Re-Structuring

As long as Our Washington Nationals are Re-Structuring, why not make one more move with a player currently on Our 25 Man Roster. Every team in the game wishes to be strong up the middle. Good Defensive Catcher with a strong throwing arm. Jesus Flores--We got that. Swift and Fancy fielding gloves at second base and shortstop. The newly acquired Alberto Gonzales--with "The Guz" hurting--and the recently traded for Emilio Bonifacio at 2nd. We supposedly have that too, now--at least on paper. A Quality Centerfielder with good defensive skills and a strong arm. No, we don't have that, yet. But, we do already have someone with that ability on Our Roster, Elijah Dukes--not Lastings Milledge.

Dukes has the five tool talents desired to be roaming the vast lands of centerfield. Our Number 44 may have the athletic talent, but Lastings does not have the skills, nor the required arm to patrol that position. Dukes does.

JimBo, please put Dukes in Centerfield, and Milledge in Left. Make this move NOW--with two months remaining in this oddest of Inaugural Seasons at New Nationals Park. Every Team in Major League Baseball wants to be strong up the middle. Every single team wants to put a quality defensive lineup out in the field to protect their starters. According to everything we've seen about Flores and Dukes, and according to EVERYTHING you and your Baseball Operations have raved about over Gonzalez and Bonifacio--What Do You Have To Lose? This is the right move.

Besides--just about every single person in the game agrees that Lastings Milledge is better suited to be a corner outfielder.

All this possible thanks to a flurry of official moves late this evening.

Johnny Estrada--Designated For Assignment Last Week--Gone. Paul LoDuca--Gone. FLop--Gone (But Never To Be Forgotten--no, now way--Felipe Lopez has provided so much fodder over his past two seasons in The District--he's been quite remarkable actually). All released, unconditionally, immediately following tonight's out of sync and dismal loss to The Philadelphia Phillies on South Capitol Street. An 8-4 defeat, Washington's 9th Straight, and 3rd Straight Sweep by an opponent. This was an ugly affair where missed baseballs, poor throws and some lifeless play added to an already hot, humid and uncomfortable night at the ballpark.

The fact that Our Supposed Franchise Player was hit on his wrist by a fastball from The Phillies Kyle Kendrick--didn't add to the fun. There could not have been a sole in the announced crowd of 31,658 that DID NOT BELIEVE Ryan Zimmerman had just fractured a bone in his right hand. The silence on South Capitol Street was erie. The African Queen later stating--"Ryan being out--again--would have just KILLED THE SEASON FOR ME!!" Fortunately, X-Ray's were negative, the injury is officially called a 'contusion' and Our Number 11 is listed as Day-To-Day.

As for the game itself, Our Washington Nationals were charged with three errors. The Official Scorer generous in not calling two more. But, The Signature Play of this game came with two outs in the top of the sixth. The Phillies already had scored three more runs, sending John Lannan to the showers. Garrett Mock now on the mound--trying to retire Jayson Werth. The Philadelphia Outfielder would pop up in the infield--to the right of mound--slightly toward third base. Ronnie Belliard, filling in for "Z", called the ball all the way. The very instant Our Number 10 was about to close his glove on the dropping baseball--Mock stepped in and OVER BELLIARD to make the catch. The force of Our Number 50's big body pushing Ronnie back and away--forcibly.

Was RONNIE BELLIARD EVER PISSED!! Our Number 10 slapped his glove hard against his side, said something that could not be heard, BUT NEVER LOOKED AT GARRETT MOCK. Not once--all the way to the dugout. Mock, for his part, never gazed over and attempted to apolgize to Ronnie. Walking side by side--two players for Our Washington Nationals REFUSED TO SPEAK TO EACH OTHER. That was shameful. These guys are supposedly teammates, but neither wanted to be on the field with the other at that moment. At that very point in time--THE GAME WAS OVER--Officially. Washington had surrendered.

As Belliard reached the Home Dugout, Austin Kearns and Lastings Milledge slapped their gloves on Belliard's legs in support. No One said a word to Garrett Mock (as far as we could see from Section 218). This moment was very odd and uncomfortable to watch. Sad actually, to witness Two Players on Our Team, that didn't wish to work things out--over something so small--as each attempting to record the out. Silly and Unprofessional.

Expectedly, Washington never really threatened again. How odd that Felipe Lopez doubled to the wall in right centerfield in the bottom of the 9th and eventually scored in his final At-Bat in a Nationals Jersey. Such a talented player--FLop. Such a disappointment on the field of play for so long.

How much I will miss yelling out out: "Come On FLop!!" and "Don't Kill The Rally!!" most every time Our Now Former Number 2 stepped to the plate. The Man's got a terrific arm. The GREATEST NICKNAME IS BASEBALL--"FLop", but played as if his moniker was FACT. Many times--his head apparently not in the game. How ironic that the so-called trade of Austin Kearns and Lopez, along with Ryan Wagner--praised highly by many in the Summer of 2006, now just a nothing swap. Washington left with "Bluegrass", The Cincinnati Reds left with Bill Bray, Gary Majewski and Darryl Thompson--all pitchers. How history can change, over time.

A new look team for Our Washington Nationals takes the field beginning tomorrow--August 1st, 2008. The Second Season Begins for Our Fans. Let's not waste any more time when quality youngsters are available to be placed in Our Lineup. This Version 4.5 of Our Washington Nationals is going to be a pretty good defensive team. What we don't know is whether by 2009, they will learn how to hit--consistently.

Today brought a new day--a fresh look at Our Washington Nationals. 23 Year Olds at Catcher, Second Base, Third Base, Left & Center (Dukes/Milledge). A 25 Year old Shortstop, 22 & 23 Year old Starters and three other 25 Year old Pitchers. All with varying degrees of talent and potential. This is how you finally begin building a team from scratch. Not with veterans on the down side of their careers. Tomorrow is The First Day of seeing The Future of Our Washington Nationals. In a season of lost hope--a rekindled spirit is upon us. Seeing young players that WANT TO BE OUT THERE ON THE FIELD, playing the game we all love--even if losing still--is far more preferable than the effort seen during most of the first four months of this 2008 campaign.

Tonight's Re-Structuring was a good start. Now--lets just put Elijah Dukes and Lastings Milledge in the positions they need to play to succeed at The Major League Level--consistently. Then, it will be time to find a First Baseman, and more hurlers from "Mr. Pitching, Pitching, & More Pitching"--who always seems to trade Pitching.

Thankfully, even Our General Manager Jim Bowden will have to admit--his pension for all things Cincinnati is FINALLY over--because All Things Arizona is the new fad of Our Washington Nationals and Assistant GM Mike Rizzo. (Matt Chico, Mock, Bonifacio and Gonzales are all Rizzo signed players--while he was with The Diamondbacks). All Snakes--En Vogue.

Game Notes & Highlights

John Lannan really got rocked tonight. Home Runs allowed to Jayson Werth and Jimmy Rollins. Yeah, his defense behind him was poor--but Our Number 31 didn't help is own cause much. 9 hits and 3 walks allowed. At times--he seemed even out of sync with his catcher Jesus Flores. Three times Jesus & John met at the mound to discuss the situation. Once, Lannan threw a pitch to Flores that obviously Our Number 3 was not expecting. Our Number 31 snapped at him--bringing Our Number 3 on the run to the mound to figure out the problem. Just another part of bad night on the field.

At least Pete Orr got some playing time with Cristian Guzman still listed as day-to-day with his thumb injury. Our Number 4's first start since turning down Team Canada to play in the 2008 Olympics. Orr responded with three hits and some solid play at shortstop.

Despite the thoughts of some against The Lerners--They did EAT THE SALARIES of Rob Mackowiak, Johnny Estrada, FLop and Paul LoDuca. That's approximately $12 Million--Folks. They didn't saddle the team with veterans taking up space for the remainder of 2008, when a fresh beginning was at hand. I applaud that effort. Chad Cordero's Salary of $6.2 Million is gone off the books come October 1st, as well. We are approaching an expected deduction of $20 Million in payroll off the ledger come 2009. Hopefully, enough money to sign some more top draft picks and maybe make some smart moves in a few off season transactions. Cristian Guzman's new two year contract only adds $4 million more to the projected 2009 Payroll.

So--why is Odalis Perez still with Our Team? Is Washington attempting to pass him through waivers--knowing someone might take him in a few weeks? If not, we might as well release him too.

How odd to realize that when Our Washington Nationals lost their very first game of this season--to The Phillies in Philadelphia, they were in first place that first week with a 3-0 record. Since that fateful first defeat Our Record, 35-70. .333 ball.

The 4th Inning President's Race was again unusual tonight. With Tom Leading The Race, handily, all the way from The Centerfield Gate--he suddenly stopped running upon seeing "Martha Washington" waiting along the front row of the stands down the right field line. Making a pass at Mrs. Washington, Tom immediately found himself passed out and knocked down--thanks to a hard running hit by a jealous George. Protecting his wife, GW SLAMMED TJ to the ground. Man, he hit him hard. So badly, you had to wonder whether Tom was going to see anything but stars and stripes for some time. This race might have been the most thrilling event on the field tonight at New Nationals Park.


Have you noticed these Widescreen HDTV's being placed in and round certain seating sections with overhangs above? They are FANTASTIC!! Two or three screens to each section showing the game on MASN and the images from The HDTV Scoreboard. All season long, the construction crews have been adding these sets during times Our Washington Nationals are out of town. Honestly, they look great. Terrific Picture.


Finally--Sohna and I have come to really look forward to the Welcome Home!!! Salute to the many military personnel back home and rehabbing from violent war injuries overseas. Taking place in the top of the 4th inning of every home game--the crowd has really responded well to this salute. Even the visiting teams have joined in the welcome. The Philadelphia Phillies clapping during each of the past three evenings for the Men & Women at New Nationals Park. The Home Crowd always now standing and applauding in great response. It's hard to watch these many solders with their debilitating injuries but this salute has also become a very nice moment--cherished every single game. Our Washington Nationals should keep this going--for as long as necessary.

Tonight's InGame Photos--(AP) Pablo Martinez Monsivais
All Other Photos--Nats320 (All Rights Reserved)

One Trade--A Minor One

Our General Manager Jim Bowden announced just before the 4PM Deadline for Non-Waiver Trades this afternoon that Our Washington Nationals had acquired Shortstop Alberto Gonzalez from The New York Yankees for Jhonny Nunez--a minor league pitcher acquired two season ago at the 2006 Deadline for Marlon Anderson.

Honestly, I don't much about Gonzalez, but Our Washington Nationals have stated that Gonzales will be in uniform this Friday Night when The Cincinnati Reds are in town. Does this spell the end of FLop? A roster move must be made. Felipe Lopez's time with Our Washington Nationals must be coming to an end?

NATIONALS ACQUIRE SS ALBERTO GONZALEZ FROM YANKEES IN EXCHANGE FOR MINOR-LEAGUE PITCHER JHONNY NUNEZ
The Washington Nationals today acquired shortstop Alberto Gonzalez from the New York Yankees in exchange for minor-league right-handed pitcher Jhonny Nunez. Gonzalez is expected to report to Washington, DC on Friday and be in uniform for the Nationals’ series opener vs. Cincinnati. Nationals Senior Vice President and General Manager Jim Bowden made the announcement.

Gonzalez, 25, is a plus defensive shortstop who last season was rated as the top defensive infielder in the Yankees’ minor-league system. Gonzalez, who played in 28 games during a pair of stints with the Yankees this season, batted .250 (47-for-188) with eight doubles, four home runs and 23 RBI in 47 games with Scranton/W-B of the Triple-A International League in 2008.

