Master Index of Archived Threads


Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

Edgy MD Mar 10 2015 07:12 PM

The standard bearers in the division have Bryce Harper already demanding his ring. An expectedly very good lineup and a seemingly excellent rotation will lead young men to jump to conclusions, but games must be played. For the time being, they must be played without Yunel Escobar and Denard Span. Escobar is expected to be in ship shape in time for the opener, but Span, not so much. When they take the field, they may or may not look like this: [list=1:125iygtw][*:125iygtw]Escobar, 2b[/*:m:125iygtw] [*:125iygtw]Rendon, 3b[/*:m:125iygtw] [*:125iygtw]Werth, rf[/*:m:125iygtw] [*:125iygtw]Harper, lf[/*:m:125iygtw] [*:125iygtw]Zimmerman, 1b[/*:m:125iygtw] [*:125iygtw]Desmond, ss[/*:m:125iygtw] [*:125iygtw]Ramos, c[/*:m:125iygtw] [*:125iygtw]McLouth, cf[/*:m:125iygtw][/list:o:125iygtw] Escobar returns to the bottom third of lineup if and when Span returns, knocking McLouth to the bench. Did someone say pitching? [list=1:125iygtw][*:125iygtw]M. Scherzer[/*:m:125iygtw] [*:125iygtw]S. Strasburg[/*:m:125iygtw] [*:125iygtw]D. Fister[/*:m:125iygtw] [*:125iygtw]J. Zimmermann[/*:m:125iygtw] [*:125iygtw]G. Gonzalez[/*:m:125iygtw][/list:o:125iygtw] That's one perfectly justifiable way to sort the rotation, but who knows. Each one can be as dominant as any other, depending on which house the moon is in that night. Tanner Roark gave them a more-than-solid 15–10, 2.85 season and is looking at bullpen assignment in 2015. Drew Storen was the third closer the team used last year but was excellent when the team finally cycled around to him. Max Scherzer is a handsome guy at press conferences but is one of those guys who can't not look goofy when pitching. [fimg=600:125iygtw]http://a.abcnews.com/images/Sports/WireAP_80441d44f0e840c2815b56b75ef54bff_16x9_992.jpg[/fimg:125iygtw]

Frayed Knot Mar 10 2015 07:41 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

McLouth & Werth are also currently less-than-healthy OFs who can't yet be considered locks to be ready to go in early April. Tony Gwynn Jr is in camp and may wind up as their OD CF

Edgy MD Apr 01 2015 10:56 AM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

Matt den Dekker forces the issue for Washington, as Tony Gwynn, Jr. joins Kevin Frandsen on the cut list. Gwynnie sent to the minors, and Frandsen released.

Ceetar Apr 09 2015 04:53 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

This was by design. Starting this season, for now at least, the Nationals will be playing slow, soft rock songs during the visiting team’s batting practice. If facing the Nationals’ rotation was not difficult and daunting enough, they are trying to psyche out their opponents, at least in some small way. Because the Mets were in town for the first series of the season, they served as guinea pigs. Over three games, they heard the Carpenters, Elton John, Sarah McLachlan, Sinead O’Connor, R.E.M. and Kansas (“Dust in the Wind”). [url]http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/10/sports/baseball/nationals-play-dj-and-try-to-make-mets-feel-like-dust-in-the-wind.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

Edgy MD Apr 09 2015 05:00 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

That's some dirty-ass pool.

Mets Willets Point Apr 10 2015 11:06 AM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

R.E.M. falls under the heading of Soft Rock now? Kill me!

John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 10 2015 02:23 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

Mets – Willets Point wrote: R.E.M. falls under the heading of Soft Rock now? Kill me! Everybody hurts, sometimes. If they really wanted to torture an opponent they should play interviews with Michael Stipe.

HahnSolo Apr 10 2015 02:46 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: Mets – Willets Point wrote: R.E.M. falls under the heading of Soft Rock now? Kill me! Everybody hurts, sometimes. If they really wanted to torture an opponent they should play interviews with Michael Stipe. Now that is comedy.

Nymr83 Apr 13 2015 03:19 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

get the triple happiness thread ready! Mets beat the Philthies 2-0 and meanwhile the RedSox are laying some hurt on Jordan Zimmerman.

Edgy MD Apr 13 2015 03:23 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

Baltimore has to do their part too. Or have the Yankees become so irrelevant so soon?

Frayed Knot Apr 13 2015 03:49 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

Nymr83 wrote: get the triple happiness thread ready! Mets beat the Philthies 2-0 and meanwhile the RedSox are laying some hurt on Jordan Zimmerman. From what I heard, while Zimmermann wasn't good by any means, it was more the Nats' defense again failing them. Only one official error but the brief discussion I heard of it it sounded like one of those deals where there was one error but also 3 mistakes, 2 goofs, 4 fuck-ups, plus a handful of boo-boos. Harper & Taylor let a bases-loaded fly fall between them which was immediately followed by a similar deal on an infield grounder between SS & 3rd. The one error was another throwing E on Desmond. The starters have been (mostly) as good as advertised for DC, but their hitting, defense, & bullpen have collectively sucked, with only the 'O' having an excuse of missing players (and Werth is back today).

