tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207681.post7952054558258984910..comments2024-03-28T10:50:33.234-07:00Comments on Nationals Baseball: It's not over until we say it's overHarperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07738813756060133236noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207681.post-90153670120047305692018-08-16T21:16:05.410-07:002018-08-16T21:16:05.410-07:00May be 2 little 2 late.May be 2 little 2 late.G.https://www.blogger.com/profile/11500574577302838292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207681.post-74941850657948501752018-08-16T06:14:35.961-07:002018-08-16T06:14:35.961-07:00Yeah guys we need an experienced manager like (che...Yeah guys we need an experienced manager like (checks notes) Gabe Kapler.<br /><br />Having said that, if you're gonna go cheap with a first-time MLB manager, at least get someone with minor league managing experience like Snitker and Lovulloocw5000https://www.blogger.com/profile/02490387895214583856noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207681.post-70394329409755226542018-08-16T06:11:56.775-07:002018-08-16T06:11:56.775-07:00This is the classic modern problem of being decent...This is the classic modern problem of being decent but not great in the wildcard era. By the time you can be sure you won't put it together in time, it's too late to get anything good in a trade. Eight starts of 2018 Gio will get you about a high-A starter with control issues and no reliable offspeed pitch. The offense Murphy brings is offset by his defense. Is he gonna bring back more than say, Justin Bour or the Buffalo did in value? Rizzo is maybe a good enough GM to get something, but it's going to be a diamond in the rough while what we see will be rough on the diamond. I think the pretense of "competing" and advertising Harper is probably worth more to the Lerners than a couple of 28th rated in their systems prospects.<br /><br />They can't even really tank their way to a better draft pick, since Toronto is about the only team that could catch them. There are only 11 teams with a worse record right now.blovy8https://www.blogger.com/profile/06888192019412533415noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207681.post-46687946722376865832018-08-16T05:49:54.720-07:002018-08-16T05:49:54.720-07:00Cherry on top: Wilson Ramos yesterday, 3-for-4, 3 ...Cherry on top: Wilson Ramos yesterday, 3-for-4, 3 runs, 3 RBI, 2 doubles, a triple, sac fly, and throws out a runner at second.<br /><br />Meanwhile Weiters' ground balls are finally sneaking through, now that the games don't matter.Mr. Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00567685906834294396noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207681.post-45459325156837803152018-08-16T05:40:30.949-07:002018-08-16T05:40:30.949-07:00Judging from the twitters... I think Harper will b...Judging from the twitters... I think Harper will be giving us his "Called" post here shortly, maybe?JE34noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207681.post-5314444975986566862018-08-16T04:33:53.314-07:002018-08-16T04:33:53.314-07:00No collective buy in. A group of talented individu...No collective buy in. A group of talented individuals out playing for themselves, regardless of their personalities. Maybe that’s the managers fault? Maybe that’s just the culture the preceded him? Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207681.post-71437133873771098042018-08-15T19:36:24.993-07:002018-08-15T19:36:24.993-07:00And, another random lefty up from the minors looks...And, another random lefty up from the minors looks like Cy Young... as the Nats go meekly into the night.JE34noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207681.post-36167637402541780682018-08-15T19:30:07.737-07:002018-08-15T19:30:07.737-07:00^^ How far can ya throw that towel?^^ How far can ya throw that towel?Singing Fat Ladynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207681.post-69014589350726962262018-08-15T14:34:19.349-07:002018-08-15T14:34:19.349-07:00After Gio imploded yesterday, the bullpen was good...After Gio imploded yesterday, the bullpen was good. Small sample size yes, but kept the Cards at bay and let the offense chip away. Of course they didn’t win and that’s what anyone cares about, but the fact they had the tying runs up in the 8th AND 9th innings after being down 0-5 and 1-6 and they fought back gives me at least some opptomism and really that’s all you can ask for. Lose tonight?? OK maybe time to throw in the towel, but IMO they have 9 innings to turn things around. 1 game at a time, 9 innings at a time, 1 series at a time!Max Davidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06425423505319440584noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207681.post-55936415125210815762018-08-15T13:29:35.757-07:002018-08-15T13:29:35.757-07:00Max David said...
