIVE FUCKING MINUTES just to get out of the parking garage-- and I was only 1 level down! Added insult to injury. It wasn't you. It was the ridiculous Boswell headline of the Nats being in the "driver's seat" 1
DonRocks Posted October 14, 2016 Author Posted October 14, 2016 13 minutes ago, Bart said: It wasn't you. It was the ridiculous Boswell headline of the Nats being in the "driver's seat" They *were* in the driver's seat; but drivers die in crashes also.
Ericandblueboy Posted October 14, 2016 Posted October 14, 2016 40 minutes ago, DonRocks said: You saw a double-elimination, major-league playoff game, and spent only about twice what I spent last night at dinner. Although I had a good meal, you have a lifetime memory, bitter though it may be - you spent your money well. Could've done that for free sitting on the couch
reedm Posted October 14, 2016 Posted October 14, 2016 I was at the game last night, and I'm glad I went Money for a ticket was well spent, and the lost sleep was worth it. My decision to park near Capitol South? Priceless. Although it was not the outcome I'd hoped for, it was an exciting game. The crowd was fully involved the entire time, and although some had to leave because of the idiotic Metro decision, the park remained full. #Natitude 1
Bart Posted October 14, 2016 Posted October 14, 2016 1 hour ago, reedm said: and although some had to leave because of the idiotic Metro decision, the park remained full. #Natitude DC may have gained some cachet with the Michelin Guide, but we'll always be a second or third class city with decisions like this. And the Marine Corps Marathon is going to be a bigger nightmare. I'm no fan of Congressional intervention, but I wish some higher power would weigh in and overrule these stupid decisions. 1
Pat Posted February 25, 2017 Posted February 25, 2017 The first spring training game of the year couldn't have come soon enough. It means next to nothing but the Nats beat the Mets 8-6 this afternoon. Many Nats regulars started the game and left after a few. Harper HR'd in his first at bat and also got a single. Hope springs eternal. 1
DonRocks Posted April 17, 2017 Author Posted April 17, 2017 "Down to Final Strike, Bryce Harper Saves Nationals with Three-Run Homer To Beat Phillies" by Chelsea Janes on washingtonpost.com There is a *great* photo at the top of that article - I would love to accredit the photographer, but the Post's paywall has precluded me from finding Chelsea Janes' (the author's) email, or from doing much of anything else. 2
TedE Posted April 17, 2017 Posted April 17, 2017 2 hours ago, DonRocks said: "Down to Final Strike, Bryce Harper Saves Nationals with Three-Run Homer To Beat Phillies" by Chelsea Janes on washingtonpost.com There is a *great* photo at the top of that article - I would love to accredit the photographer, but the Post's paywall has precluded me from finding Chelsea Janes' (the author's) email, or from doing much of anything else. You have to wonder if Werth's iconic walk off picture was in his mind. I highly doubt it, this is just an enthusiastic competitor doing what he loves to do best, but they make nice bookends: 2
DonRocks Posted April 17, 2017 Author Posted April 17, 2017 7 hours ago, TedE said: You have to wonder if Werth's iconic walk off picture was in his mind. I highly doubt it, this is just an enthusiastic competitor doing what he loves to do best, but they make nice bookends Great post! I wonder if the only person in both pictures is Ryan Zimmerman (#11). Ryan's not a Hall of Fame candidate (just a super-solid, star-quality player), but we're not *that* far from having three future Hall of Fame players in that second picture.
Pat Posted April 19, 2017 Posted April 19, 2017 The last two innings of that game last night took months, if not years, off my life. I like Wieters just fine (and I'm sure the Nationals management/ownership enjoyed sticking it to Angelos by signing him), but--Good Lord!!--he needs to use his body to block the ball! He just sticks his glove out and, if the ball goes in, great (even better if it stays there). Otherwise, he has to get out of his crouch and lumber to the backstop to pick it up while runners are advancing. To make it clear: I am not blaming the last batter fiasco on him, because that was bad umpiring all the way, but if he had caught the ball cleanly and held onto it, there would have been no basis for anyone thinking the bat (far, far as it was away) had touched it. Fortunately, he caught basically the exact same pitch in the same place cleanly the second time around (which, of course, should never have had to happen.) I also like Treinen and the Nats did a disservice to him by trying to cram him--like a square peg into a round hole--into the closer's spot. He's good at coming in and inducing ground balls when they need them with that great sinker. Let him do what he's good at. I really hope they haven't messed him up psychologically with this experiment. (Ditto for Joe Ross, who is apparently getting his first 2017 start tonight.) 1
MC Horoscope Posted April 19, 2017 Posted April 19, 2017 Sounds like Dusty Baker is getting tired of the bullpen situation! Opponents already know that once they get past our starting pitchers they have a good chance to win!
lovehockey Posted April 28, 2017 Posted April 28, 2017 Four games in the ever-changing Denver weather environment (plus that altitude thing) and a 3-1 record: 8-4 loss (the day after playing the ESPN Sunday night game against the Mets), 15-12 win (Turner hits for the cycle), 11-4 win, and 16-5 win (11 of the 16 runs coming in the top of the 7th). Imagine if they played at Coors field half the season... 1
TedE Posted April 28, 2017 Posted April 28, 2017 13 hours ago, lovehockey said: Four games in the ever-changing Denver weather environment (plus that altitude thing) and a 3-1 record: 8-4 loss (the day after playing the ESPN Sunday night game against the Mets), 15-12 win (Turner hits for the cycle), 11-4 win, and 16-5 win (11 of the 16 runs coming in the top of the 7th). Imagine if they played at Coors field half the season... 50 runs in 4 games or 2.5% of the regular season games they will play this year. For comparison that is 6.5% of their total runs for the entire 2016 season, on pace for 1022 runs this year. Of course they won't plate that many, but 900 runs doesn't seem out of the question at all. This offense is fun to watch. Of course they might need to score that many to give the bullpen a 5-6 run cushion ...