Gonzalez was acquired by the Yankees as part of the January 2007 five-player trade that brought Randy Johnson to New York. In 2005, he was rated by Baseball America as the top defensive infielder in Arizona’s minor-league system. At the minor-league level, Gonzalez tallied at least 20 doubles each of the last three seasons and has fanned just once every 8.6 at-bats in five-plus seasons.

Why?

How could you leave him in the game? He didn't have it. Everyone knew it from the first inning on. Now, Tim Redding was in a big jam--thanks to his own doing--in a one run game in the top of the fifth. And no one was warming up in Our Washington Nationals Bullpen. No One.

A hot, steamy night. A starting pitcher laboring. The humidity effect certainly a factor. Washington having lost seven straight ball games. This was not the night to attempt to get your hurler through the required five innings just to register for a possible win. This was an evening to come out on top in a close ball game. A Winnable Affair that got out of hand--in a space of five batters. All of about 10 minutes in real time.

Tim Redding had just committed The Cardinal Sin in a 3-2 game. Our Number 17 walked the opposing pitcher for The Philadelphia Phillies. A 45 Year Old Starter that was ATTEMPTING to give himself up. Instead of sacrificing his teammate Carlos Ruiz to second base on a bunt--Jamie Moyer walked on five pitches, thanks to Redding's inability to locate his pitches. Tim's inconsistency should have sent up a red flag. A warning that Our Washington Nationals were about to be trounced.

Instead, with the Reigning National League MVP Jimmy Rollins stepping to the plate, the pesky Shane Victorino to follow him and the always dangerous Chase Utley in the hole--no one from Washington's Dugout came out to speak to Redding--until after Rollins had tied the the game at three--with a double to the gap in right--scoring Ruiz. Clearly, Our Number 17 did not have it. Finally, when Our Pitching Coach Randy St. Claire did run out to the mound to check on Redding--the Go Ahead Run now stood on third in Moyer, with an insurance run on second in Rollins. And the heart of Philadelphia's Order scheduled next.

Mr. St.Claire's visit was too little, too late as Our Washington Nationals still had no one warming up in the bullpen.

Why?

A good contact switch hitter like Victorino is going to pounce on a struggling pitcher. And the heart of The Philadelphia Lineup is going to make these matters worse. With the slugging Utley waiting and the powerful Ryan Howard to follow--is this NOT THE TIME for Charlie Manning to be warming up in the pen? Our only lefthander reliever to turn Victorino around and pitch our strength to the lefthanded hitting strength of Utley and Howard?

Surprisingly, Washington made no countermove. Two Batters Later--This Game Was Over.

Shane Victorino singled in the 4th and 5th runs for Philadelphia and Chase Utley ended this affair with a NO DOUBT Two Run Shot off Tim Redding. A Five Run Inning resulted, all with No Outs for Philadelphia, and only then was someone warming up in Our Washington Nationals Bullpen.

Why did Our Washington Nationals keep Tim Redding in this game--for far too long? Why did Our Manager Manny Acta not trust his bullpen? Why were no moves made until AFTER Philadelphia's Big Inning had mostly erupted? Why did we not give ourselves The Very Best Chance To Win?

Our Friend Andrew and I must have discussed this throughout the remainder of the 5th and on into the 6th inning. We didn't quite understand the non-moves. Our Washington Nationals had nothing to lose, only to gain. Why not take every chance to stop the losing streak?

Really, Why?

Instead, all that resulted was Our Washington Nationals 8th Straight Defeat. Our Team now 31 Games below .500. Final Score from sultry New Nationals Park--The Philadelphia Phillies 8 and Our Washington Nationals 5--in disappointing style.

Really, this game was WINNABLE, instead it became loss number 69 of 2008.

Game Notes & Highlights

As well as Tim Redding has pitched most all season--tonight was simply not his night. Of course he couldn't have picked a worse time to stumble--less than 24 Hours from the Non-Waiver Deadline for trades. There may not be much interest for Our Number 17 anyway, but this outing certainly didn't help matters either.

Reliever Steven Shell had pitched 15 consecutive scoreless innings of relief--until Shane Victorino took him deep and over the right field wall for a home run in the 7th inning.

Another good crowd this Wednesday Evening at New Nationals Park--31,798.

In the game deciding fifth inning for Philadelphia, The Phillies Pat Burrell hammered a grounder just to the left of Ryan Zimmerman at third base. "Z" dove to his left, scooped the baseball, righted himself and threw out the not so fast running Burrell for what would have been The Defensive Play of This Game, if not for the fact that Burrell made a great effort of his own--when he retrieved a Jesus Flores drive over his head and off the left field wall in bottom of the sixth. With Our Number 3 not being the swiftest of runners either--Burrell flawlessly picked up the carom and fired a perfect strike to Chase Utley at second base to easily retire Flores for The Defensive Play of This Game. Replays actually showed that Utley MIGHT have missed the tag. But Jesus was so far away from the bag when the baseball arrived--there are very few umpires that are not going to give the defensive team the call on that neighborhood play.

Sohna and I started laughing when Willie Harris led off the bottom of the first inning with a home run over the right centerfield wall. A blast off Jamie Moyer which was the first Lead Off Homer for a member of Our Washington Nationals since Felipe Lopez did the trick on May 8th, 2007 at Milwaukee's Miller Park. Delighted we were to look over to our left to see Our General Manager Jim Bowden, in his private box, immediately start typing something on his blackberry. An effort that became more furious after Austin Kearns doubled to left and Jesus Flores followed with his 7th Home Run of the season. A two run shot to left that put Washington up 3-2 early. We were chuckling--wondering out loud--if JimBo was sending emails to other GM's around The Majors stating--"See, we can score some runs. Harris is a perfect leadoff hitter--You need him?" "How about that "Bluegrass" doing great since returning from surgery? Let's make a deal?" Having no idea what Jim Bowden was actually doing, it was fun to think about what he MIGHT BE WRITING.

And for the record--45 Year Old Jamie Moyer can not only still pitch, but bunt. Everyone else should be able to also. Moyer is quite amazing to watch throw. Everyone knows he can barely break a pane of glass with his fastball. Everyone knows he depends on his slop pitches. And many players today, still can not hit him. Remarkable how durable and good Jamie Moyer is still today. Makes me feel good that he is only three years younger than me.

Abe won The 4th Inning Presidents Race tonight. Teddy again led early, but was no match for his fellow "Rushmores" as the foursome turned the corner at the right field foul line toward the first base dugout. At least tonight--no odd animals jumped out to tackle, punch, kick or trip up Our Lovable Loser, winless in 172 Live Presidents Races since 2006.


Before the game--Sohna and I headed over to The Main Concourse, near The Washington Suites, to pick up The Season Ticket Holder Ceramic Replica of New Nationals Park. Available to those fans who paid for their accounts in full by The December 15th, 2007 Deadline--today was the very first game the gift could be picked up--by showing a proper ID. There are many more dates over the course of the next few weeks, where qualified season ticket holders can pick up their Stadium Replica.


Sohna and I found the Replica to be OK. Nothing that says "WOW". The detail not the best. But, it's free, different and we were happy to pick ours up.


Finally, before tonight's game and leading all the way up to The National Anthem--nearly the entire bullpen for Our Washington Nationals stood down the right field line, at the first row of seats and signed autographs for a good 15 minutes. Later, after warming up Austin Kearns was joined by Ryan Langerhans to sign autographs for fans near Washington's Dugout. Nothing officially announced, just something that happened. Good for the players to spend some unscheduled time with Our Fans. Stuff like that is always appreciated.

Tonight's InGame Photos (AP)--Charles Dharapak
All Other Photos--Nats320, All Rights Reserved

Back To School Drive

For the second consecutive year, The Wives and Girlfriends of Our Washington Nationals will be present at New Nationals Park for their special cause. The Ladies will be on hand this Saturday and Sunday to accept your donations of any New School Supplies for needy children in Washington, DC. These supplies will be given to a District School this coming Fall by Our Washington Nationals.

Also, Marines representing the Toys For Tots Literacy Program will also be on hand to receive your charitable gifts of new books for the many kids this coming school year wanting.

Donations will be accepted at The Center Field Gate to New Nationals Park on both Saturday and Sunday (August 2nd and 3rd) before and during the scheduled games between Our Washington Nationals and The Cincinnati Reds. The Ladies & Girlfriends will be stationed at their special table near Half & N Streets, SE until the end of the 4th inning each day. For Saturday Evening, your gifts are welcome beginning at 4:30PM. For Sunday Afternoon--beginning at 11:30AM.

If you are willing or want to participate in this Special Back To School Drive for the Kids--please read the press release below--which contains complete details of the many NEW ITEMS wanted for this worthy cause.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS FIRST LADIES HOST BACK-TO-SCHOOL DRIVE PRESENTED BY THE UPS STORE®

The Washington Nationals and The UPS Store® have partnered for the Nationals First Ladies Second Annual Back-to-School Drive on Saturday, August 2 and Sunday, August 3, when the team faces the Cincinnati Reds. The First Ladies - Nationals players’ wives and girlfriends - and volunteers from The UPS Store® and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves will collect new school supplies outside of the Center Field Gate when gates open (4:30pm on Saturday and 11:30am on Sunday) through the end of the fourth inning. Supplies needed include, but are not limited to, backpacks, rulers, packs of pencils, pencil boxes, calculators, spiral and composition notebooks, loose leaf binders and paper, pocket folders, glue sticks, crayons, and new lunchboxes. The team will also collect new children’s books to benefit the Toys for Tots Literacy Program, an initiative of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation and The UPS Store®. For more information on this initiative, visit www.toysfortotsliteracy.org.

“According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, 33 percent of all fourth graders in this country still cannot read at even the basic level,” states The UPS Store® owner, Mariana Huberman. “With Nationals fans’ help, we hope to provide children in need with the resources to help them succeed now and in the future.”

The Nationals and The UPS Store® will give the school supplies and books collected during the drive to a District school in September. Through the Nationals longtime partnership with The Heart of America Foundation, the selected school will also be the beneficiary of a new reading corner in their library donated by the team and The UPS Store®. A reading corner is a warm, inviting area where students can spend time reading and learning.

About The UPS Store®

The UPS Store® and Mail Boxes Etc. retail locations are franchised by Mail Boxes Etc., Inc., a UPS subsidiary. Together The UPS Store® and Mail Boxes Etc. locations comprise the world's largest franchise network of retail shipping, postal and business service centers, with more than 5,900 locations around the world. In the United States, The UPS Store® and Mail Boxes Etc. locations are independently owned and operated by licensed franchisees of Mail Boxes Etc., Inc. Outside the United States, locations are owned and operated by MBE master licensees or their franchisees. For additional information, please visit www.theupsstore.com or www.mbe.com.

About Heart of America

Heart of America Foundation’s® mission is to teach the values at the heart of America and to help people, particularly children, learn that they help themselves when they help others. Their goal is to give children everywhere the tools they need to read, succeed and make a difference.

Teddy Is A Ladies Man

In case you missed the moments, "Teddy" was out partying in Georgetown and Adams Morgan this past Friday Night. His mission, to promote "The Miller Lite Party Night" at all remaining Friday Night Home Games at New Nationals Park. As you can see from the pictures--all courtesy of Our Washington Nationals--Teddy was feeling the love from the ladies out partying last weekend.