Edgy MD Apr 13 2015 03:53 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

Never really understood why a misjudged fly gets counted as a hit but a misplayed grounder is an error. The notion that a ball should go through a guy's natural wingspan to count as an error is silly, especially with regards to outfielders, where what's reasonably expected of a guy occurs on a much bigger scale.

Frayed Knot Apr 14 2015 09:05 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

Back and forth game Nats @ Boston tonight where the Nats lost due to a 2 HBP + 3 errors 7th inning including another one by Ian Desmond which started the whole frame. 3 runs/0 hits for the Sox that inning in what became an 8-7 final. Desmond did have 3 hits in this game but that just evens him out at 6 hits & 6 errors on the season. Also another NOT good outing by Strasberg.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 29 2015 01:15 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

Careful -- they've signed Jose Valverde.

Edgy MD Apr 29 2015 01:36 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

And mooks online are complaining that we need experienced veteran relief help.

Frayed Knot Apr 30 2015 08:36 AM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

[u:1m8e5lho]Four Game set in NYC[/u:1m8e5lho] Nats = 9-13, just crawled out of last place. Have had trouble scoring runs right up until two games ago when they dropped 13 on the Braves in two consecutive nights (the first one overcoming an early 9-1 deficit). Their starting pitching has been decent but not as good as advertised; the pen is having all kinds of problems; the hitting erratic at best; and the defense just plain terrible. Thursday 7:10: deGrom vs Strasberg [1-2, 4.88, 1.63] Certainly not the numbers the Nationals expect from Strasberg. He's had just one good outing in four this year and that came against the Phillies so it barely even counts. Friday 7:10 -- Harvey vs Scherzer [1-2, 1.26, 0.84] Scherzer is coming off a skipped start based on a sore thumb which was caused by him trying to swing a bat which apparently never occurred to him that he'd have to do when he decided that $20+ million/year wasn't enough money for him to stay in the AL so now he's trying to get the rules changed so he doesn't have to do it. Don't it just make your brown eye blue? He's pitched ridiculously well for a guy with a 1-2 start. The 3 runs we tagged in with on opening day were the most he's given up in 4 starts but his team's bats and gloves have let him down so far. Saturday 7:10 -- Niese vs Gonzalez [1-2; 5.01, 1.71] Pitched a gem vs StL two outings ago but has otherwise been pretty shitty (5 runs, 3 runs, 6 runs). We didn't see him in the opening series Sunday 1:10 -- Gee vs Fister [1-1, 3.28, 1.46] The other starter we didn't see opening week, the first two starts for Fister were pretty good, next two not so much. We also didn't see Span, Werth, or Rendon the first week. Span is back and is hot. Werth is back and is not. Rendon has been rehabbing and is a possibility to surface before the weekend is out.

Lefty Specialist Apr 30 2015 12:33 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

I don't like that they're heating up just as the Mets are cooling down. Spending the weekend golfing with a bunch of Phillies/Nats fans and I don't want to be taking crap for 3 days. I'm still living down 2007.

Ceetar Apr 30 2015 12:40 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

Lefty Specialist wrote: I don't like that they're heating up just as the Mets are cooling down. Spending the weekend golfing with a bunch of Phillies/Nats fans and I don't want to be taking crap for 3 days. I'm still living down 2007. 4 days. but perhaps the Mets are through the cool period and will heat up again. they don't lose at home after all.

Lefty Specialist Apr 30 2015 12:59 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

Ceetar wrote: Lefty Specialist wrote: I don't like that they're heating up just as the Mets are cooling down. Spending the weekend golfing with a bunch of Phillies/Nats fans and I don't want to be taking crap for 3 days. I'm still living down 2007. 4 days. but perhaps the Mets are through the cool period and will heat up again. they don't lose at home after all. I leave Sunday morning, before they play the last game. So 3 days of abuse or abusing.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 30 2015 01:00 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

You should golf less.

Ceetar Apr 30 2015 01:08 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: You should golf less. me, I'd like to golf more.

Edgy MD Apr 30 2015 01:19 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

You should frolf more.

Lefty Specialist Apr 30 2015 01:26 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

Sometimes I find I'm golfing more and enjoying it less. Maybe I should frolf. In any case, wins tonight and tomorrow could lower my score considerably as I would be hitting with CAHNfidence.

Frayed Knot May 06 2015 02:12 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

Bryce Harper with 3 HRs in his first 3 ABs this afternoon. He then grounded out in AB #4 in the 7th inning. Is 7th in line to bat in the 8th inning so the Nats need a rally to get him up and, with Washington at home and handily ahead of Miami, they won't likely bat in the 9th.

