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Division Rivals 2014: The Washington Nationals

Edgy MD Feb 20 2014 07:45 AM

Three things to know about the Nats. 1) New manager. 2) Bryce Harper. Coming off a concussion year (never diagnosed as such, as I recall, but the performance certainly suggested as much). Expect the narrative every day for some time to be about whether or not he's still messed up. 3) They're the new Phillies, in that they're highly LOOGy vunerable. LaRoche, Harper, and Span hit .198, .214, and .223, respectively, against lefties, so whoever gets the Pedro Feliciano/Tim Byrdak job has an opportunity to look like a real hero this season.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Feb 20 2014 07:57 AM Re: Division Rivals 2014: The Washington Nationals

They didn't really need to be adding Doug FisterIHardlyEvenKnowHer. I see them as the kind of opponent who'll make us miss having Harvey around.

Ceetar Feb 20 2014 08:06 AM Re: Division Rivals 2014: The Washington Nationals

Nationals are interesting. They added Fister, who's very good, but they won 86 games last year. They're counting on things like health and improvement from the rest of the team to get over 90 wins and that always makes me wary. Some over/unders have them at 90. that seems to be a good number to me. They've got the star power that can certainly put it together and win a lot more, but I could see them at around 86 again too.

Edgy MD Feb 20 2014 08:08 AM Re: Division Rivals 2014: The Washington Nationals

They're definitely the opponent in recent years against whom I think we regularly lose winnable games.

Ceetar Feb 20 2014 08:12 AM Re: Division Rivals 2014: The Washington Nationals Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Feb 20 2014 08:14 AM

Edgy MD wrote: They're definitely the opponent in recent years against whom I think we regularly lose winnable games. They had a good bullpen, we had a fairly inept bench and offense in general. But yeah, there were a couple of those games. a couple of blowouts too. edit: RA/RS was 76-88. They scored more against the Phillies, but that was the highest otherwise.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Feb 20 2014 08:14 AM Re: Division Rivals 2014: The Washington Nationals

Choking away the buttend of that stupid daynite doubleheader in July and never coming any closer. Fuck them.

Ceetar Feb 20 2014 08:15 AM Re: Division Rivals 2014: The Washington Nationals

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: Choking away the buttend of that stupid daynite doubleheader in July and never coming any closer. Fuck them. 2-7 after that loss. this link work? [url]http://www.baseball-reference.com/games/head2head-games.cgi?team1=NYM&team2=WSN&from=2013&to=2013

bmfc1 Feb 22 2014 07:20 AM Re: Division Rivals 2014: The Washington Nationals

The Nationals are stacked. They should win no less than 100 games and breeze their way to the World Championship. Anything less and the season is a failure... which is what I told my friends that are Nationals season ticket holders. I hope my friends suffer and suffer a lot. Let's see if Zimmerman's arm holds up at 3B, if Rendon can adapt to 2B and if they can get another year of steady production from the aging LaRoche. The rotation and bullpen are both excellent and I don't see many weaknesses, just questions. Can a virgin manager win a World Championship? We'll see. There are comments about how much more "fun" the players are having in ST this year (a shot at Davey, which makes me dislike them even more).

Frayed Knot Apr 05 2014 07:20 PM Re: Division Rivals 2014: The Washington Nationals

And now suddenly when the Nats are playing the Braves they can't do anything right. Not just multiple errors, plays not made in the field and runs not scored (just 3 scored so far over 14 innings against a supposedly decimated pitching staff) but they're running into outs all over the field: several guys thrown out at home in just a game and a half so far, plus runners thrown out at 3rd with no one out, etc. Funny how that works: you play against a good team and suddenly YOU don't play as well.

Edgy MD Apr 09 2014 09:51 AM Re: Division Rivals 2014: The Washington Nationals

Small drama starting to inflate over Ryan Zimmerman and his yips. He has had his right shoulder examined by doctors. He has learned the results of an MRI test, which revealed no structural damage to the shoulder, only inflammation. He appeared in Sunday’s game, only as a pinch-hitter, and like the rest of his teammates enjoyed an off-day Monday. All of which has only delayed the inevitable question that will arise later today, before the Nationals arrive at the ballpark to open a three-game series against the Marlins: Now what? Zimmerman isn’t being placed on the disabled list. At least, the Nats have given no indication to this point he will. But neither have they said he’s good to go. Would they really just place him back at third base tonight, as though none of this ever happened? There doesn’t appear to be a right answer to this dilemma. And make no mistake, it’s a real dilemma, with both short-term and long-term implications. Under contract through 2019.

Frayed Knot Apr 12 2014 10:33 PM Re: Division Rivals 2014: The Washington Nationals

Ryan Zimmerman - broken thumb (sliding back into 2nd while being picked-off) DL'd, 4 to 6 weeks Denard Span - 7-day concussion DL And then there's the ongoing problem where they couldn't beat the Braves last year (6-13) and they can't beat them this year (1-4)

Edgy MD Apr 12 2014 10:36 PM Re: Division Rivals 2014: The Washington Nationals

And Zimmy was a big problem before that ill-fated slide.