From 10PM until 10:45PM on July 25th, Our Lovable Loser hung out on the corner of M St. & Wisconsin Avenue NW in Georgetown. Then, he headed up 18th Street, NW to Adams Morgan for some more Rebel Rousing.


The Pictures are pretty good. Seems Teddy is beloved by The Ladies. Who knew that Teddy is A Ladies Man!!??

My favorite picture of the group is this one--because at first look--doesn't this guy with a Curly "W" Cap look alot like Paul LoDuca? Funny.


Here the details surrounding "The Miller Lite Party Night" at New Nationals Park--per the team's press release.

The Nationals introduce the “Miller Lite Party Night” promotion for their remaining Friday home games, August 1, 15 and 29 and September 19. Fans may purchase a Scoreboard Pavilion ticket (Sections 240 through 243) which includes a voucher for one complimentary drink (soda, water or beer) for $25, normally a $34 value. Vouchers may only be redeemed at the Miller Lite Scoreboard Walk Bar. Prior to these games, fans may enjoy live music and giveaways at the Miller Lite Scoreboard Walk. The team will also continue Friday Night Fireworks and Saturday Night Movies following all Friday and Saturday evening games that end prior to 10:50pm.

New Nationals Park Replica Distribution

As promised to Season Ticket Holders who paid their 2008 entire amounts due on their accounts by The December 15th, 2007 Deadline--The Ceramic New Nationals Park Replica will be available for pickup beginning tonight when Our Washington Nationals continue their series with The Philadelphia Phillies.

Just stop by the special booth set up on The Main Concourse near The Washington Suites Entrance at New Nationals Park. Account Holders must bring ID with you. One Replica is available for each Account. No rush as not only can anyone entitled to the Ballpark Replica pick up the item throughout this week's series with The Phillies and Cincinnati Reds, but also, during the upcoming New York Mets and Colorado Rockies Homestand in Mid-August. Nationals Representatives will be on hand to distribute the Replica until the 7th Inning of each ballgame.

Here is the Email Sent To Season Ticket Holders:

Nationals Ballpark Replica Distribution

Dear Nationals Season Ticket Holder,

The Washington Nationals would like to thank all of our season ticket holders who have made the 2008 season a very memorable one. To recognize your payment in full and early commitment to the inaugural season in Nationals Park, the Nationals are proud to present you with a limited-edition replica of Nationals Park.

The account holder of record may pick up the Nationals Park replica at the season ticket holder table located on the main concourse outside of the Washington Suites. Season ticket holders will receive one (1) replica per account. As the account holder of record, please bring a picture ID to this table to receive your replica.

Season ticket holders will be able to pick up their replica on the following dates beginning an hour and a half before game time until the end of the seventh inning:
July 30 - July 31 (Phillies Series)
August 1 - August 3 (Reds Series)
August 12 - August 17 (Mets and Rockies Series)

If you have any further questions, please contact the Washington Nationals at 202.675.NATS (6287). The Nationals would like to thank you for your patience and support and we look forward to having you as a fan for many years to come!

I sure would like to know how big the replica is. Can you safely take it to your seat during the game? Anyway, Sohna and I will pick up ours this weekend.

Hope For The Future

Let it be known that at 9:14PM Eastern Standard Time, Our Washington Nationals scored a run. One run to be exact--on a ground out--breaking a string on scoreless goose eggs at 26 consecutive innings. Even the Home Crowd at New Nationals Park understood the significance. But unfortunately, that sole run--was not enough again. Too bad, because Our Starting Pitcher, and Our Relief Pitching was pretty solid tonight. The same fate bestowed upon our hurlers this past Sunday; as well as this past Friday, both in Los Angeles. And not to forget this past Thursday Afternoon in San Francisco.

For four out of the past five Consecutive Ball Games, Our Manager Manny Acta has set out his choice of pitcher to the mound and received quality starts. Yet, no wins. Tim Redding lead off this string of successes in The City By The Bay on July 24th--going the distance in a 1-0 loss to The Giants. John Lannan followed with 7 solid innings of work in Dodger Stadium last Friday. And after Odalis Perez blew up and got blown out on Saturday Night in LA--Jason Bergmann rectified the situation and pitched a tremendous game--only to see himself lose once again--on a gopher ball given up to The Dodgers' James Loney. No offense by Our Washington Nationals dooming any chance of gaining a Curly "W".

A repeat performance witnessed on South Capitol Street tonight by 34,039 (and who said no one would show up at New Nationals Park for the remainder of this season--more on the attendance later). Collin Balester pitched a solid six innings of baseball against The Philadelphia Phillies. His only mistake--the costly one. Perennial All-Star, and quite simply an excellent player, Chase Utley took Our Number 40 deep over the right field wall for a two run shot in the top of the third. Balester's ONLY REAL BLUNDER of the evening. During his time on the mound, Pat Burrell, Ryan Howard and Greg Dobbs would all take Collin to the walls--but none of them were able to torch him for another big blow.

You had to be proud of Our Young Starter this evening. Balester's performance is EXACTLY what Our Washington Nationals need to build on over the next couple of months of this 2008 Season. Providing Hope that this loss is not significant in the long term goals of Our Team--as hard as that statement is to write. More and more, Our Number 40 is learning how to pitch, and survive in The Major Leagues. Against The Phillies, one of the best hitting teams in the game---Collin was effective. He was LEARNING, schooling himself on tossing against some of THE VERY BEST. You can't fault him for his one error. That miscue as a 22 Year Old, will pay dividends for seasons to come. You can count on that.

Tonight's effort is HOW YOU LEARN. Any talented arm may well blow the baseball past every single Minor Leaguer they have ever faced. But in The Major Leagues--you better understand HOW TO PITCH. No one can doubt that John Lannan, Jason Bergmann and Collin Balester are attempting to comprehend on the job. While Tim Redding is re-developing his talent, that so many felt he always had--10 years ago.

Yes, Our Washington Nationals Lost to The Philadelphia Phillies 2-1 this evening. A defeat that placed Washington 30 Games Below .500. Everyone knows, Our Offense has been pretty putrid. While Our Starting Pitching has, mostly, been pretty Outstanding. Unfortunately, one just doesn't go hand in hand with each other. It's clear now, this 2008 Season has come down to getting experience--ONE STEP AT A TIME. Our Number 14 realizes he can send out his selected starter on most any day and KNOW he is going to get a quality start. What Manny Acta DOES NOT KNOW is whether Our Hitters will step to the plate and deliver any assistance.

Final Score from Hot, Humid and downright SWEATY, New Nationals Park. The Philadelphia Phillies 2 and Our Washington Nationals 1. The Seventh Consecutive Loss for Washington, dropping Our Team to a staggering 38-68 Mark. The wind really was not blowing tonight off The Anacostia River. For most of the evening, Sohna and I felt we were back at RFK Stadium--where the damp, clammy and uncomfortable summer weather always took its toll, both on the field and in the stands.

At least at this balmy game--some success was found in a young pitcher--providing Hope For Our Future.

Game Notes & Highlights

He Pitched Well. Collin Balester made a fine start tonight for Our Washington Nationals. No walks, Five Strikeouts in six solid innings. Our Offense simply could not score any runs off Brett Myers--who entered this game with a ERA of 5.82. Like just about every other pitcher in the game of late facing Washington--for one game--they all become All-Stars. Sadly. I can't wait for that feeling to end.

Washington scored their only run in the bottom of the 8th, thanks to a crucial error by Chase Utley for The Phillies. After Paul LoDuca singled to center off Myers to lead off the frame, FLop followed with a hard hit grounder to The Philadelphia Second Baseman. Utley completely misplayed the ball--the stroked hit seeping through for an error and resulting in a 1st and 2nd, No Outs, situation. At this point, the game got mighty interesting. With Philadelphia already leading 2-0 thanks to Utley's previous blast, the respective Managers began to play the maneuvering game. Ryan Langerhans was sent to the plate by Manny Acta. Charlie Manuel, The Phillies Manager, countered by sending himself to the mound to replace Myers with journeyman lefthander J.C. Romero.

Our Manager then counter moved on his own--sending "The Guz" out to pinch run for LoDuca standing on second base. The very moment Cristian Guzman trotted out of Our Washington Nationals Dugout--Paulie became VISIBLY UPSET. He turned his back on Our Nats Dugout--and slapped his hands together in disgust. Our Number 16 DID NOT WANT TO COME OUT OF THE GAME. He had let EVERYONE KNOW.

Thankfully, Our Number 14 made this decision a correct one--because after Langerhans laid down a terrific bunt--where Our Number 29 nearly beat the throw from Romero--advancing each runner up one base--Willie Harris followed with ground out to The Phillies 3rd Baseman Eric Bruntlett. A grounder that Our Number 15 broke for home on contact to score. A decision that if Paul LoDuca had made--probably would have resulted in an out. As has been the case most all season--with Felipe Lopez now standing on third base with two outs--Ronnie Belliard could not get the tying score home--when he grounded out to Utley at second base to kill the rally. Our Number 10 disgustedly throwing his helmet to the ground over his failure.

In the top of the 4th, Ryan Zimmerman positioned himself to make a gorgeous short hop stab of a Chris Coste grounder to his right. Using a Windmill Motion with his left Glove Hand, Our Number 11 scooped the baseball, then threw out The Phillies Catcher in One Motion for the final out of the inning. Vintage "Z". Jesus Flores threw a beautiful peg to FLop covering second base in the top of the 5th to nail Shane Victorino attempting to steal a base.

But, the best defensive effort came on a drive to the wall in left field--just to the left of The Exxon Mobil Sign on the Green Pads. Shane Victorino was again the victim when Willie Harris tracked his drive to the fence, off Charlie Manning, by leaping and making an excellent catch while slamming into the wall. The making of OUT NUMBER TWO, by Our Number One in the 8th inning, was clearly The Defensive Play Of This Game.

As much as I love Ryan Zimmerman, what was he thinking in the bottom of the 7th? With two outs and Our Number 11 on first via a walk--Lastings Milledge singles on a ground ball to third misplayed by Bruntlett. For whatever reason--"Z" rounded second base TOO FAR. Phillies Shortstop Jimmy Rollings realizing Zimmerman's error in judgement, picked up the loose baseball and fired it to Chase Utley at Second Base. Ryan dove back into the bag headfirst--but was easily called out by Second Base Umpire Fieldin Culbreth. What became more concerning was whether Zimmerman might have re-injured his left shoulder. The African Queen stating--"The last time we saw him dive head first in Baltimore--he tore his shoulder." That comment had us wondering--if Sohna's statement might have some truth. Ryan was rotating his left arm while jogging back to the dugout.

Our Bullpen has now pitched 10 consecutive scoreless innings. But of course--in the only game Our Washington Nationals have led in late, over the past week--Our Relief Corp, blew that advantage--against The San Francisco Giants--last Wednesday.

Teddy was knocked out of The President's Race in the oddest way tonight. While a Cat was standing on the field during the middle of the 4th inning event between GW, Tom, Abe & Teddy--My Best Friend Screech!! believed this Cat was going to trip Our Lovable Loser while leading. Instead, SCREECH TACKLED TEDDY!! Sorry, but that one made NO SENSE?? None whatsoever.

Don't forget, if your Season Ticket Plan includes a Free 2008 Yearbook, you can pick up the commemorative item on The Main Concourse--third base side--anytime up until the 7th inning during this homestand ending on August 3rd.