Frayed Knot May 20 2015 01:15 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

Nice of someone to finally dent the back end of the Yanx bullpen, just wish it hadn't been the Nats. Not technically a blown save since it was a tie game, but those were the first earned runs scored all season off of either Betances or Miller. Ryan Zimmerman, who won last night's contest with a 2R HR off of Andrew Miller, now has 10 career walk-off HRs. Not only is that a lot in a general sense, but everyone else who has as many* or more than him has at least twice as many career HRs as compared to Zimmerman's comparatively paltry 189. Looked at another way, more than 5% of his HRs have gone for walk-off winners. Active leaders Pujols & Papi, for instance, have 11 walk-off HRs each but have those spread over a combined 999 career HRs, barely over 2%. Jayson Werth back to the DL. I think he sprained his hair. Infielder Wilmer Difo was called up making the NL East a two-Wilmer division. * At least as far as can be determined. Some pre-1930s data for WO HRs are sketchy.

John Cougar Lunchbucket May 20 2015 01:20 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

It's a win-win as Jacoby Ellsbury injured his knee (no deets) and went to the DL today.

TransMonk May 20 2015 01:41 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

Nats are 15-4 since that improbable comeback against the Braves on April 28th. I mentioned in the Braves thread that I hoped the win wouldn't be a springboard for the Nats. My hopes have been dashed.

Ceetar May 20 2015 01:47 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

Frayed Knot wrote: Nice of someone to finally dent the back end of the Yanx bullpen, just wish it hadn't been the Nats. Not technically a blown save since it was a tie game, but those were the first earned runs scored all season off of either Betances or Miller. Ryan Zimmerman, who won last night's contest with a 2R HR off of Andrew Miller, now has 10 career walk-off HRs. Not only is that a lot in a general sense, but everyone else who has as many* or more than him has at least twice as many career HRs as compared to Zimmerman's comparatively paltry 189. Looked at another way, more than 5% of his HRs have gone for walk-off winners. Active leaders Pujols & Papi, for instance, have 11 walk-off HRs each but have those spread over a combined 999 career HRs, barely over 2%. Jayson Werth back to the DL. I think he sprained his hair. Infielder Wilmer Difo was called up making the NL East a two-Wilmer division. So Werth and Ellsbury got hurt? I certainly wasn't 'rooting' for injuries out of that series, but... * At least as far as can be determined. Some pre-1930s data for WO HRs are sketchy.

Frayed Knot May 20 2015 07:23 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

Apparently it's not enough that Bryce Harper has like 52 HRs this month because for the second time in a week he gets ejected only to have his replacement HR in the very next AB. 2-2 in the 5th

Edgy MD May 23 2015 07:48 AM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

Aaron Barrett is more patriotic than you. Or at least more patriotic than any of the Phillies. On a beautiful spring night, a children’s choir sang the National anthem, a clear and smooth rendition. The crowd cheered their efforts, and the Phillies and Nationals headed to their dugouts. Barrett, a 27-year-old right-handed reliever, did not move. As is his post-anthem custom, Barrett scanned the opposing dugout, making sure the opponent’s line had dispersed. He held his hat over his heart and kept it there, standing a few feet from the fence in front of the Nationals dugout. What he saw changed the course of pregame history. “I don’t even know how it happened,” Barrett said. “Five of them were out there basically challenging me. I was like, ‘Great.’ I didn’t want to do it. I thought they were going to give up way earlier than that. It turned out to be … well, obviously we are at home, so I thought, ‘I can’t lose this.’ ” [fimg=800]https://img.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://img.washingtonpost.com/blogs/nationals-journal/files/2015/05/Barrett.jpg&w=1484[/fimg] I'm a little confused as to what the point of doffing your hat is if you're going to wear a backwards batting helmet.

d'Kong76 May 23 2015 07:59 AM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

That's pretty f'n duh lookin' hahahaha!

Edgy MD Jun 01 2015 07:09 AM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

The Nats have place Stephen Strasburg on the DL with neck tightness. While such a transaction may have been a terrifying report at one point, the Nats (like the Mets) have some built-in starter redundancy, and Strasburg has easily been the least effective starter on the team, and perhaps the least in the league.

Frayed Knot Jun 01 2015 07:43 AM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

Problem is that their starter depth was already being taxed with Tanner Roark filling in while Fister is on the DL. Earlier in the year their best pitching prospect (at least the one closest to ready) AJ Cole got a start but got bombed (9 ER in just 2 innings - although that was the game they came back on the Braves to win 13-12) and was immediately sent down. Maybe now he gets a second chance. Prior to his DL'ing, Strasburg had only made it past the 4th inning once in his previous five starts: 3.0 innings, 3.1, 5.0, 3.2, and 1.0 To add to it all, their biggest problem this past weekend was the pen. Cincy scored 4 in the 8th on Saturday to win by 3, then on Sunday the Reds broke a 2-2 tie with 6 in the 7th. Also DL'd a couple days back was Jayson Werth (again). This time it seems like his "sore" wrist was actually broken although it took them two weeks to find that out (for those who think non-insta-diagnosis are strictly a NYM problem). Expected to be out until August. Still nothing definite about Rendon although he's at least playing in rehab games somewhere.