silentbob Posted April 28, 2017 Posted April 28, 2017 2 hours ago, TedE said: 50 runs in 4 games or 2.5% of the regular season games they will play this year. For comparison that is 6.5% of their total runs for the entire 2016 season, on pace for 1022 runs this year. Of course they won't plate that many, but 900 runs doesn't seem out of the question at all. This offense is fun to watch. Of course they might need to score that many to give the bullpen a 5-6 run cushion ... The Nats aren't going back to Coors this year unless both teams make the playoffs. In their 18 non-Coors games this year, the Nats have averaged 5.17 runs. Project that to 158 games, add the 50 they scored in Coors, and that gets them to 866. I'd bet somewhere in the low 800s is most likely though.
DonRocks Posted April 28, 2017 Author Posted April 28, 2017 1 hour ago, silentbob said: The Nats aren't going back to Coors this year unless both teams make the playoffs. In their 18 non-Coors games this year, the Nats have averaged 5.17 runs. Project that to 158 games, add the 50 they scored in Coors, and that gets them to 866. I'd bet somewhere in the low 800s is most likely though. What, you don't think Bryce Harper is going to maintain his .418 batting average?! And you have doubts that the Nats will continue to have 3 out of the top 4 NL RBI leaders?! Pessimist.
TedE Posted April 28, 2017 Posted April 28, 2017 2 hours ago, silentbob said: The Nats aren't going back to Coors this year unless both teams make the playoffs. In their 18 non-Coors games this year, the Nats have averaged 5.17 runs. Project that to 158 games, add the 50 they scored in Coors, and that gets them to 866. I'd bet somewhere in the low 800s is most likely though. I didn't say it would be easy, but it's not crazy talk. Bryce will not hit .400, but can Bryce/Murphy/Zim combine for .340+ along with Eaton (and hopefully Turner) getting on base at this clip?
silentbob Posted April 29, 2017 Posted April 29, 2017 4 hours ago, TedE said: I didn't say it would be easy, but it's not crazy talk. No offense intended -- recent history suggests that it's crazy talk and I think the chances are virtually zero because they don't play in the AL. No NL team has scored 900 runs in a season since the 2003 Braves, in the midst of the PED era. Now that MLB isn't rampant with cheating, NL teams haven't come close to 900 in quite a while, not even the Rockies. Even the dominant Cubs last year barely scored over 800 and the Nats offense this year isn't as good from top to bottom. So yeah, even if their start is real, I'll be pretty shocked if the Nats reach 850 this year.
DonRocks Posted April 29, 2017 Author Posted April 29, 2017 24 minutes ago, silentbob said: No offense intended -- recent history suggests that it's crazy talk and I think the chances are virtually zero because they don't play in the AL. No NL team has scored 900 runs in a season since the 2003 Braves, in the midst of the PED era. Now that MLB isn't rampant with cheating, NL teams haven't come close to 900 in quite a while, not even the Rockies. Even the dominant Cubs last year barely scored over 800 and the Nats offense this year isn't as good from top to bottom. So yeah, even if their start is real, I'll be pretty shocked if the Nats reach 850 this year. Okay, *but*, just objectively interpreting: "Pretty Shocked" + 5% Not = "Crazy"
silentbob Posted April 29, 2017 Posted April 29, 2017 7 minutes ago, DonRocks said: "Pretty Shocked" + 5% Not = "Crazy" In the context of run-scoring in baseball, 5 percent is a lot more than you think.
DonRocks Posted April 29, 2017 Author Posted April 29, 2017 20 minutes ago, silentbob said: In the context of run-scoring in baseball, 5 percent is a lot more than you think. I agree - at the level where we're talking (850-900), it's a run every 3.24 games. Well, this is why baseball is perfect for bar debates - nobody loses an eye over anything.
Pat Posted April 29, 2017 Posted April 29, 2017 Losing Eaton is going to skew everything in a bad way. I hope it's not as bad as it seems. He's been an invaluable addition to the ball club early in the season and absolutely worth what we gave up for him. 1
Pat Posted April 30, 2017 Posted April 30, 2017 It was as bad as it seemed and worse: Eaton out for the season with a torn ACL. (Subsequently confirmed by Chelsea Janes.) 1
TedE Posted May 1, 2017 Posted May 1, 2017 On 4/28/2017 at 8:51 PM, silentbob said: No offense intended -- recent history suggests that it's crazy talk and I think the chances are virtually zero because they don't play in the AL. No NL team has scored 900 runs in a season since the 2003 Braves, in the midst of the PED era. Now that MLB isn't rampant with cheating, NL teams haven't come close to 900 in quite a while, not even the Rockies. Even the dominant Cubs last year barely scored over 800 and the Nats offense this year isn't as good from top to bottom. So yeah, even if their start is real, I'll be pretty shocked if the Nats reach 850 this year. With Eaton out the chance is pretty much off the table (and with 170 runs in April, the 10th highest ever, I still contend it's a possibility). A lead off man's OBP is a strong determinant of runs scored over the course of a season. Unless Trea (maybe) or Taylor (unlikely) can pick up the slack. It's a huge loss. I guess now their chance is to have a game like yesterday every other week to pad the stats!
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