Finally--for a Tuesday Night--this was a pretty terrific crowd. When Sohna and I arrived about 6:30PM at New Nationals Park the line to purchase tickets at The Centerfield Gate was winding across N Street and Down Half Street. Quite remarkable, considering how poorly Our Washington Nationals have played of late. Yes, it was Tee-Shirt Tuesday, but that giveaway does not guarantee a large crowd. And I understand The Phillies are a nearby opponent. But this just goes to show--people want to enjoy a night out at the ballpark--during the summer--no matter who is playing. This evening proved that fact.

And the sight of this guy with a Blow Horn announcing to those waiting in line they could walk down South Capitol Street or Potomac Avenue to reach additional Open Ticket Booths--interesting to watch. I don't think we had witnessed this type of effort by Our Washington Nationals--beforehand.

34,039 attended. Even Presidents Club was mostly filled.

Tonight's InGame Photo--(AP) Chris Dharapak
All Other Photos--Nats320

Practice Makes Perfect

When players practice and put in the time they become better ballplayers. A good example of that might be Nate McLouth of The Pittsburgh Pirates. When this centerfielder first was brought up to The Big Leagues, most every scout in the game, and even his very own team--thought McLouth would be just a 4th or 5th Outfielder.

In 2008, Nate was a National League All-Star. With a little more luck, he might have been The Game's MVP. Flipping around the channels on DirecTv's Extra Innings Broadcasts tonight--McLouth hammered OUT OF PNC PARK and into the Allegheny River--A Mammoth Shot off The Colorado Rockies' Luis Vizcaino. After rounding the bases, and while The Pirate Centerfielder was cooling off in the Pittsburgh Dugout--The FSN Pittsburgh Broadcasters went out of their way to discuss how, each and every day, no matter the circumstances, Nate McLouth is out on the field, in the batting cages, watching tape, asking questions--trying to improve himself.

Nate McLouth cares about the game and how it is suppose to be played--correctly.

Nate McLouth does not wait to be told what to do. Nate McLouth does not want to be a one dimensional ballplayer. Nate McLouth strives to be a COMPLETE BALLPLAYER. Unfortunately, many others don't feel that way.

The problem in The Great Game today is that too many players are groomed as specialists. Closer, Set Up Man, Slick Fielder, Designated Hitter--Slugger. From an early age, many youngsters are not taught the game properly. They don't learn how to bunt. No one teaches how to run the bases properly. The DH so prevalent, many young pitchers NEVER BAT.

That was not the case when I was growing up. Every single player, on every single team I EVER PLAYED FOR--was taught the fundamentals of the game--at every single level of development. No one was ever left out. Those Baseball Basics--which many times these days--seem to be a Lost Arm Form.

Find a Slugger that can crush the ball, or a Pitcher that can throw High 90's today. None of whom may know how to play the game properly, but that's what most teams seem to relish these days. And it's what gets these players on SportsCenter. Fewer players these days, wish to become complete players. That's a shame.

But remember, the responsibility to be the best you can be--is not just the sole duty of the player. The Talent certainly must have the drive, but this commitment must also come from The Manager, The Coaches, and the entire Organization. The Support System. This OBLIGATION BELONGS TO EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM. Baseball is a team game and each must work together. Yes, you need a willing student, and you also need a coaching staff--willing to provide. There is no way around that fact.

Nate McLouth has succeeded expectations because he cared while soaking up the instruction. Something every single person, both on and off the field for Our Washington Nationals should strive for, each and every day. Unfortunately, that's not been the case--at times. Our Players should not only be proud to wear Our Uniform, they should willingly accept tuteledge from Our Organization. They must take every opportunity to improve their game, at any age, from every single source of help. They are suppose to be Professsionals. They should act like ones.

Nothing else is acceptable.

Practice Makes Perfect, but you will never get there--if you don't put in the time--and try.

Honestly, if you have the talent to play Professional Baseball in the first place, these basics of the game should not be that hard to master.

No, not at all. Besides, they are suppose to be Athletes--playing a game.

PS--And talking from experience at Spring Training in Viera, Florida. Sohna and I have only attended Spring Training when Our Washington Nationals are practicing on the fields--not playing actual games. Over the past two February's, Our Manager Manny Acta is ACTIVELY participating in drills on the field. Whether fielding, hitting, bunting or pitching--Our Number 14 is pretty hands on. That experience alone--tells me that Manny is making the effort--more than some may realize. Manny's not sitting in the Golf Cart--just watching.

The Pains Of Summer

Watching Matt Kemp play this weekend against Our Washington Nationals, reminded me of how this young player struggled in his very first game in The Major Leagues. On May 28, 2006 At RFK Stadium, the Rookie Outfielder had been rushed to The Los Angeles Dodgers, from Double A Ball, to fill a void caused by injuries.

His first three At-Bats, Three Terrible Strikeouts. Kemp looked lost. OVERMATCHED, against Ramon Oritz that Sunday Afternoon. Finally, in his last At-Bat, Matt stroked a seeing eye single, off Big Jon Rauch, between Ryan Zimmmerman and Royce Clayton through to left field. His first Major League Hit. He was 21 years old.

Although Kemp was just trying to survive those first days in The Big Leagues, he eventually came around, became comfortable, and today is probably a pretty untouchable 23 Year Old Slugging Outfielder for The Los Angeles Dodgers. Two 22 year old rookies were on that same LA Ballclub--First Baseman James Loney and Pitcher Jonathan Braxton. Additionally, A 21 Year Old Starter in Chad Billingsly. A 23 Year Old Catcher in Russell Martin. And a sweet swinging 24 year old hitter in Andre Either.

While still attempting to compete for the playoffs in 2006--The Dodgers let their young talent get On The Job Training. The Los Angeles Front Office didn't hold back their future--to win for today. And those 2006 Dodgers were pretty competitive. They ended up winning 88 games two years ago.

Now--two seasons later, two additional youngsters have been added to their lineup--20Year Old Clayton Kershaw on the mound and 22 Year Old Third Baseman Blake DeWitt. Seven Players total that The Los Angeles Dodgers, building a foundation for the future, have never been afraid to put out on the field--to learn how to play Major League Baseball--the right way.

Yeah, The Dodgers have more talent on their Major League and Minor League Rosters than Our Washington Nationals, but that should not deter Washington Management from putting Our Youngsters out on the field, right now, for On The Job Training.

Our Washington Nationals have nothing to lose--everything to gain. Collin Balester, John Lannan, Jason Bergmann and Garret Mock should be thrown out there on the mound every fifth day (barring injury), until the 2008 Season is over. There is no excuse not to. And, if you must give Tyler Clippard more of an opportunity--so be it. Let them all learn--toeing the rubber at New Nationals Park.

Jesus Flores, Lastings Milledge and Ryan Zimmmerman need to play as much as possible. And when he returns from The Disabled List--Elijah Dukes better be playing every single day. The same for Emilio Bonifacio--when Our, So-Called, New Starting Second Baseman is recalled from AAA Columbus.

As The Los Angeles Dodgers have proven--you can win with youth--as long as you give them the chance to succeed. Our Washington Nationals need to give Their Youth the opportunity to thrive. Not have them sitting behind a veteran player playing out the string of games--not caring whether Our Team Wins Or Not.

Please, Give Our True Youngsters All The On The Job Training they can squeeze into the final two months of 2008. Please don't use their inexperience as a crutch for all this season's woes--that fact along with all the injuries. Because years from now--Our Washington Nationals and Their Fans can find something to appreciate about all The Growing Pains Of Summer--2008. We can still grow up. We can still learn something from this season. Let's not waste every opportunity away.

And as for that first game Matt Kemp ever played in The Majors at RFK Stadium? Our Washington Nationals CRUSHED Los Angeles that Sunny Sunday, 10-4. More amazingly, Alfonso Soriano, Ryan Zimmerman and Nick Johnson all homered that wonderful afternoon. Why does that day seem like a full decade ago? Incredible actually, but that moment was just two short seasons removed from today. Wow.

It Would Have Been Nice

It would have been nice if FLop had ran out a strike three passed ball in the top of the first. Instead, Felipe Lopez jogged and was easily thrown out by The Los Angeles Dodgers Catcher Russell Martin.

It would have been nice if Jason Bergmann could have laid down a bunt in top of the third. Instead, Our Number 57 tapped the ball directly back to Dodger's Pitcher Clayton Kershaw--who immediately threw to Nomar Garciaparra for the first out. The Dodgers shortstop relaying the baseball to first for a key double play. Why is it, that so many pitchers, in the short History of Our Washington Nationals, can not bunt?

It would have been nice if Lastings Milledge had not gotten himself thrown out at third base on a routine ground ball to Casey Blake at third base in the top of the fifth. Being aggressive, Our Number 44 never stopped rounding second base on Blake's toss to first base on Paul LoDuca's grounder. Dodger's First Baseman James Loney relayed a perfect toss to Nomar Garciaparra backing up the play at third for the very odd 5-3-6 Double Play. The Defensive Play of This Game which immediately found Milledge apologizing to Our Manager Manny Acta when Wil Nieves followed this odd twin killing, with a double down the left field line. A two baser that would have scored Lastings and tied this game at one run apiece. Yes, that would have been nice.

It would have been nice if Milledge and Willie Harris had communicated on a routine pop fly to left centerfield by Matt Kemp in the bottom of the 5th. A sure out misplayed when both players backed off calling for the ball. A muffed single that proved costly, when Russell Martin followed with a clean single to left scoring Juan Pierre--running one base ahead of Kemp.

It would have been nice, if Jason Bergmann, like John Lannan, could receive some offensive support from Our Washington Nationals when he pitches well. Unfortunately, few pitchers are perfect. And when Our Number 57 allowed a NO DOUBT Home Run to James Loney in the bottom of the second--you had to get that feeling--this game was lost--again.

Yes, it would have been nice, to think otherwise. But, after losing 2-0 to The Los Angeles Dodgers, shutout three of their last four games, and going Zero For California--Our Washington Nationals head back across the country tonight on pace to LOSE 103 Games. That's pretty remarkable considering all the high hopes during Spring Training for 2008.

It would have been nice if Washington had won ONE GAME in either San Francisco or Los Angeles.

And how nice would it be NOT to lead The Major Leagues in Being Shutout. Today--Washington's 15th Whitewash of 2008.

Still, I would love Our Washington Nationals to shutdown The Phillies & Their Fans this coming Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday--this coming week at New Nationals Park. It would be nice to beat Philadelphia--at home. That would be bring me Great Joy!!--Again.

Game Notes & Highlights

I guess Ryan Langerhans' terrific efforts earlier in the road trip meant nothing. Hot, consistently stroking some nice hits, and knocking in some key runs--Langerhans just sat on the pine--most of the West Coast Swing. I understand that Milledge needs to play, but you need to find a way to get Ryan's hot hitting bat into each game--in a meaningful way. He needs to play. Let's not waste his talents--again. Interestingly, On ESPN's Baseball Tonight this evening--they named Langerhans' catch over the leftfield wall at Petco Park in San Diego earlier this season--the finest catch of 2008--thus far. The man can play some "D".

It would also be nice if Our Washington Nationals had let Pete Orr know that they would not be using him anytime soon. Our Canadian Infielder was offered the opportunity to play for his native country in The 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China. The last time Baseball will be played in this international competition, for the near future. Since telling Washington he decided to remain in The Majors, Orr has not played one inning of any game. That's sad. Pete Orr may be far from the best infielder out there, but he hustles and gives his all every time. Someone should thank him for turning down a big personal achievement--in his baseball career--and play him--every once and awhile.