TransMonk Jun 01 2015 10:27 AM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

With all of the middling teams on the Mets' schedule over the next month, now is the time to strike!

batmagadanleadoff Jun 01 2015 11:26 AM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

Edgy MD wrote: Aaron Barrett is more patriotic than you. Or at least more patriotic than any of the Phillies. On a beautiful spring night, a children’s choir sang the National anthem, a clear and smooth rendition. The crowd cheered their efforts, and the Phillies and Nationals headed to their dugouts. Barrett, a 27-year-old right-handed reliever, did not move. As is his post-anthem custom, Barrett scanned the opposing dugout, making sure the opponent’s line had dispersed. He held his hat over his heart and kept it there, standing a few feet from the fence in front of the Nationals dugout. What he saw changed the course of pregame history. “I don’t even know how it happened,” Barrett said. “Five of them were out there basically challenging me. I was like, ‘Great.’ I didn’t want to do it. I thought they were going to give up way earlier than that. It turned out to be … well, obviously we are at home, so I thought, ‘I can’t lose this.’ ” [fimg=800]https://img.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://img.washingtonpost.com/blogs/nationals-journal/files/2015/05/Barrett.jpg&w=1484[/fimg] I'm a little confused as to what the point of doffing your hat is if you're going to wear a backwards batting helmet. This might be one of the dumbest baseball related things I've ever read. I didn't even know this "standoff" was even a thing. What if oppoinsg players continue to "stand each other off" for 10 or 15 or 20 minutes? Then what? I also think that those spectators who go around policing the national anthem by demanding that total strangers in their vicinity remove their hats are some of the biggest fucking assholes on earth.

Ceetar Jun 01 2015 11:56 AM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

batmagadanleadoff wrote: This might be one of the dumbest baseball related things I've ever read. I didn't even know this "standoff" was even a thing. What if oppoinsg players continue to "stand each other off" for 10 or 15 or 20 minutes? Then what? I also think that those spectators who go around policing the national anthem by demanding that total strangers in their vicinity remove their hats are some of the biggest fucking assholes on earth. agreed, except they're not as bad as those that police the 7th inning prayer like I'm supposed to remove my hat for that.

batmagadanleadoff Jun 01 2015 11:57 AM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

Ceetar wrote: batmagadanleadoff wrote: This might be one of the dumbest baseball related things I've ever read. I didn't even know this "standoff" was even a thing. What if oppoinsg players continue to "stand each other off" for 10 or 15 or 20 minutes? Then what? I also think that those spectators who go around policing the national anthem by demanding that total strangers in their vicinity remove their hats are some of the biggest fucking assholes on earth. agreed, except they're not as bad as those that police the 7th inning prayer like I'm supposed to remove my hat for that. What the hell is a seventh inning prayer? There's no praying in baseball.

Ceetar Jun 01 2015 12:05 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

please stand and remove your hats while we pray that god will bless america... Let's even suspend the between innings time limit changes for this.

Frayed Knot Jun 01 2015 12:32 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

The Yanquis have armed Nazis (OK they're not armed, and probably not all of them are certified Nazis either) who prevent any walking around during their (Daily!) 7th inning dog and pony show. Need to go to the bathroom? -- Tough, wait until next inning. No walking is allowed (or aloud) at this time!

batmagadanleadoff Jun 01 2015 12:36 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

Frayed Knot wrote: The Yanquis have armed Nazis (OK they're not armed, and probably not all of them are certified Nazis either) who prevent any walking around during their (Daily!) 7th inning dog and pony show. Need to go to the bathroom? -- Tough, wait until next inning. No walking is allowed (or aloud) at this time! I can't believe there's all this insanity going on in baseball stadiums that I know nothing about. I also can't believe that in a city as scrutinized as New York, no one's challenged this Yankee no bathroom rule. What? There hasn't yet been a case of a spectator who peed (or worse) in their pants because the Yankees prevented him from using the rest rooms?

Ceetar Jun 01 2015 12:42 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

batmagadanleadoff wrote: Frayed Knot wrote: The Yanquis have armed Nazis (OK they're not armed, and probably not all of them are certified Nazis either) who prevent any walking around during their (Daily!) 7th inning dog and pony show. Need to go to the bathroom? -- Tough, wait until next inning. No walking is allowed (or aloud) at this time! I can't believe there's all this insanity going on in baseball stadiums that I know nothing about. I also can't believe that in a city as scrutinized as New York, no one's challenged this Yankee no bathroom rule. What? There hasn't yet been a case of a spectator who peed (or worse) in their pants because the Yankees prevented him from using the rest rooms? supposedly this is 'better'? at the new stadium. this guy sued and won in 2008. [url]http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/07/07/god-bless-america-yankee_n_227173.html

batmagadanleadoff Jun 01 2015 12:49 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

The Yanquis have armed Nazis (OK they're not armed, and probably not all of them are certified Nazis either) who prevent any walking around during their (Daily!) 7th inning dog and pony show. Need to go to the bathroom? -- Tough, wait until next inning. No walking is allowed (or aloud) at this time! I can't believe there's all this insanity going on in baseball stadiums that I know nothing about. I also can't believe that in a city as scrutinized as New York, no one's challenged this Yankee no bathroom rule. What? There hasn't yet been a case of a spectator who peed (or worse) in their pants because the Yankees prevented him from using the rest rooms? supposedly this is 'better'? at the new stadium. this guy sued and won in 2008. [url]http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/07/07/god-bless-america-yankee_n_227173.html Good for him. Here's a disturbing quote from that article: In May 2007, Trost told The New York Times that the practice was inspired by complaints of fans who were upset that spectators were not respectful enough during the playing of "God Bless America." It's disturbing because, if true, it means that baseball teams, or at least the Yankees, are empowering those same fucking assholes who try to harangue strangers into removing their caps.