TransMonk Apr 19 2014 06:25 PM Re: Division Rivals 2014: The Washington Nationals

Harper Pulled for Not Hustling, Nats Fall to Cards

Zvon Apr 19 2014 06:28 PM Re: Division Rivals 2014: The Washington Nationals

TransMonk wrote: Harper Pulled for Not Hustling, Nats Fall to Cards I don't see it. He ran up the line until the put out, then veered toward the dugout.

metirish Apr 19 2014 06:29 PM Re: Division Rivals 2014: The Washington Nationals

WOW, Charlie fucking Hustle my arse.....having said that it looks rather silly to pull him for that.

Frayed Knot Apr 19 2014 06:53 PM Re: Division Rivals 2014: The Washington Nationals

I've certainly seen a lot worse than that. But the Nats are playing kind of sloppy ball lately and I think mgr Williams saw this as an opportunity to send a message both to Harper and to the rest of the team. The kicker is that Harper's spot came up again in the 9th (he was pulled in the 6th) with runners on and the game on the line. Kevin Fransden was in his place and didn't get the run in (nor did Werth afterward) but sometimes you have to lose the battle in hopes of winning the war.

Edgy MD Apr 19 2014 11:18 PM Re: Division Rivals 2014: The Washington Nationals

Zvon wrote: TransMonk wrote: Harper Pulled for Not Hustling, Nats Fall to Cards I don't see it. He ran up the line until the put out, then veered toward the dugout. I've seen Walter Matthau bust it better than that.

Frayed Knot Apr 25 2014 10:49 AM Re: Division Rivals 2014: The Washington Nationals

Sometimes it only seems like it's always us. But last night the Nats, at home, lost 4-3 to the Padres in 12 innings despite out-hitting them 16-to-8, in large part by going 0-fer-16 w/RiSP - their 3 runs came via a Sac Fly and 2 solo HRs Their pain went right to the end when, following his leadoff double in the bottom of the 12th, Bryce Harper got doubled off on a line drive to end the game. Aaaaaannd, that loss moved us ahead of them in the standings. Nice to see that one coming so early in the season, particularly after the 3-game sweep that started it all.

Frayed Knot Apr 28 2014 03:59 PM Re: Division Rivals 2014: The Washington Nationals

The irony of Bryce Harper and his celebrated (though ultimately meaningless) bout of non-hustle isn't just the ad campaign the Nats have where Harper is described as "Nothing but Hustle", but that he was very much hustling himself into a triple a few days later when his head-first slide injured his thumb and landed him on the 15Day DL. Now comes word that said thumb is going to require surgery to repair a damaged ligament and he'll likely miss at least two months.

Zvon Apr 28 2014 06:33 PM Re: Division Rivals 2014: The Washington Nationals

Frayed Knot wrote: The irony of Bryce Harper and his celebrated (though ultimately meaningless) bout of non-hustle isn't just the ad campaign the Nats have where Harper is described as "Nothing but Hustle", but that he was very much hustling himself into a triple a few days later when his head-first slide injured his thumb and landed him on the 15Day DL. Now comes word that said thumb is going to require surgery to repair a damaged ligament and he'll likely miss at least two months. [crossout]ha[/crossout]. I mean awwww.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 28 2014 06:40 PM Re: Division Rivals 2014: The Washington Nationals

Frayed Knot wrote: The irony of Bryce Harper and his celebrated (though ultimately meaningless) bout of non-hustle isn't just the ad campaign the Nats have where Harper is described as "Nothing but Hustle", but that he was very much hustling himself into a triple a few days later when his head-first slide injured his thumb and landed him on the 15Day DL. Now comes word that said thumb is going to require surgery to repair a damaged ligament and he'll likely miss at least two months. Wow.

Edgy MD Apr 28 2014 09:31 PM Re: Division Rivals 2014: The Washington Nationals

That's two big thumbs they've wrecked in as many weeks. Time to consider sliding feet first again. It's a shame. Mets nonetheless have to take advantage.

Frayed Knot May 11 2014 03:12 PM Re: Division Rivals 2014: The Washington Nationals

Not that this means the Nats will be trying to undo the trade or anything, but one of the guys the Nationals gave to the A's in order to get Gio Gonzalez was (then) minor league catcher Derek Norris. Well today, in Gio's first return to Oakland since the deal, Norris hit him up for a 3R HR in each of the first 2 innings. A's cruising 7-0 early in that west coast game. P.S. -- Adam LaRoche to the DL

Frayed Knot Aug 24 2014 07:41 PM Re: Division Rivals 2014: The Washington Nationals