It would also be nice if Our Washington Nationals start playing as many of their hungry youngsters as possible. I can root for youth. It's difficult to cheer for Odalis Perez, FLop and Paul LoDuca right now. That threesome has no collective future in Washington. None whatsoever. Put Our Future Out There On The Field--we have nothing else to lose.

Sorry to hear that "The Guz" has a thumb problem--apparently from being hit while batting in San Francisco earlier this week. Why do I have this feeling that Cristian Guzman is going on the Disabled List and eventually will be lost for an extended period of time?

Finally--it would be nice to know what maneuvers Our General Manager Jim Bowden is not only considering, but has been actually offered so far, for the potential July 31st Trading Deadline Deals. Having no idea what might transpire--I am curious to know whether Our Washington Nationals have ANY CHANCE of picking up a useful part in Our Future. Seems we already traded our most useful commodity, Big Jon Rauch, to Arizona earlier. This coming Thursday is going to be pretty interesting. Will Some Team Get Desperate--To Our Advantage? We can only hope.

PS--Never have I been a big fan of ESPN. The Sports Network which has become to big for itself. A Brand Name that many times means less sports reporting for hype. So, It really hurts when ESPN's Karl Ravech on Baseball Tonight makes the comment that The Los Angeles Dodgers Clayton Kershaw is looking for his first victory in 10 starts. And John Kruk replies--"Well no EASIER TO TEAM to gain a victory from than Washington." The fact may have some truth to it--but the way ESPN always makes fun of any team outside of New York & Boston--shameful. No respect. Last time I checked--John Kruk played for some pretty awful teams, as well, in his career. He must understand how it's difficult to perform, at times, when the media continually kicks you down.

Today's InGame Photo--(AP) Francis Specker

How To Defend For Yourself

All the news of late has been off the field, and with Our Washington Nationals on the West Coast this week, staying up late to watch the games in San Francisco and Los Angeles has been pretty much out of the question. Real Work (Thanks Barack, see you in Denver) has brought me in early every day this week.

So--getting back to baseball--there were two moments over the past two games that are worth mentioning. One, concerning The San Francisco Giants on Thursday Afternoon, the other, last night at Dodger Stadium.

Giants Manager Bruce Bochy showed tremendous GUTS, during the Getaway Game in San Francisco, to stick with Matt Cain with his starter teetering on the edge of losing the ballgame. The fact that Bochy left Cain in there with only one out, runners on 2nd and 3rd in the top of the 9th, leading just 1-0 against Washington--scored huge points down the line. Bruce showed trust and gave confidence to his youngster. Telling Cain, he is the man for the job. I liked that.

In fact, yesterday afternoon, a friend of mine and I discussed this moment at length. "That was old school!!," he said. "Bruce Bochy understood this was a game between two last place teams that meant little in the standings. So, instead of doing what every single other manager in the game will automatically do--he ran out to mound and told Cain--'This is your Game!' Terrific. Just think how much that will resonate down the line, when The Giants are playing more important games again."

Great Point and something Our Manager Manny Acta must have noticed and followed through on last night in Los Angeles. Over the course of the 2008 Season, Our Number 14 has protected John Lannan. If he gets in trouble, Manny may let Our Number 31 finish the inning--even if tagged for some runs--but rarely allowing the young southpaw to return to the mound to start the following frame.

After losing his control and confidence in the 6th against The Dodgers--John Lannan gave up three runs--with two outs. Our Pitching Coach Randy St.Claire jogged out to calm John down. He finished the inning and Manny rewarded John for his composure, by allowing Our Number 31 to finish strong in the bottom of the 7th before removing him from the game.

It's important to understand--that one move will pay dividends down the line. John Lannan lost last night, but he won the respect and confidence from the coaching staff that directly leads to success down the line.

Major League Teams, some times, need to quit doing everything "BY THE BOOK", protecting every single pitcher, the very moment one gets into trouble. Matt Cain learned an important lesson in San Francisco on Thursday Afternoon. How to defend for Himself. The same education John Lannan was schooled on last night in Los Angeles.

I like that when a Manager hands the ball to his starter and says--"Bring This Baby Home!! Go The Distance!"

As Don Sutton told The African Queen and I last year, in an interview--he doesn't like how today's pitchers are handled. "It's like telling a kid if you get all “C’s” throughout your High School Career, you are a great student. That’s BULL!!."

This Hall of Famer believes more pitchers should be given the opportunity Matt Cain and John Lannan were handed over the past 48 Hours. I agree. There is time for relief. And there is a time to defend for yourself. And no time better, than when your team has little to play for--in the standings.

Good for Bruce Bochy. Good for Manny Acta. Let's see more of that over the next few months. Our Washington Nationals can only win--in the long run--giving their pitchers the opportunity to wiggle out of their own mess.

Matt Cain Photo--(AP) Jeff Chiu
John Lannan Photo--(A) Mark J. Terrill

The Johnny Estrada Story

"Mentally, I'm ready to go home." Great, take the parting gifts with you. This comment, the actual statement by Johnny Estrada upon being Designated For Assignment by Our Washington Nationals. Followed up by this gem: "I still know I have a lot left in the tank, and look forward to playing against the Nationals."

Nice, thanks for coming, look forward to seeing you soon.

Johnny Estrada was Designated for Assignment this afternoon by Our Washington Nationals. A necessary move to recall Lastings Milledge from rehab and the disabled list. Then he took every opportunity given by the media to blast everyone in sight--including the very fact that "[Heck] no. You won't see me in Triple AAA. You can print that, too."

What a nice guy, Johnny Estrada, A man who can't appreciate that Our Washington Nationals gave him an opportunity, when NO ONE ELSE WOULD, and that's how he shows his appreciation. What a wonderful man.

And to think, this is the ONLY PLAYER IS THE HISTORY OF SPRING TRAINING for Our Washington Nationals, that has REFUSED to speak to The African Queen. That was his decision and she respected it. But that Story Is True--and Funny. It also was a memorable moment.

Case closed. As Sohna said upon hearing of his release--"GOOD RIDDANCE."

And that is The Johnny Estrada Story For The Ages.

Roadkill

Chad Cordero deserved better. For over three years, Our Number 32 has been a mainstay for Our Washington Nationals. Outside of Ryan Zimmerman, there could be few others more popular among Our Fans during that time span. "The Most Thrilling Closer In The Game" had his moments, some very good ones, and like every stopper, some bad outings as well. But make no mistake about it--Chad Cordero was the Heart & Soul of Our Bullpen. The Stand Up Guy--who never hid from the Press after any game.

He made things happen and was the Go-To Guy to close out most every game. That fact was rarely in question.

Look how dismal the 2008 Version of Our Washington Nationals has stacked up to previous relief corp staffs since Baseball's Return to Washington. Not even close--Chad was the linchpin to the operation.

Which all makes Our General Manager's comments last night on SportsTalk Radio 980 all the more worrisome. Responding to a question, Jim Bowden mentioned, off the cuff, that Our Washington Nationals will Non-Tender "The Chief" once this season is up and Cordero is given medical clearance (Many thanks to Brian at Nationals Farm Authority for bringing these comments to light).

Between the lines--Baseball is a game. Outside the chalk, it's all business. More and more, while we don't like it, The African Queen and I have come to realize, the players, are just pawns, to be moved around and across the chessboard. Eventually, to be discarded once deemed useless.

The fact that JimBo wishes to make Chad Cordero a Free Agent by essentially releasing him--is not the issue here. Rather, his comments send a signal, a bad one--that Our Washington Nationals may not care about some injured players. Intentional or not. And that's a shame.

Judging from Chad Cordero's comments given to Bill Ladson at Nationals.com--Our Number 32 was stunned. Shaken over the very fact that two weeks after undergoing Season Ending Surgery due to a labrum tear--Washington was tossing him over the side.

That's not right. No, it's not right.

This PARTICULAR business of baseball should have been handled INTERNALLY. Now, every single player in the game must turn their heads in wonder over it's mis-handling. Do you think Chad Cordero would even consider re-signing with Our Washington Nationals after being publicly shoved aside by Our General Manager? What do the rest of our players think? Would other players give second thoughts to possibly coming here?

You want to bet that Chad Cordero will be given some pretty good offers to sign with other Major League Teams? Guaranteed, it's going to happen. Few will give up on a 27 Year Old (next spring) Arm whom has experienced success at the highest level of the game. Just look at Troy Percival. That man's been around for years, always injured, always successful.

Dear Jim, I fully understand the business decisions behind your comments. Our Washington Nationals are wary over extending up to nearly $5 Million for a pitcher returning from surgery to his throwing shoulder. That's understandable.

But, you should have kept this information under wraps. You could have handled this matter with far less publicity and without upsetting Our Number 32, needlessly. But more than anything else you should have shown Chad Cordero a little more respect. After all this man has done for Our Washington Nationals, he should not have been thrown under the bus.

A One Time All--Star, still popular, now Roadkill, waiting to be scooped up by the Scavengers. And to think, Sohna and I always believed Chad Cordero was a Core Player--for Our Future.

This post is about how the information was released, not how the news will affect Baseball Operations. As I stated earlier, Baseball Is A Business, but this business should not have been handled so poorly.

Sorry "Chief", Sohna and I feel you deserve to be treated better. Good Luck in your rehab.

The Washington Nationals Dream Foundation Baseball Academy

“Baseball has been lost in the city for far too long," stated Marla Lerner Tanenbaum, Chairperson for The Washington Nationals Dream Foundation. " I think that was brought home clearly to us (Owners of Our Washington Nationals) when Emmanuel Burris came here a few weeks ago playing for The San Francisco Giants. To see how long it had been since a DC Public School child had played in The Major Leagues speaks volumes as to the need for this academy."

The Washington Nationals Dream Foundation is in the planning stages of building The Washington Nationals DC Baseball Academy in Ward 7 of The District Of Columbia. Once completed, the 16,000 to 20,000 Square Foot Facility will contain three separate ball fields--not only one of regulation size, but also a Little League baseball diamond and a softball field. The Academy is modeled after a Major League Baseball Sponsored Academy in Compton, California (where The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim provide some support--but did not build the facility) and The RBI Program (Reviving Baseball In Inner Cities) first started in East Harlem, New York. The Washington Nationals DC Baseball Academy will be the first of its kind built and sponsored by a Major League Baseball Team.

”We are going to provide a venue for young people to have a place they can go, play safe, in an academic environment, but one where young people can go and have fun, meet others—do fun things," said Dream Foundation President Alphonso Maldon. "And yet, have the opportunity to learn a lot of baseball skills. There is so much to be learned about baseball. We (The Dream Foundation) believe this Academy will create, for these young people, an understanding and an appreciation of baseball that many do not have right now. Baseball has been gone from DC for a very long period of time, this can only help revive the interest."

To be open year round, the facility will include Clubhouses, Offices, Training Rooms, Classrooms for Education, and will allow for indoor and outdoor baseball practice. There will be a full time staff. Academy Graduates will be eligible for Summer Internships in The Washington, DC Business Community.

Mrs. Tanenbaum believes the education part of the package is most important. “This would not be worth doing if it was ONLY ABOUT BASEBALL. This project is worthwhile because of the complete package being offered. If this was just about baseball, it might be too difficult to pull off. But, to use baseball as the carrot to bring kids in and then offer other opportunities—makes this work. And maybe, some kids might be coming in for the after school work and then get interested in baseball. Who knows, but it could work both ways.”