Ceetar Jun 08 2015 01:27 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

[youtube:34587j2g]DNbA1bd07hs[/youtube:34587j2g] Mets aren't as poorly run as the Nationals. They wouldn't shut down Harvey in the playoffs do to some dumb innings limit thing.

HahnSolo Jun 08 2015 01:34 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

Frayed Knot wrote: The Yanquis have armed Nazis (OK they're not armed, and probably not all of them are certified Nazis either) who prevent any walking around during their (Daily!) 7th inning dog and pony show. Need to go to the bathroom? -- Tough, wait until next inning. No walking is allowed (or aloud) at this time! I went to the new YS for the first time earlier this year (the Harvey start) and for some reason made a concerted effort to look at my section to see if any security and/or ushers were blocking folks from leaving/re-entering their section. And at least in my section people were free to come and go. So I guess the stadium has that going for it.

d'Kong76 Jun 08 2015 01:38 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

The one time that I went to a Giants game years ago, the ushers frowned on people moving around when a batter was up.

Benjamin Grimm Jun 08 2015 01:45 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

They have a "fan etiquette" scoreboard video that is shown before the game in Pittsburgh that, among other things, asks fans not to get up and move around during an at bat. If I remember right, it was called "Don't Be That Guy" and showed us a Goofus-like fan doing everything wrong.

Lefty Specialist Jun 08 2015 01:47 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

d'Kong76 wrote: The one time that I went to a Giants game years ago, the ushers frowned on people moving around when a batter was up. This is true. The ushers will discourage you moving when a better is up and will let you move between batters. They have an exception called the 'My 5-year-old has to pee' rule which I exercised once. They're more focused on preventing people returning from the concession stands than they are with people getting up out of their seats.

d'Kong76 Jun 08 2015 01:59 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

Made an impression on me since I remember... it was a number of year ago now. He also let us sit in some unoccupied (very nice) seats in the shade and refused to take a tip. In NY you offer a guy a twenty and he asks if you have anything larger.

Frayed Knot Jun 08 2015 02:01 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

HahnSolo wrote: Frayed Knot wrote: The Yanquis have armed Nazis (OK they're not armed, and probably not all of them are certified Nazis either) who prevent any walking around during their (Daily!) 7th inning dog and pony show. Need to go to the bathroom? -- Tough, wait until next inning. No walking is allowed (or aloud) at this time! I went to the new YS for the first time earlier this year (the Harvey start) and for some reason made a concerted effort to look at my section to see if any security and/or ushers were blocking folks from leaving/re-entering their section. And at least in my section people were free to come and go. So I guess the stadium has that going for it. Yeah, I think that lawsuit Ceetar mentions several posts above put an end to that period where they were preventing -- sometimes physically and/or with threats of ejection from the stadium -- people from leaving their seats during the 7th inning stretch "ceremonies". I much prefer the rules -- or at least the suggestions -- where you're discouraged from walking around During innings. There are several parks where ushers will politely hold fans returning from bathrooms or concessions at the top of the aisles until they're between outs on the field.

Ceetar Jun 08 2015 02:08 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

Frayed Knot wrote: I much prefer the rules -- or at least the suggestions -- where you're discouraged from walking around During innings. There are several parks where ushers will politely hold fans returning from bathrooms or concessions at the top of the aisles until they're between outs on the field. I prefer them as suggestions, mainly because I prefer situations that don't have ushers at every entrance.

Frayed Knot Jun 11 2015 01:43 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

Nats, desperate for middle relief help, deal a middle infielder -- 24 y/o Tony Renda -- to the Yanx for the recently DFA'd David Carpenter. The Yanx had traded for Carpenter over the winter but couldn't find a spot for him despite the fact that they too have had problems with getting to their end of game guys. Also from the recently completed Yanx/Nats mini-series: in the midst of his 4th season and 415th game in the majors, Bryce Harper for the first time on Wednesday faced a pitcher younger than him when he batted in the 8th inning against Jacob Lindgren. Lindgren was the Yanx 2nd round draft pick just a year ago and is younger than Harper by 7 months. Harper flied out to LF.

Frayed Knot Jun 11 2015 04:02 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

Ryan Zimmerman to the DL. Plantar Fasciiitis

Edgy MD Jun 11 2015 05:58 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

That can be an annoyingly persistent condition. I wish it on nobody. Team-wise, he was already having a crap season, possibly related to the ailment. I guess Tyler Moore goes to first and Taylor becomes a full-time outfielder. But Moore has been having a lousy year also. Uggla?

G-Fafif Jun 12 2015 06:53 AM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

An unnamed source who is typing this sentence is speculating Matt Williams could be in trouble if the second-place Nats don't pick it up soon.