"I’m still keeping the fait...Max David said...<br />"I’m still keeping the faith"<br /><br />How will this turnaround occur? Gio bombs 50% of the time. Hellickson can't get out of the sixth inning. Roark has had three consecutive stellar performances, but before that he was awful. Milone is below average. <br /><br />The bullpen is in shambles. Doolittle is out. Kintzler and Kelley are gone. Madson and Herrera weren't doing great before they joined the DL. <br /><br />I can't construct a scenario that would provide for a massive win streak giving the current state of the Nationals pitching. Getting Stras and Doolittle back will help, but thats not any where near sufficient. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207681.post-53513990135531731782018-08-15T13:25:05.473-07:002018-08-15T13:25:05.473-07:00One more thing about "all-in"... we went...One more thing about "all-in"... we went ALL-IN on our rotation in 2015. Scherzer, Stras, ZNN, Gio, Ross/Fister. A rotation for the ages. And we didn't even make the playoffs.Ole PBNnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207681.post-66355469921247273552018-08-15T13:18:41.936-07:002018-08-15T13:18:41.936-07:00Here's a different way of looking at it. At th...Here's a different way of looking at it. At the time of the Kintzler trade and letting Kelley go, was anyone confident that this team was capable of an ALCS or WS run? They've been tetering on .500 for most of the season as have largely remained 4+ games back of a leader we didn't see coming. Funny how the conversation was always about whether PHI or ATL were "for real" and not about whether we were smoke and mirrors (injuries I know, but the record speaks for itself, no what-ifs). While we're debating at how "real" PHI and ATL's record is, we're ignore the fact that we're 11-15 against them. That is good beating bad. And yes, Difo is bad because he is was our starting 2B for most of the year. Cole/JRod/Milone/etc is bad, and its what we played instead of quality arm.This team just didn't have it from the start. Injuries, star players not performing, the rotation, the bullpen, the manager, you name it. We did walkthrough celebrations of game-winning hits/homers in spring training. We have three walk-off wins, tied for 26th in the league. We've been shutout 11 times this year, more than any other team aside from DET. How was anyone confident?<br /><br />So no, I wasn't mad about Kintzler or Kelley. Only interested in the return. I was for trading Bryce as well - if the return was good enough. This season is only for two things: watching Juan Soto and Max Scherzer doing amazing things. Thats it. So lets look at next year. I'm excited about the new faces and hopefully changed culture that might bring. A new wave of talent.<br /><br />And about Rizzo. Enough with this wavering faith in one of the best GM's in the game. The guy is hamstrung by ownership. All this "the window is closing" garbage. Yeah the window with Bryce maybe. But a new window of Rendon, Turner, Kieboom, Soto, Robles, Eaton is opening. No reason to be pessimistic about 2019 and that is due entirely to Rizzo. The two trades I hear criticism for constantly is Vazquez (Rivero) for Melancon and Treinen/Luzardo for Doolittle/Madson. Both of those are the "all-in" maneuvers that fans say he should be making. Got us nothing. Meanwhile, we lost Souza only to get Turner and Ross in return. Lost Giolito/Lopez/Dunning for Eaton. A mediocre pitcher (McKenzie Mills) for Howie Kendrick. And so far, I like the return on Kintzler btw. Great cheap signings like Albers, Belisle, Lind, Adams, Reynolds, Hellickson, and the list goes on. For those who don't agree or think Rizzo is losing his touch, just remember who assembles a team worthy of even commenting on this blog about.Ole PBNnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207681.post-69844859578187704692018-08-15T12:55:08.261-07:002018-08-15T12:55:08.261-07:00As for Max D's optimism: I wish I could share ...As for Max D's optimism: I wish I could share it, but I'm done. The A's are a great story who sort of found themselves as the season went along. The Nats have not. I get that it's not just Davey Martinez, but he IS part of the problem. Rizzo's planning and trade deadline strategy is also part of it. The Lerners not quite being willing to go "all-in" during Bryce's walk year is part of it. And injuries are part of it (but picking up an Arrieta in the off-season would have helped that), a lot of it. It's a bunch of things, but when folks say it's on the players and only the players, I disagree. Martinez probably needs to go. Rizzo flunked the trade deadline. I think we'll hear a lot of stuff in the media about the real clubhouse and other problems after the Nats are eliminated.Johnny Callisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06517288347359334617noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207681.post-803201744116854532018-08-15T12:54:10.195-07:002018-08-15T12:54:10.195-07:00Manager-wise, I think a veteran manager is a great...Manager-wise, I think a veteran manager is a great idea. If Showalter was managing this club, I think they'd be in the thick of it. And the nonsense on the bases would be nipped in the bud. The BP would be better managed. Gio would get pulled even when he wanted to stay in past his sell date.<br /><br />But the problem is the Lerners seem to realize every so often that a veteran manager is a good idea and they cough up a two-year contract, grudgingly, then become annoyed when that manager feels entitled to input beyond the dugout. I think Showalter would be perfect for these guys, but the Lerners wouldn't meet his salary demands and Rizzo might not want to work with a manager as an equal.