Currently, The Washington Nationals Dream Foundation is working with The Federal Government and The District of Columbia for use of the projected Academy site--at Ft. Dupont Park in Ward 7. “We don’t have total control over when the land is going to be transferred," Mr. Maldon told me. "We are in the process of getting the land transferred from the Federal Government to The City. We are optimistic this will take place. We are in the middle, right now, of the E.A. (Environmental Assessment) Process. This is going on right now."

Although The Washington Nationals DC Baseball Academy is scheduled to be built in Ward 7, it will be open to all Boys and Girls in the surrounding Wards 6 & 7--and most all children within the city. Eventually, The Washington Nationals Dream Foundation would like to make inroads into the surrounding suburbs of Maryland and Virginia, as well.

Alphonso Maldon: "We also believe the academy will provide a platform to improve health, nutrition and fitness. Some of the things that do not happen enough, from what we see here in the (DC) School System. We hear from people about youngsters not having enough physical fitness programs, having kids involved with physical things. This issue has certainly added to our obesity problem we have around this country. And this Academy will provide after school and summer programs. These programs will be designed to help to prepare these children so they can have a more successful future.”

I would image this will also help fill the void from broken families and mentors needed for youths today? (SBF)

“Absolutely, and not just in children’s lives today, even though children are our focus. This will provide the opportunity for organized baseball and softball programs to develop strong and independent well rounded productive members of the community. And this will give parents the opportunity to get involved with these organized programs right within their community. The Baseball Academy will be a place where parents can build support around. They can go there, get their families out there, involved in the games the children are playing. This is another whole level of support.”

Four Leagues are currently planned for The Baseball Academy:

Rookie League, Co-ed tee-ball for ages 7-8
Youth League, Co-ed baseball & softball, ages 9-12
Junior League, Boys baseball & Girls softball teams, ages 13-15
Senior League, Boys baseball & Girls softball teams, ages 16-18

But as Marla Tanenbaum reminded me--this project is not just about the on the field activities. "The need is clearly there for baseball. But, I am excited about all the after school curriculum part of the project. The possibility for doing some baseball related career work, groundskeeping, broadcasting. There will be a lot of people involved with The Nationals who will want to have a little involvement. So, I love that aspect. And I love the fact the players will want to be involved too.”

Not only the kids, but parents, teachers and volunteers will be offered opportunities to be instructors, officials, coaches and administrators of The Baseball Academy. This project is family friendly.

Imagine--Ryan Zimmerman or Chad Cordero from Our Washington Nationals showing up to give youngsters lessons on how to play the game. The many coaches for Our Washington Nationals who give up their Saturday Mornings once per month, during the season, to coach The Smithfield Youth Clinics--will now be making themselves available for The Academy as well. “We see this as an opportunity where our players and coaches can participate, in terms of helping with the clinics and serving as role models," said Mr. Maldon. "We (The Dream Foundation and The Nationals) feel this is a Win-Win opportunity for the community. A win for The Nationals. A win for the entire District of Columbia.”

Coursework will include a whole range of topics: baseball skills, character development, academic enrichment and preparing for the workforce. Mentoring and Student Support Services will also be a big part of The Washington Nationals DC Baseball Academy. A 30 day public comment period on the projected land transfer will take place this August. Once The District of Columbia Government officially receives the property at Ft. Dupont Park--then the final steps can begin to construct the new training facility and classrooms.

As optimistic as Mrs. Tanenbaum and Mr. Maldon are on this project--both believe The Washington Nationals Baseball Academy will not open before late 2009 or early 2010. “If a decision is done and we move forward with the land transfer, then it would be my hope that we could break ground early next year and maybe get done by 2009. That’s all of our hopes," believes Alphonso Maldon.

Currently, The Marketing Department for Our Washington Nationals is approaching individuals and many corporations, both big and small--to find partners, sponsors--to raise funds needed to make The Academy a winning effort. Individual Sponsorships begin at $5,000. Corporate Sponsorship runs as high as $1,000,000. You can check out additional information at The Washington Nationals Dream Foundation Website. Or call The Foundation at 202-640-7124, if you are interested in sponsorship.

For The Washington Nationals Dream Foundation, moving forward with The Baseball Academy, has been a long time coming. “I am so relieved we have made tangible progress," concluded Marla Lerner Tanenbaum. " It’s great to take that first step. We hope to engage people more than from just behind the scenes—to be a little more public about what we are doing. But, there is a lot of work to do. A lot to figure out, but sometimes you just have to dive in head first and that is exactly what we are doing on this Baseball Academy.”

Defensively Speaking

If Emilio Bonifacio turns out to be the Defensive Gem Our General Manager Jim Bowden and VP President of Baseball Operations Mike Rizzo claim--The 2009 Version of Our Washington Nationals could potentially be pretty solid--defensively.

Catcher--Jesus Flores. Young, Talented. Pretty much beloved by everyone.

1st Base--Nick Johnson. Injury prone, but is coming back. When Healthy, Our Number 24 one of the best fielders in the game at his position.

2nd Base--Emilio Bonifacio. Fresh addition to be given every chance to succeed.

3rd Base--Ryan Zimmerman. No question, arguably the finest fielding third sacker in the game.

Shortstop--Cristian Guzman. Serviceable, Hustles. Our Number 15 is fine and he never pouted over his poor 2005 Inaugural Season in Washington. Gets huge points for that. Rewarded justly with a two year contract extension yesterday.

Rightfield--Austin Kearns. Outside of Jeff Francouer of The Atlanta Braves--is there a better fielding rightfielder in The National League. Plays his position well, good arm, takes good angles to baseballs.

Leftfield--Lastings Milledge. Needs to work on his defense. Does not appear to have the arm for a centerfielder. A corner outfield spot might suit him best.

Centerfield--Elijah Dukes. Before his unfortunate knee injury was beginning to show the five tool talents some in the game love. No one plays harder on Our Team--No One. Great Arm, Perfect for Centerfield.

4th Outfielder--Ryan Langerhans. Great Glove, Good Speed. And I have not even mentioned Willie Harris--who has been a good versatile performer in 2008.

You could do a whole lot worse in the field with that lineup. It's not bad. In fact, if Our Washington Nationals break Spring Training with those 11 players on board, we could be one of the better fielding teams in the league.

Defensively Speaking--there are some fine gloves in that lineup for Version 5.0 of Our Washington Nationals. Pretty good in fact.

PS--Of course, the hitting potential for this lineup is a topic for another day, as well as, our ever changing pitching prospects.

But here is a speculative 2009 Batting Order

Bonifacio
Dukes
Zimmerman
Johnson
Kearns
Milledge
Flores
Guzman
Pitcher

Not Exactly What I Was Expecting

My cell phone started to chime, shake, rattle and roll a few minutes after 5PM this afternoon. For the next 25 minutes, I could do nothing else but turn the noise maker off as we were on deadline at work. The lead news story, and I was editing. But I knew right away, some news was breaking somewhere else too--over on South Capitol Street--surrounding Our Washington Nationals.

Someone or Some Bodies had been traded. There was no doubt about that, because all the preset tunes on my cell phone told me exactly who was calling. All Baseball Fans--including The African Queen. We had probably made a trade. And once Our News Story made air--it was time to check messages to discover what all the commotion was about.

Big Jon Rauch had been traded to Arizona. Not surprising. But for whom?

Over the past few weeks, many teams were mentioned as possible suitors for "The Wookie". Easily one of our most prized veterans whose services would be cherished by other Major League Teams. Stepping into the Closer Role with Chad Cordero out this season, Our Number 51 had been good--closing 17 of 22 opportunities while sporting a 2.98 Era. Solid Numbers.

What could Jim Bowden get for him? This question has been constantly asked by fans. After hearing the answer at 5:30PM, I could only think: We could have gotten more.

In return--Our General Manager received a potential leadoff hitter, supposedly good fielding second baseman, slap hitter with good speed. OK, I can go for that. 23 Year Old Emilio Bonifacio was considered the Number 6 Prospect in The Arizona Diamondbacks Farm System heading into 2008. Building for the future--not a bad pickup.

But, what really surprised me was NO ONE ELSE was coming over to Washington to complete this trade.

Rauch for Bonifacio WAS THE TRADE. How is that possible?

Should not Our Washington Nationals have received another player for a veteran reliever, workhorse, who can setup or close, and has proven to be pretty durable over the past four seasons? Honestly, I was expecting a little more. Maybe a lower level pitching prospect? Maybe another youngster to help build Our Farm System?

Don't you think Big Jon Rauch was more valuable in a trade? And if he was Our Top Veteran available for trade--that doesn't bode too well for any return for Ronnie Belliard, Tim Redding or Odalis Perez. Paul LoDuca and Johnny Estrada are certainly not even being considered as possibles.

And with "The Guz" being re-signed today to a two year contract extension by Washington, Cristian Guzman is not going anywhere soon, also. Clearly, Our Number 15 and Bonifacio are Our Double Play Combination for the future--beginning in the year 2009. (By the way--I like the Guzman signing--Our Washington Nationals have zero shortstop prospects near ready for The Majors--"The Guz" coming back is a no brainer--even at $8 Million per season).

No, I not surprised Our Now Former Number 51 is gone either, his trade has been coming for some time. But after all the buzzing and chirping of my cell phone late this afternoon, I sure was expecting more bang out of the news that "The Wookie" is now a Snake. Just hoping Our Assistant General Manager & VP Baseball Operations Mike Rizzo (Former Scouting Director for Arizona) knows what he is doing on this one. This trade has his name written all over it. Rizzo knows Emilio Bonifacio--probably well.

We may not know the final answer for some time, but this trade was not EXACTLY what I was expecting right now. Bonifacio is OK by me, but I really believed Big Jon Rauch would return at least one other quality prospect.

Didn't you?

The PostScript

Who will Close for the rest of the season with Big Jon now gone?

Joel Hanrahan only has two reliable pitches, fastball and changeup, no curve and a limited slider. Our Number 38 is overpowering, but his control and unreliable third pitch has to make him questionable as a closer. Hitters may tee off on his pitches--waiting for his straight stuff.

Luis Ayala closed at times playing in Mexico. When Our Number 56 was at the top of his game a few years ago--Ayala would have been a solid choice as closer. Unfortunately, his 2008 season has been poor. It's going to be interesting for a while at the end of any game Our Washington Nationals have a lead.

And Garrett Mock, called up today to fill a roster spot for Rauch--will most likely be the long man and spot starter.

Finally, today was the start of the long awaited mid-season youth movement--meaning FLop's days as a member of Our Washington Nationals has to be numbered as well.

Makes No Sense

"I don't think he's coming back 100 percent ready to go. It might take him a while to get the bat going, but he's such a great player." Quote from Our General Manager Jim Bowden.

So, why are we taking a chance with Our Franchise Player? That makes no sense. Of course it would help if the quote was related in context to how JimBo was responding to the question--because you don't get any real impression what exactly Our GM is talking about, since the quote is thrown in at the very end of this story.

But, if he's not ready physically, he's not ready. Does it do anyone, any good, to send out a 23 Year Old Talented Performer in a down season--when you have little to play for the remainder of this year?

Ryan Zimmerman wants to play. He's never been injured in his life, seriously. So, he may not understand the ramifications.

Others should. This is not a crap shoot.

Our Number 11 should have been sat down, for the season, a while ago.

There is no good reason to take a chance of harming Ryan Zimmerman's Future.