Ceetar Aug 03 2015 09:54 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

Bryce Harper: "I don’t give a crap what the Mets are doing. Or Dodgers or Giants or Texas or anybody. I know what kind of team we are."

Edgy MD Aug 03 2015 10:03 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

Harper is on fire. Keep that mic on him. "We saw all three of their horses twice in the matter of two weeks. ... They haven't seen (Max) Scherzer since day one." Yeah, and they beat him on day one. And contrary to what you claim, they also beat him again on May 1. The guy is a trip. I get the idea he does nutty mad warrior stuff like putting eyeblack in his jock strap or cutting a scar in his arm for each outfield assist. He's the kind of guy you think is great to have on your team, because he's putting up MVP numbers and setting a high standard, and then he gets hurt and goes to Florida for rehab, and it's the first time all year you aren't miserable, first time you don't dread coming to the park.

Ceetar Aug 03 2015 10:13 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

Mets Ace Zack Godley shut them down today. If only they'd had Scherzer, clearly.

Frayed Knot Aug 10 2015 09:23 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

On the heels of going 3-4 during a homestead vs the Snakes and the Rox, the Nats are starting a nine-game road trip out west: LA, SF, then Colorado again, meaning they'll have to see our scores probably before even taking the field and be forced to react to them. And after tonight's game they'll get Greinke and Kershaw Tuesday & Wednesday. In the meantime, Scherzer hasn't won either of his last two starts despite having 3-0 and 3-1 lead early on; Drew Storen has suddenly turned into a pumpkin after being switched to the 8th inning (6 runs allowed in the last 2 innings); Harper has HR'd in just one game since mid-July; and there are anonymous grumblings coming out of the clubhouse about Matt Williams. Werth, Rendon, and Zimmerman are back but it hasn't helped them score. Strasburg is back and had a good outing in his return but that's one in a row for a guy who often has trouble getting to two in a row. Long way to go still but I like the way this is trending.

MFS62 Aug 10 2015 10:33 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

Werth and Desmond, killing the Mets, like always. But tonight they're doing it at Chavez Ravine. Later

Edgy MD Aug 14 2015 07:52 AM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

Drew Storen has been pissy ever since Jonathan Papebon arrived, and he's pitched correspondingly awful. Doug Fister — eighth in Cy Young voting last season — has taken his 4+ ERA to the bullpen and gave up a three run shot to right in his first relief appearance. Anthony Rendon and Jayson Werth are back from their lengthy stays on the DL, but back in name only. Fans are pissed not only that Papelbon has taken Storen' job, but also that he's taken Fister's number. And hey, hasn't Pap's entire career been one long love affair with the fans? This is the state of the Nationals, all while the front office is insisting they will not panic. Whatever monkey was on the Mets' back going into the Nationals series, it sure switched backs some time during the series, probably some time as Wilmer Flores was rounding the bases. [fimg=350]http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2015/08/03/nyregion/03NYTODAY/03NYTODAY-tmagArticle.jpg[/fimg][fimg=350]https://d13yacurqjgara.cloudfront.net/users/110294/screenshots/2132978/monkey_160_anim_gif.gif[/fimg]

Benjamin Grimm Aug 14 2015 08:01 AM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

That's one weird monkey. I hope he continues to stick close to the Nationals.

Frayed Knot Aug 21 2015 03:48 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

Nats call up top hitting prospect (SS) Trea Turner. He was the guy they got as part of the three-team deal last December with SD & TB but couldn't be announced until June as part of the farce of a PTBNL until one full year after his signing. Prior to the deal he had been the 13th overall pick of the Padres in 2014 (3 picks after Conforto) out of UNC. Reportedly has blinding speed and has been working out at 2B recently. Probably would have been a top 15 prospect the coming winter (and still could be if he doesn't exceed the AB limit).

Mets Willets Point Aug 21 2015 08:25 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

Nice analysis at Grantland.

Benjamin Grimm Aug 22 2015 06:30 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

I have the Brewers-Nationals game on the TV (with the sound off) as I'm reading my book, but I just glanced up and saw the Brewers turn a nice double play. Runners on first and second, the Milwaukee centerfielder makes a nice diving catch and then guns down Werth trying to advance to third.

Benjamin Grimm Aug 24 2015 10:59 AM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

Nationals are off today, host the Padres for a three-game series beginning Tuesday. This is followed by a three-game series at home against the Marlins over the weekend, and then they travel to St. Louis for a three-game series.

Edgy MD Aug 25 2015 03:44 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

The Nat Daddies have reportedly re-set their rotation to ensure that Max Scherzer faces the Mets twice more going forward.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Aug 25 2015 11:03 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

Bring it on

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Aug 25 2015 11:10 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

Edgy MD wrote: The Nat Daddies have reportedly re-set their rotation to ensure that Max Scherzer faces the Mets twice more going forward.