<br /><br />Only one neophyte manager has had any success with the Nats--MW year one. The real successes have all been crusty vets like F Robby, Davey J, and Dusty. And those guys don't put up with nonsense from players or owners. But man, would I LOVE one of those guys. <br /><br />I actually think Riggleman might have done okay if they'd kept him all those years ago. He seems like a manager. Davey M doesn't. In this situation, Earl Weaver would have lit a fire under his team or been out there on the field getting ejected (Dusty would have, too). I don't think getting along with Bryce should be the measuring stick, although that seems to be important to Riz and the Lerners.<br /><br />Johnny Callisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06517288347359334617noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207681.post-89226241127895335042018-08-15T12:48:22.976-07:002018-08-15T12:48:22.976-07:00Even if the Lerner's were to fire Martinez and...Even if the Lerner's were to fire Martinez and seek to add an experienced manager with a good track record, why would any experienced manager with a good track record want to join the Nationals? <br /><br />- No manager has ever lasted two seasons with the Nationals. Davey Johnson and Dusty Baker weren't good enough<br /><br />- Lerner's don't respect customary baseball courtesies, particularly in contract matters. They low balled Bud Black. They regularly allow managers to manage under the last year of their contracts (see Riggleman, Baker, and along similar lines, Rizzo). They lied to Dusty Baker, telling him they would resign him in the off season regardless of the team's post season performance, and then didn't resign him, against the recommendation of the General Manager.<br /><br />- Teams at the start of their decline are the worst places to join because the expectations haven't been fully reset in many minds, at least unconsciously. Rebuilds take time and losing. The brand of the manager is bound to associated with that losing. Turnarounds don't always happen quickly (see Jim Leyland, Pittsburgh Pirates). If the turnaround starts to bloom, there is a chance you could get Riggleman'ed as management begins eyeing the trendier hot managers. <br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207681.post-64888909914971120162018-08-15T12:31:42.886-07:002018-08-15T12:31:42.886-07:00I’m still keeping the faith. As I said last week 3...I’m still keeping the faith. As I said last week 3-4 on this road trip and that is still attainable. Win these next 2, sweep the Marlins, win 2 of 3 against the Phillies & Mets and they are right back in the race heading to last week of August.<br /><br /><br />I know it’s apples to oranges, but the A’s were 34-36 and 11.5 back of Houston after losing at home to the Angels, their 4th straight loss at home after the Astros started with a 3 game sweep. Since than, the A’s are 38-12, MLB’s best record at that time and if they beat the Mariners today and win the series against the Astros over the weekend they’ll be no worse than tied with the Astros for the AL West lead. The A’s have done this in about 7.5 weeks while the Nats only have about 6.5 weeks but the A’s cut 9.5 games in a 7.5 week span while the Nats only need to cut 6 games (8 games for division) in 6.5 weeks. Still a tough hit to climb, but don’t give up hope just yet. Wait to see how the rest of this series goes just like me! You can’t get them back all at once, but get series wins (especially against teams you are chasing), get sweeps, sweep the Marlins & Mets of the world and see where we are in a week’s time!Max Davidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06425423505319440584noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207681.post-89104729827246723412018-08-15T11:59:01.373-07:002018-08-15T11:59:01.373-07:00I agree with PotomacFan on every point unfortunate...I agree with PotomacFan on every point unfortunately. Hopefully, the Nats realize they have wasted a year for no reason. I agree they need an experienced manager and need to spend for an experienced manager. The Phils and the Braves are much better teams now. The days of coasting to an NL East title are over. Max is too good to waste on bad teams. Hopefully, next year will be better.Jaynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207681.post-16250422159810023692018-08-15T11:55:29.071-07:002018-08-15T11:55:29.071-07:00So, maybe we need a new manager. I don't thin...So, maybe we need a new manager. I don't think we'll miss the playoffs because of Davey Martinez, but I don't think he is up to the task, either. Here's the problem: the Lerners have repeatedly shown that they won't pay full price for an experienced manager -- and we need an experienced manager. No more first time managers. Will the Nats pay for Joe Girardi? Mike Metheny? Buck Schwolter? Those guys will all want $4+ million for multiple years.<br /><br />As much as the Nats may need a new manager, I think they also definitely need a new pitching coach, and maybe a new batting coach. Of course, a new manager would probably insist on hiring his own folks. I haven't heard anyone say anything good about Derek Lilliquist.