As Of August 1st

BTW--I have been on the West Coast all week thanks to real business considerations. Thankfully, The All Star Break, as planned, provided some cushion.

As Of August 1st:

I don't want to see Johnny Estrada playing for Our Washington Nationals.

Same for Paul LoDuca. These two players have NO FUTURE with Our Washington Nationals. None.

As of August 1st, I don't want to see the silly lineup fielded tonight by Our Manager Manny Acta.

This evening's order had little chance of success. Yeah, they fought back, but still it was not enough to defeat The Atlanta Braves in an eventual 7-6 loss.

And Yes, I fully understand, Injuries have assisted to hamper Our Season. But, why so many veterans in the lineup, when this season is all about next year--and beyond?

If Washington is going to trade some of these veterans by July 31st and are looking to showcase them--Fine.

But, I am telling you--As Of August 1st--nothing like the starting lineup at Turner Field this evening is acceptable.

I want to see Our Future. I don't want to see aging Vets trying to extend Their Future.

I want to see Tyler Clippard, Garrett Mock, Collin Balester, Jason Bergmann, John Lannan as starters on the mound. Maybe Jordan Zimmermann.

I want to see Jesus Flores behind the plate--unless the Number 23 catching has the name tag Schneider on the back of his jersey--Not Estrada. What a waste.

I want to see players looking to FIND THEMSELVES in the Big Leagues.

If Larry Broadway has ANY CHANCE of playing for Our Washington Nationals--give him a shot. Just like the released Alex Escobar--what do we have to lose? Amazingly, I can't think of a single additional Minor Leaguer in Our System that might be even close to ready for everyday play in The Major Leagues. Not one.

Now realizing that I may be the only person in Washington with faith in him, but Ryan Langerhans is a better player than shown so far. A fine fielder with some ability to stroke a nice blow every now and then. We have NO ONE ELSE available--find out if Our Number 29 can play and be a part of Our Future.

And after August 1st, I want to find out--soon--whether Ryan Zimmerman is ready to go 100%. No fooling around with Our Franchise Player. If he's injured--lets sit him down for the rest of the season. Get the surgery needed to get Our Number 11 ready for 2009. If he's so valuable, there is NO MESSING AROUND WITH THIS YOUNG MAN. Same holds true for Lastings Milledge and Elijah Dukes. All three comprise Our Future--no reason to mess with their physical abilities.

Honestly, what does it matter? If we are building for the future--let's go for The Number One Draft Pick in 2009. If success is found in Washington from a lost season, a few years from now, everyone will forget the poor year 2008 is turning out to be.

As of August 1st--let's put OUR FUTURE ON THE FIELD. I can cheer for that--no matter how badly we may play.

As always, I mean it.

Let Go Nats!!

Game Notes & Highlights

Tim Redding throws way too many pitches to record the required outs. Tonight, 88 pitches to get through just four innings. He was not effective. It was odd seeing Jason Bergmann in a reliever role. Manny should consider using starters on "work days" between starts more often--especially when a game might be on the line. This might have been the only time Charlie Manning has successfully completed two full innings of relief without being scored upon. This situational lefty has been lit up by right handers during his short stint in The Majors.

Yeah, I know, LoDuca knocked in two runs tonight. But that doesn't mean he is worth keeping.

And finally, Atlanta Closer Mike Gonzalez was in trouble in the top of the 9th. The winning runs were on the bases with Austin Kearns at the plate. What does Our Number 25 do? He swings at the very first offering from Gonzalez and lines out to Jeff Francouer in right. Sorry, you just have to be more patient Austin--with the game on the line. Gonzalez didn't have it.

Tonight's InGame Photo--(AP) John Bazemore