Frayed Knot Aug 26 2015 07:08 AM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

Following the post-ASG sweep, Williams + Rizzo took some heat for NOT re-jiggering their rotation so as make the Mets face Scherzer when the Mets did exactly that when we threw the trio of Harvey, deGrom, Syndergaard at them, so I suppose they see this less as desperation than as correcting an earlier mistake. But, yeah, it's got the whiff of desperation. Last night's game saw the return of Denard Span and the first time all season that they've had the projected 'starting eight' on the field at the same time. But mainly what they've had going for them over their mini three-game winning streak (aside from, y'know, facing Milwaukee & Sandy Eggo) has been large two-out hits. Last night it was a 2-out GS from Ryan Zimmerman which broke the game open; on Sunday they got a 2-out/3-RBI 2B from Espinosa and a 2-out/3R HR from Rendon a couple innings later. Nice work if you can get it, but it's tough to count on stuff like that night after night and it's easy to see how a couple of ABs can change a game from one result to another. The trade for Papelbon 30 days ago now. He's pitched 7 innings for them to date and only 3 of those 7 1-inning appearances were in save situations. Maybe that deal will prove worthwhile down the stretch at some point but, even though he's pitched reasonably well for them in the short time he's been there, it really hasn't so far as they've been mostly playing games that wind up as blowouts one way or the other: only 3 of their last 19 games have been within 2 runs and all of them losses.

Mets Willets Point Aug 26 2015 02:28 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

Edgy MD wrote: The Nat Daddies have reportedly re-set their rotation to ensure that Max Scherzer faces the Mets twice more going forward. The Mets should respond by facing Scherzer with Logan Verrett.

G-Fafif Sep 01 2015 01:29 AM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

If the first-place Nats led the second-place Mets by 6 1/2 games as September dawned, only a few hardy souls would believe the Mets weren't dead. The first-place Mets lead the second-place Nats by 6 1/2 games as September dawns. Draw your own conclusions.

G-Fafif Sep 07 2015 05:22 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

Bryce Harper referred to Nats fans showing their Natitude by departing today's game early as "brutal". He must not have heard that Scott Boras advised them to cap their innings at seven.

Mets Guy in Michigan Sep 07 2015 05:28 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

G-Fafif wrote: Bryce Harper referred to Nats fans showing their Natitude by departing today's game early as "brutal". He must not have heard that Scott Boras advised them to cap their innings at seven. Bad ass!

batmagadanleadoff Oct 02 2015 03:03 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

Long informative Washington Post piece on the fall of the 2015 Nats. Lotsa Mets content. (Third of three-parter on the 2015 Nats). "In Jonathan Papelbon, Nationals got their closer — and their kiss of death" https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/n ... story.html excerpt: But inside the Washington clubhouse, the Clippard trade still resonated, a point further emphasized because the Nationals would be competing against their old teammate in a pennant race. Several Nationals couldn’t rectify the idea that the club had traded away Clippard, a reliable eighth-inning pitcher, in part because he was going to make $8.3 million in his final year of arbitration. These players, speaking on the condition of anonymity, believed the financial part of that decision didn’t marry well with the seven-year, $210 million contract given to Scherzer. Now here came Papelbon, who would be guaranteed $11 million for 2016. “We thought we were building a clubhouse here with players who were going to do things the Nationals Way,” one player said. “But then they don’t keep some of those guys, and they bring in others who haven’t come up that way. What does that teach you? How does that breed loyalty?” On that Saturday morning, Werth arrived at the ballpark and looked at the lineup card posted on a bulletin board that hangs on the wall just outside the main clubhouse. Clint Robinson was penciled into left field, where Werth plays. Rendon was penciled into the leadoff spot, where Werth had been hitting. Werth’s name wasn’t on it. Throughout the season, when everyday players are going to get a day off, the manager typically finds a way to get the message to a player the night before. The player then can do with that information whatever he wants — get in a more rigorous weightlifting session that night, arrive at the ballpark a little later the next day, whatever. More importantly, a player with a day off can mentally decompress and, for once, relax. According to individuals with direct knowledge of the situation, Werth hadn’t received such a message from Williams. This wasn’t the first time, and Werth wasn’t the first veteran to experience what players considered an oversight once, an egregious error beyond that. What might have been a minor blip in a successful season became a boiling point. Incensed, Werth ripped the lineup card off the wall, bellowing that it was going to change. Then, according to several people who were present, he confronted Williams — not just about whether he would play that day but about what most of the clubhouse considered to be a chronic lack of communication with his players. Among the most jarring barbs, from Werth to Williams: “When exactly do you think you lost this team?” The incident was the most visible and vocal in a summer that had devolved into chaos. From the players’ point of view, there were several problems with Williams and his leadership; communication was at the forefront. “He doesn’t talk to people in here,” one veteran said late in the year. This manifested itself in ways large and small, and many of the would-be problems ran through Knorr, the bench coach. Such a structure is typical in a major league clubhouse, with a coach used as a sounding board, a go-between, so that little problems don’t get to the manager, that the manager is only presented with major issues.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Oct 02 2015 06:17 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

Ye Gods. This is just the kind of thing people used to call LOLMetly, ain't it?

bmfc1 Oct 05 2015 10:52 AM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

Bad news for us: the Nationals have dismissed Matt Williams (and the entire coaching staff).

Benjamin Grimm Oct 05 2015 10:53 AM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

I would have been shocked if they hadn't.