<br /><br />And while we are at it, let's please get new coaches at first and third base.PotomacFanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17479027458024348671noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207681.post-40872201248184930032018-08-15T11:37:52.142-07:002018-08-15T11:37:52.142-07:00I think Davey is a really nice guy. I think he ge...I think Davey is a really nice guy. I think he gets along well with Bryce Harper. I think he knows a guy who can bring camels to Spring Training. I think that is the end of his strengths. Doesn't seem to know how to motivate the team. Doesn't seem to know how to handle SP. If both Gio and Hellickson can't be counted on to go 5 then why are they starting one after the other?? Doesn't seem to know how to handle a bullpen. He seems way over his head to me. I've read in three different spots that he could be in trouble after just 1 year. Heyman, Rosenthal, and I think Yahoo sports but not sure on that one.Jaynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207681.post-32725934761536912832018-08-15T11:00:56.581-07:002018-08-15T11:00:56.581-07:00Here's a question perhaps better left for the ...Here's a question perhaps better left for the rapidly approaching Hot Stove League:<br /><br />Given how frequently Dave Martinez has been flayed--on this site particularly, but elsewhere, too--for being the cause of the demise/underperformance of this year's Nats, can anyone discern what, if any, his strengths are as a manager?<br /><br />(Yes [sigh] comparisons to Dusty are permitted.)<br />SMnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207681.post-89568538209065692632018-08-15T10:43:46.012-07:002018-08-15T10:43:46.012-07:00Suggestion for Harper for a blog topic ... given t...Suggestion for Harper for a blog topic ... given that the Nats are not going to make the playoffs, how should the Nats play out the remainder of the season? Should they consider starting prospects and benching regulars, particularly in positions where the current position holder may not be with the Nationals next season? Kieboom (infielder) over Murphy? Voth and Rodriguez over Gio and Hellickson? Kieboom (catcher) over Wieters? Any bullpen guy under 30 over any bullpen guy over 30?<br /><br />Robles would be slightly different. As Soto, Taylor, and Eaton will be back, and the Nationals seemingly want to keep on friendly terms with Harper, there is no optimal players to bench. So for outfield, have Robles join a five man outfield rotation where everybody plays 3/5 of the time. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207681.post-24254080946129236692018-08-15T10:34:33.783-07:002018-08-15T10:34:33.783-07:00Isn't that nice that Wieters 'has found hi...Isn't that nice that Wieters 'has found his rhythm'. It only took two years and $20 million dollars. I wish him the best next seasonAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207681.post-87491934788159695702018-08-15T10:00:19.952-07:002018-08-15T10:00:19.952-07:00I'm ready to accept it's over. Too many h...I'm ready to accept it's over. Too many holes make it impossible for the team to be consistent, so they never get hot enough to win 10 out of 12, which would have put them in the thick of it had they had a run like that after the ASG. This is the first season where I'm seriously reconsidering my confidence in Rizzo. Trading Kintz and releasing Kelley back to back showed how precarious the BP's health was. In light of the fact that Doo was out with no clear return date and Herrera was unreliable, those two personnel moves were huge mistakes. If the BP is shaky, why weaken it at that moment? Greg Holland in place of Kintz? Koda in place of Kelley when he's been out all season? <br /><br />I get that the Lerners make Rizzo's job harder (signing Wieters for way over what was necessary; vetoing Arrieta, refusing to add much payroll in-season which precludes any big moves), but in this case he let his own emotions dictate a choice, not logic. Bad moves made, and no good moves made to offset them.<br /><br />I cannot imagine a scenario where they make the post-season. I thought they should sell in July and man, they really need to sell now and get what they can for Gio, Murphy, Reynolds/Adams and Herrera or Madson or if anyone is even interested.Johnny Callisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06517288347359334617noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207681.post-35710485830464532018-08-15T08:26:13.653-07:002018-08-15T08:26:13.653-07:00"you're damn right you get some one up an..."you're damn right you get some one up and ready to go in"<br /><br />That will continue the practice of wearing out bullpen arms. Thats a big reason on how the bullpen got to this point, but lets continue doing it (that and Rizzo's trade deadline maneuvers) Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207681.post-43615333711981912962018-08-15T07:37:54.434-07:002018-08-15T07:37:54.434-07:00Wieters starting to find a rhythm:
https://www.wa...Wieters starting to find a rhythm:<br /><br />https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/nationals-journal/wp/2018/08/15/the-nationals-are-struggling-but-matt-wieters-finally-is-finding-his-rhythm-at-the-plate/?utm_term=.75b63c708720<br /><br />Also, looks like Raudy Reed is hitting nicely down in HarrisburgG Cracka Xhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16718297381010491862noreply@blogger.com