Sorry, after reading that comment, activating the "Z-Man" for tonight's games in San Francisco makes no sense to me.

None whatsoever.

Buy 5 Tickets, Get Diamond Club Free

UPDATE--Thanks to DCBATGIRL and a response from Our Washington Nationals. To qualify for this offer you must purchase the RF Mezzanine, LF/RF Box or LF/RF Corner Seats to receive the Free Diamond Club Seat. The Free Game is Set for Thursday, September 25th at 7:10PM against The Florida Marlins.


According to the latest email sent from Our Washington Nationals Ticketing Department, from now until the end of the 2008 Season, if you purchase five tickets to ANY Five upcoming weekend games--you receive ONE PNC DIAMOND CLUB TICKET FOR FREE. That's right--FREE.

The "Nats Weekender" Offer is limited to 4 tickets per order. The catch--you must purchase your five games by August 14th to receive the Free Diamond Club ticket or tickets.

What is unclear is whether you must purchase the RF Mezzanine, LF/RF Box or LF/RF Corner Seats in the $33 to $36 Range to qualify. If I get a response from the team--I will update later.

Here's the link with all the information.

Can You Believe This!!

"Can you believe THIS!!" shouted Dave Jageler on The Flagship Radio Station of Our Washington Nationals. Willie Harris had just slammed out a liner of a home run that put Washington up 12-2 over The Atlanta Braves in the bottom of the 4th inning. Driving around this Sunday afternoon running errands in our car--Sohna and I just started laughing. Then came The High Five. A couple driving beside our car started staring at us--wondering what we were up to.

Yeah Dave, we could believe it--because Our Manager Manny Acta had placed in his lineup this Sunday some hungry ballplayers. Professionals looking to either find their way back into the Big Leagues in a meaningful way, or wanting to protect their position on Our Team. And for some reason--FLop also came along for the ride. Maybe The Washington Post should trash him publicly more often--asking for his release?

This one was a laugher, a 15-6 blowout that found Washington winning a series for the first time since sweeping in Seattle last month. And sent Our Nats on a joyful flight across the country to beautiful San Francisco to begin a three game set with The Giants at AT&T Park. You think the beer tastes a little colder on that five hour flight this evening? You believe Our Washington Nationals will be landing in The City By The Bay in good spirits? Yes, they will and they should because did not only Our Number 1 lead the way this afternoon, so did Ryan Langerhans, Austin Kearns and Jesus Flores. Players that might still have futures wearing a home uniform next season at New Nationals Park.

When things go bad and the many injuries get you down--this is the time to find out whether others can lead the way--providing depth--giving hope--taking away from the despair. Who knew that Willie Harris would be such a spark plug? Playing regularly over the past month, this man has shown he is more than just speed. Multi-talented with the drive to hustle on every single play. Like Elijah Dukes--Our Number 1 has proven to be better than advertised. Whether he has a future in Washington is whole other story. But, you can't say Willie Harris is not exciting to watch right now. A journeyman looking to find a new home. No wonder The Baltimore Orioles thought so highly of his talents a few years back.

The same holds true for Ryan Langerhans. Twice to my recollection, Our Number 29 has been passed through waivers by Our General Manager and accepted a outright Minor League Assignment in AAA. He had THE CHOICE to elect Free Agency but WANTED to play here. Langerhans understood there is opportunity--the chance to find yourself again in The Nation's Capital to play Big League Ball. Now--with NO ONE ELSE AVAILABLE--everybody else being injured--Manny Acta had no other choice himself, but to play Our Number 29 in the field. Everyone knows, Langerhans can field--what many have not found out--is whether Ryan can hit consistently. Well, at least after this weekend against his former team, The Braves--Langerhans deserves an extended tryout. He earned it with a stellar three games. No question, I have always had his back--but now Ryan is slowly showing the quality talent he may well possess to others. He can help Our Team, not only now--but in the future--whether as a starter, fourth outfielder or late inning replacement. Good for him. Ryan Langerhans is taking advantage of opportunity arisen.

The chance to resurrect his career which Austin Kearns has quickly done since returning from elbow surgery. Hitting for power, driving pitches the other way, playing the game right--Our Number 25 looks like a completely different ballplayer. The type of talent many saw early in his injured, but productive years in Cincinnati. Today, five runs scored, three hits and a two run homer. Since returning on July 3rd--Kearns has hit safely in 10 of 13 games, had five multi-hit games, driven in 11 runs and batted a robust .329. Our Number 25 playing for more than just pride--Austin Kearns is playing for his future--maybe ours as well.

The "Wait 'Til Next Year" that Jesus Flores decided on his own--NOW WAS THE TIME. Our Number 3 must have been mighty pissed that he was sat down for the first two games after The All Star Break in Atlanta. Today--Jesus showed his worth--once again--with a 5 for 6 day, two runs scored, two runs batted in. This after pinch hitting an RBI single earlier in this series against The Braves. Yeah, I understand that JimBo is trying to showcase Johnny Estrada, but does it really matter? Estrada's contract is minimal--whatever he returns in any potential trade will, most likely, not be much. Please, let's not stunt Jesus Flores' education, just to get a Low Grade Minor League Prospect that will end up being filler for Our Minor League Teams. No one is going to give up anything worthwhile for Johnny Estrada straight up. If he returns anything, it will come in a package deal. Let Jesus Flores play and if Our Number 3 sits after August 1st with Estrada and Paul LoDuca on the roster--we then have a problem.

As for Felipe Lopez's 3 for 4, three RBI day this afternoon. It's about time. One day does make up for nearly 2/3rds of his season wasted by a talented individual that many time shows little passion for the game. FLop is the most confusing player for Our Washington Nationals. Our Number 2 could be so good--yet many times--does not seem to care. Sadly.

2008 has been a frustrating season for Our Washington Nationals and Our Fans, but some individual performances by some may turn out to be invaluable for 2009 and beyond. There is some light at the end of that dark tunnel--believe it or not.

So Yeah Dave--"I Can Believe This"--when players that WANT TO BE THERE are performing on the field of play. Good call by the way on the radio.

Final Score--Our Washington Nationals 15 (The Most Runs Scored Since Baseball's Return to Washington), The Atlanta Braves 6. "HotLanta" turned DC's Way this weekend. If Austin Kearns' drive to right that became the final out of Game One on Friday Night--had fallen in--we would be talking SWEEP.

Curly "W" Number 38 providing a Fun Flight across the country for Our Manager Manny Acta's Team tonight--thanks to Players That Care. Professionals who are hungry--leading they way. Not giving up--when others may have lost sight or focus. Could they possibly remain hot still--in the Coldest Summer City In America on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday--in San Francisco, California? How I wish that Sohna and I could be there. We LOVE SAN FRANCISCO.

And we still Love Our Washington Nationals for all the good, the bad and the ugly they can provide. The African Queen and I are still onboard for the ride. Besides, Charlie and Dave always make it fun listening--not matter the final score. Believe That!!

Game Notes & Highlights

Odalis Perez was terrible today. Good thing Our Washington Nationals staked him to a large lead. Our Number 45 didn't deserve the win today. But what comes around, goes around in Baseball. Perez did earn his 3rd win of 2008. I would rather see someone else on the mound every fifth day--honestly.

As Mark Teixeira stepped to the plate in the bottom of the second inning for Atlanta--Sohna asked me about this slugger that Charlie & Dave mentioned On Air--being a Baltimore Native. Not long after describing his gold glove talents at first base and his prodigious slugging power--Mark Slammed Out his 19th Homer of 2008. When Teixeira hammered out Number 20 off "The Human Rain Delay" in the 9th--I told The African Queen that this man is a FREE AGENT after this season. Only 28 years old--he would be an intriguing possible buy in the upcoming off season market--if Our Washington Nationals decided to actually go in that direction. Sohna found that possibility interesting--despite how much we both like Nick Johnson.

Finally, The Atlanta Braves Manager Bobby Cox got ejected today for the sixth time this season. Cox is The Career Leader in being tossed from games. I would love to see Our Manager Manny Acta protect his players a little more as well--when the game gets a little out of line. No, Our Number 14 doesn't have to run out there and blister someone at the drop of every baseball or bad call and get ejected--that can be stupid. But, there are opportune times when his presence means more to his players than he may realize. He needs to have their backs.

PS--I just love this picture by The Associated Press Photographer John Bazemore. Great Action Shot of Jesus Flores being tossed out at home plate. Corky Miller recording the out with flair. Award winning possibility in my humble opinion.

Today's InGame Photos--(AP) John Bazemore

The State Of The Game

HBO replayed this evening Bob Costas' terrific Town Hall Meeting on Baseball. "The State Of The Game", a 90 Minute live program from this past Wednesday Night in New York City. Sohna had mentioned the "Costas Now" show to me, when I was away, so we made the effort to watch the replay tonight. Well worth our time.

Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Bob Gibson, Dave Winfield, Pete Rose, Jim Palmer, Evan Longoria, Doug Jones, Jimmy Rollins, Andy VanSlyke were among the Hall Of Fame and Current and Former All Stars invited to attend. Commissioner Bud Selig was interviewed on tape for a segment. So were Mike Schmidt and Joe Torre among others. Costas centering his questions on where the game stands today. The topics all very enlightening.

From the get-go, when Pete Rose appeared from Las Vegas (Ironically), the program took a mostly serious tone. Should Rose be re-instated to the game and be eligible for The Baseball Hall of Fame? Or should Pete continue to be subjected to being on the outside looking in--with many of those late generation players now embroiled in the Steroids Era of The Great Game--Mark McGwire, Barry Bonds, Rafael Palmeiro, among others? Dave Winfield & Jim Palmer where in on the discussion with Costas and Rose. While Rose did not back down, neither did Winfield HOLD BACK. Clearly stating--if you have cheated you should not be honored among the best. He did not give in to Rose. He did not give in to steroids. And later telling Bob Costas how he even believes the diluting of The Hall Of Fame will continue when Designated Hitters, more and more, get elected to Cooperstown. "They are not complete players," Winfield stated. "But, I realize some more will eventually be elected. It can not be stopped." (Paul Molitor was elected to The Hall of Fame just a few years ago as a DH).

Pete Rose made an interesting statement concerning Roger Clemens. How "The Rocket" should have come clean, like Andy Petitte and Jason Giambi did before him on Human Growth Hormone and have mostly been forgiven. Something The All Time Hits leader also admitted he should have done over betting on baseball many years ago. Good Stuff.

Should Barry Bonds be elected to The Hall of Fame? Some would state Bonds had a Hall of Fame career BEFORE his home run explosion. This very topic was put into play on the program. Costas did not believe McGwire or Palmeiro deserved the honor. Winfield stating that 500 Home Runs will no longer be a Standard Bearer for Hall of Fame Election in the near future. The Panel comparing the All Around Careers of Jim Rice and Andre Dawson (both still falling short of Hall Election)--to those of Sammy Sosa, McGwire and even Jim Thome. Winfield believing Rice and Dawson were great all around players from their era and justly should be honored for their careers.

No one believing anyone should be elected to The Hall of Fame based on said player being better than "the least honored player currently in The Hall." Bob Costas stating how cronyism from many Veteran Committee Voters over the past decades has elected some undeserving members to Cooperstown.

Longoria, Jones & Rollins discussed the ongoing issues with Maple Bats. Wanted by players to provide more solid contact when bat meets ball, Maple has continually broken in dramatic style during most any game. The splintering wood many times flying and now hurting both fans, players and coaches physically. Longoria flat out stating--"Maybe not next year, but soon--Maple Bats will be banned from the game, by the players." An interesting perspective from a Young All-Star currently using Maple Bats to his advantage.