Edgy MD Oct 05 2015 12:00 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

I'm surprised the whole staff went with him. I think we can assume Wally Backman gets at least an interview. Maybe Willie the Winner too!

Lefty Specialist Oct 05 2015 12:12 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

Supposedly Cal Ripken's in the running. That'd be enormously dumb, so I hope they do it. The Papelbon- Harper thing was just the icing on the cake. So yeah, it would have been shocking if they HADN'T fired him. Surprised GM Rizzo didn't go with him, but he's got to be on reallllllly thin ice.....

d'Kong76 Oct 05 2015 12:14 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

I wouldn't like Wally there. The Nationals have replaced the Braves as my least-liked divisional opponent.

Frayed Knot Oct 05 2015 12:16 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

Lefty Specialist wrote: Supposedly Cal Ripken's in the running. That'd be enormously dumb, so I hope they do it. Tough to believe that they'd replace a 1st time manager with another first timer - especially Ripken who's Baltimore's guy more than Washington's but would be almost as tough to fire in Washington. The thinking is that Rizzo has to pay for an experienced guy ... but who knows.

Edgy MD Oct 05 2015 12:34 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

Experienced dudes: Big Three: LaRussa Torre Cox Just Below Big Three: Charlie Manuel Leyland (71 and a big smoker historically, so I'd be afraid he die on the field) Pinella (same) Johnson (been there) Ron Gardenhire (hmmmm...) Ron Washington Dusty Baker (he's done, right?) Bobby Valentine Others: Bud Black (never saw the appeal) Willie Randolph (he's won!) Mike Redmond (come on) Ryne Sandberg (they've seen him up close!) Ron Roeneke Kirk Gibson Bo Porter Rick Renteria Alan Trammell Jerry Manuel Dale Sveum Eric Wedgie Manny Acta (been there too) Ozzie Guillen (please!) Brad Mills Jim Tracy Bob Geren John McLaren Mike Quade Jim Riggleman Trey Hillman Ken Macha John Russell Dave Trembley Phil Garner Buddy Bell Mike Hargrove Cecil Cooper Don Wakamatsu Crazy how few Latinos there are with experience. After Guillen and Acta, who is the next most experienced? Juan Samuel?

Lefty Specialist Oct 05 2015 12:41 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

Gardenhire's intriguing. His experience was constantly retooling when young players got too expensive and left for other teams. But he preaches the 'fundies', as Keith likes to say, and that's one thing the Nats sorely lacked this year. Even with the clusterf*ck of a manager and all the injuries they had, they still won 83 games. A few judicious moves and they're right back there again. There's plenty of talent on that roster, which is why it was so fun to watch them crash and burn.

TransMonk Oct 05 2015 12:43 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

[fimg=400:z6sq9gl0]https://cbswashington.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/sports-illustrated-cover1.jpg[/fimg:z6sq9gl0] 83 wins after this cover should get everyone fired.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Oct 05 2015 12:44 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

Not 4 nothing but Terry's contract is up in a few weeks too. I wouldn't be at all surprised if they give him a nice retirement bonus, win or lose.

Mets Willets Point Oct 05 2015 12:48 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

Not an endorsement, but if your listing guys with experience, Grady Little should be on there.

Edgy MD Oct 05 2015 12:53 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

No doubt. I had to go to the bathroom, and then, you know, do some work.

Edgy MD Oct 05 2015 12:55 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

Lee Mazzill!

d'Kong76 Oct 05 2015 12:56 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

That never gets old lol

G-Fafif Oct 05 2015 01:03 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

Why do teams dismiss Davey Johnson? It never works out in the end.

Centerfield Oct 05 2015 01:22 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

Oh please let them hire Willie Randolph. Oh please oh please oh please.

Ceetar Oct 05 2015 01:25 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

Centerfield wrote: Oh please let them hire Willie Randolph. Oh please oh please oh please. prefer them hire Backman personally.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Oct 05 2015 01:46 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

TransMonk wrote: [fimg=400]https://cbswashington.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/sports-illustrated-cover1.jpg[/fimg] 83 wins after this cover should get everyone fired. In all fairness, there's been quite a bit of tissue damage and career damage.

Edgy MD Oct 05 2015 01:47 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

What's with all the underscoring in SI cover typesetting? Is that like a digital interactive cover? I feel like I'm supposed to be clicking.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Oct 05 2015 01:49 PM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

[u:1q6hl43m]PARITY REIGNS? SUPERTEAMS ARE DEAD? WE ARE VERY EMPHATIC ABOUT OUR UNCERTAINTY?[/u:1q6hl43m]

Edgy MD Oct 06 2015 08:22 AM Re: Division Opponents in 2015: Washington Nationals

Suddenly, The Post is a bastion of great baseball writing. Amid the orgy Barry Svrluga postmortems, I missed this home run by Dan Steinberg, in which he documents over and over Matt Williams go-to baseball quote, "Why did you go to him in that spot? — He's our closer/eighth-inning guy/long man/etc." It strikes me that Rizzo letting Williams continue managing the rest of the season is almost as head-scratchable as Williams letting Papelbon continue pitching.