Today seems to be my day for dredging up old threads. Wasn't intended that way, just a few things that have been clogging my mind lately. In this case it involves Washington GM Mike Rizzo, and specifically this: Has this guy made a bad move since taking over as GM in March 2009? Maybe so, but not many and not any big ones that I can see. Of course some of the moves were no-brainers. He inherited several Top-10 overall draft picks, and then not only had his own back to back 1/1 choices (something that didn’t even used to be possible when the 1st pick alternated leagues) but had them is years when there were once-a-decade type players available making it virtually impossible to make the wrong move. But he’s hit on a bunch of other moves as well, moves that included earlier picks that thrived under his stewardship augmented by trades and FA signings. The drafts, both inherited and since, have gone well enough that it’s allowed the Nats to deal other prospects for 3/5 of their rotation, plus their catcher & CF and still not completely deplete their farm system nor really miss any of the guys they dealt away. Drafts Steven Strasurg & Bryce Harper - the two no-brainer 1/1 picks from 2009 & 2010 Anthony Rendon - 1st round/6th overall in 2011. Rendon was considered to be the best bat all year, but an elbow injury kept him as the DH during his final year in college and that was enough to scare the first five teams off (it wouldn’t be the last time Rizzo was aggressive in drafting upside despite injuries as both his 2013 & 2014 picks were pitchers with their TJ surgeries already in the works) Rendon deserves some MVP notice in this his first full season. Drew Storen - 1/10 in 2010 - After failing to sign the pick from the year before (Aaron Crow) the Nats get two of the first ten picks and a year later have their #1 starter & their closer. Storen is now setting up. Inherited Picks: Ryan Zimmerman, 1/4, 2005 - Extended by Rizzo w/a seven year deal in 2012. Zimmerman was just 27 at the time so it made sense, although injuries may make this one look bad before it’s all over Jordan Zimmermann, 2nd Round 2007 - Survived and thrived since TJ surgery Ross Detwiler, 1/6, 2007 - Was a regular starter, now in the bullpen. Ian Desmond, 3rd Round 2004 - Thrived as a started in the Rizzo era when some (me included) thought he was too erratic defensively and too K-prone to play every day. Danny Espinosa, 3rd Round 2008 - Started for two seasons, now a bench player FAs: Adam LaRoche. Signed twice, first time in 2011 and then again in 2013. Both were for just two years at a time so they were never tied up long-term. 2014 may be the end of the line for him in DC but, aside from one year mostly lost to injury, his bat and glove more than replaced the then-popular Adam Dunn. Jayson Werth. In 2011 for Seven years. Rizzo essentially admitted that he needed to overpay for this first-ever major FA signing by the Nats and, at age 35, the final years still could get ugly. But, after an initial mediocre year that had folks saying that Werth could only be a supporting player like he was in Philly (I’ve always thought that to be a dumb argument) he’s certainly given them their money’s worth for the last three seasons and he should get MVP votes this year. - Raphael Soriano. In 2013 for two years + option. Seemed like an odd and expensive deal to some (raises hand) especially seeing how they already had two guys capable of closing. But he was good in his 1st year & even better this one, and his presence has allowed them to bump the old closers and strengthen their middle relief. I still question buying expensive closers but it certainly hasn’t hurt them. Trades: Denard Span - Prior to 2013 for 1st round (23rd) pick Alex Meyer. Meyer could still be a star down the road, but right now is only fair at age 24 in AAA and the Nats will get at least three reasonably priced seasons out of Span before he can go FA Gio Gonzalez - Prior to 2012 for a package of players to Oakland including current A’s catcher Derrick Norris. Signed to a five-year deal almost immediately after the trade (talk about aggressive) the Nats got a near-CY year the very first season and two more pedestrian seasons since. Norris is good in Oakland but the Nats were strong in catching at the time so it was a logical place from which to deal. Wilson Ramos - In mid-2010 for relief pitcher Matt Capps 750-800 OPS every year from the catching position plus good defense while Capps has been out of the majors for two years now. Only drawback is frequent injuries (plus the odd kidnapping) but just 26 y/o and under club control thru 2016. Doug Fister - Prior to the 2014 season for two minor league pitchers who could help Minnesota in the future although aren’t yet. Fister is 30 and under team control for 2014 & 2015 Tanner Roark - In mid-2010 for Christian Freakin’ Guzman Roark was hardly considered a prize catch (25th round draft pick by the Rangers in 2008) and is just now getting in his first full season at age 27. But this year he’s been a legit #2 type starter since being called up just over a year ago [19-8; 2.56 in 29 starts + 9 relief] while Guzman got 7 hits for Texas after the trade in 46 ABs and then retired. Asdrubal Cabrera - The FA-to-be was acquired at this year’s trading deadline In exchange for 24 y/o potential power hitter Zack Walters to compensate for the Ryan Zimmerman injury and so as not to rely on Espinosa. Obviously too early to evaluate how this will work out for either side but, in a year where you not only hope to contend but win, it’s a move that will help in the short run. Tyler Clippard - Prior to 2008 from the Yanx for Jonathan Albaladejo This deal was actually pre-Rizzo, but how do you think this tastes for Cashman? Clippard’s now been one of the better set-up men in baseball for five seasons or so and even closed for a half-season when needed. Still under 30 and still 1+ years away from FA.

bmfc1 Sep 16 2014 07:52 PM Re: Division Rivals 2014: The Washington Nationals

At the beginning of the season, I told my Nationals friends that the Nationals should clinch by Rosh Hashanah. They did it with 9 days to spare. Dammit.