When I was growing up in the 1960's, 30% of all players in the game were African American. Today, just 8%. The Tigers Centerfielder Curtis Granderson was interviewed on how at every single level of play from childhood until he reached Professional Ball--he was the only Black American on his teams. Winfield stating how African-Americans have walked away from the game, many times due to neglect in inner city neighborhoods, but also due to the ever growing popularity that goes with the fame and fortune of Football and Basketball. It was a very good chat. Winfield mentioned The Baseball Academy's some Major League Teams are forming in their communities--including Our Washington Nationals. He also stated that youths need to realize how Baseball accepts all shapes and sizes--not just the fastest, tallest or greatest human specimen. Dave Winfield was very impressive. Having never really heard him speak before on topics of importance outside the lines--I came away from this episode with a new respect for this Hall Of Famer. Dave Winfield is a very thoughtful man.

Finally, Costas Now finished with a excellent conversation with Hank Aaron, Willie Mays & Bob Gibson--following a nice pre-taped interview with Joe Torre--who played with both Aaron and Gibson. Very upbeat, Hank Aaron is a very humble man. Too bad Costas only touched briefly, at the end, on all the hate Aaron put up with as he approached and eventually passed Babe Ruth with Home Run Number 715. Aaron deserved so much better at that time. Thankfully, today, he is revered for The Great Man Ole Number 44 really was--and still is today.

Really, this was great television--enlightening and informative. Exactly the type of discussions missing many times from the coverage of sport today. Too bad it could not have gone on another 90 minutes. There was so much to discuss. Fortunately, to make this event even better, HBO will be offering Costas Now Overtime--extended interviews from the program--available online. And HBO is preparing a special encore presentation with the extended interviews to air soon on their network.

If you have HBO--this is MUST SEE TELEVISION FOLKS. Check the listings. Watch Costas Now from July 16th. The Town Hall Meeting on The State of The Game. Well worth your time.

PS--You can also download portions of the program off iTunes.

PSS--Back in April, Costas Now did a terrific 16 Minute Segment on Mainstream Sports Coverage, The Internet and Bloggers. Parts of which are still available at HBO.com and through iTunes. More good stuff.

Finally--We know Our Washington Nationals beat The Atlanta Braves tonight 8-2. While watching Costas Now--Sohna and I watched the game on the small side of Picture In Picture on our television. John Lannan got a deserved 6th win. Willie Harris looks like a real leadoff hitter and Ryan Langerhans is showing some good skills at the plate, not just in the field. And can we please trade Paul LoDuca now--before he cools off again?

Blue Jays Had 4 Catchers Last Year

According to a story dated June 12th, 2007--The Toronto Blue Jays carried four catchers for a period of time on their active roster last season. One of whom--Jason Phillips--believed this was the first time in his memory a Major League Team had done so. At this link

So, Our Washington Nationals did not set a new record yesterday by carrying Jesus Flores, Wil Nieves, Paul LoDuca and Johnny Estrada on their 25 Man Active Roster.

I just can't imagine this oddity also not happening at some point in Big League History beforehand.

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

One Down--Four To Go

It's all about patience sometimes. Good News Today. Destin Hood the first of the top five picks for Our Washington Nationals to sign with the team. Hood was a second round pick--55th Overall. Now--lets get the other four youngsters under wraps.

NATIONALS AGREE TO TERMS WITH SECOND-ROUND SELECTION,OUTFIELDER DESTIN HOOD

The Washington Nationals today agreed to terms with outfielder Destin Hood, the club’s second-round selection in thisyear’s First-Year Player Draft. Hood will be assigned to the Nationals’ Gulf Coast League affiliate in Viera, FL. Nationals SeniorVice President and General Manager Jim Bowden, Vice President of Baseball Operations and Assistant General Manager MikeRizzo, and Director of Scouting Dana Brown made this joint announcement.Hood, 18, was a two-sport standout for St. Paul’s Episcopal High School in Mobile, AL. This year, the 6-foot-2, 185-pounderbatted .485 with 19 extra-base hits, eight home runs, 32 RBI and 17 stolen bases while leading his team to the 5A state semifinalsand earning a spot on the USA Today All-USA High School Baseball Team. Hood was recognized as the Alabama Sports WritersAssociation’s 5A Player of the Year, and was named the High School Baseball Player of the Year by the Mobile Press-Register. Hewas a 2008 Louisville Slugger Preseason All-American, after batting .517 with seven home runs, 36 RBI and 43 stolen bases asa junior. His impressive junior campaign earned him AFLAC All-American honors and a spot in the AFLAC All-American Home RunDerby, which he won with eight homers.This season on the gridiron, Hood caught 56 passes for 995 yards and 15 touchdowns en route to Alabama’s 5A StateChampionship. A starter at wide receiver and defensive back, he was named First-Team All-State by The Birmingham News,Mobile Press-Register and the Alabama Sports Writers Association. Hood, who attended the same high school as San DiegoPadres pitcher Jake Peavy, had signed a letter of intent to play both baseball and football at the University of Alabama.

A Few Minutes With Joel Hanrahan

UPDATE--WASHINGTON NATIONALS AND PITCHER JOEL HANRAHAN RAISE OVER $11,000 TO BENEFIT THE AMERICAN RED CROSS DISASTER FUND

The Washington Nationals and pitcher Joel Hanrahan, a native of Norwalk, Iowa, raised over $11,000 through fan donations at Nationals Park and through an online auction at nationals.com, to benefit the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. The fund helps the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, such as the tornadoes and floods in the Central United States. Nationals fans donated over $3,000 during Nationals games on June 25 against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and June 27 through 29 when the team faced the Baltimore Orioles. The online auction raised over $8,000 from Thursday, June 26 through Thursday, July 3. The auction featured 13 sports memorabilia and/or experience packages including the Ultimate Nats Fan Experience: four Presidents Club tickets, batting practice passes and autographed baseballs, batting practice meet and greet with Nationals pitcher Joel Hanrahan and other Nationals players, scoreboard welcome and ballpark tour, that brought in $2100.

“I am proud we were able to raise fund to assist those in the Central United States who have been devastated by the recent floods and tornadoes,” said Nationals pitcher Joel Hanrahan. “Nationals fans have shown again how generous they are.” Hanrahan also recorded a public service announcement for the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.


He can strike out the side on nine pitches, then turnaround and walk the next three batters faced--frustratingly so. Joel Hanrahan is the possessor of a quality Major League Arm. His pitches can reach the high 90's on the radar gun. But, he has yet to show enough consistency to make Our Number 38 a prized possession on Our Pitching Staff.

Always a starter until this past spring, Our Washington Nationals switched Joel's role to that of a set-up man. A bullpen specialist--hoping to harness his raw power and, eventually, cut down on all his mistakes made while pitching multiple innings.

This experiment is still a work in progress. At times, Hanrahan has been light outs. Other times, Joel has highlighted the experience still needed to develop his young talents. He can lose his command and offer up far too many free bases on balls to opposing batters.

Last Wednesday, July 9th--Joel Hanrahan appeared with Radio Broadcaster Charlie Slowes for the monthly ESPN Zone Meet & Greet. After the conclusion--Joel was kind enough to give me a few minutes of his time for an interview.

With that here with go with: "A Few Minutes With Joel Hanrahan"

We began by talking about his good friend--Chad Cordero. Our Number 32 had just had his surgery in Los Angeles concerning his torn labrm the day before. Joel had been in touch with "The Chief".

“I just talked to ‘Chief’ before I got here. He seems to be in good spirits. I know he’s been a little down. But his surgery apparently went well and he is expecting a full recovery. I was very happy that he was confident to move on, rehab and get back to the field and play next year."

He is needed. No question. (SBF)

"Yes, we do miss him, both on the mound and in the clubhouse. He is a great teammate, really a fun person to be around."

Now on to you. Before this season started, where did feel your career was at in baseball? (SBF)

“I was fortunate to get up here last year and performed OK. The E.R.A. number was not very good. But, I did have a couple of good games that showed I could pitch in The Big Leagues. I just needed more consistency. This year, I didn’t really know what to expect at Spring Training. I was hoping to get the chance to pitch, and show them again what I can do. And honestly, hopefully get claimed off waivers from some other team--if they (The Nationals) could find me a spot.”

You didn’t have confidence you would make the team? (SBF)

“I was kind of in the mind set that with the bullpen we have had here, it would be a tough bullpen to crack into. As it turned out, I had a strong spring. The team noticed and I was able to get in there.”

In the ESPN Zone chat earlier—you mentioned that your 8 Strikeout Performance against The Atlanta Braves at Disney World, turned some heads your way. I take it before that date; you were not feeling confident about making the team? (SBF)

“I wasn’t really thinking about anything. I was pitching really well in Spring Training already. I felt comfortable. In fact, thought I was doing all right and making a case for my name. And if it didn’t work out here, someone else would be willing to take a chance on me. So, all I was really thinking about was getting out on the mound and getting some outs.”

You throw very hard, sometimes not with the best command—do you think you have the ability to be a closer? (SBF)

“Sure, I would love to be the closer, but we got (Jon) Rauch in there—stepping in for Chad. Hopefully, we will get Chad back here next year. There are some fine people already in front of me. But, if they (The Nationals) want me to be the closer—I will be the closer. It’s not something I think about. Right now, I try to do whatever I can to help the team.”

Going from a Starter to a Reliever changes the pressure. Now, you come into games to solve problems created by others—have you been able to handle that forced pressure? (SBF)

“Certainly, I am trying to minimize the damage in situations like that when trouble is brewing. Sometimes it’s fun (when you succeed), sometimes it gets you really pissed off (when you don’t—chuckling).”

Then when you have pissed yourself off, what have you done wrong, and can you improve on that issue? (SBF)

“I don’t know. Sometimes it’s just bad luck. Sometimes you get the right ground ball and it’s just one foot to the left of “Guzzie”. The ball just out of his reach. Sometimes you come in and get three ground balls and they get three hits and the game is over. It happens. It’s baseball. I just have to keep my head up and go out there and get them the next time.”

Now since your role has changed as a reliever—do you have any idea what direction you would like to see your career to go in now? (SBF)

“As a reliever, I would like to get to the back end of the bullpen. I want to be there with the game on the line. Everybody who pitches wants to be in that situation—in the games you are winning. That’s my immediate goal that I am working towards. Otherwise, I need to go out there, not only throw strikes, but be effective—more successful.”

How’s the command of your pitch arsenal. Can you get your pitches under control? (SBF)

“I think everything is working fine. I just need to be able to get more ahead of hitters. When I get in trouble, I get behind and start walking people. As long as I can get ahead and put the ball in play for my fielders—then I will be alright.”

Walks are killers. (SBF)

“Yes, they absolutely are and I need to get mine under wraps. Cutting down on my walks are the keys to my success.”

Being with the team all season, you have been through all the ups and downs. This team is struggling right now. Do you see hopes of a turnaround? (SBF)

“Yes, absolutely. We have a lot of young guys. We need Lastings (Milledge), Elijah (Dukes) and (Ryan) Zimmerman back soon. But some of the guys are still learning the game. We are going to go out there and play hard—try to compete. Unfortunately, we have been stung by all the injuries. But the more experience I can get, my teammates can get—it all helps in the long run.”

As a player, do you feel this team is snake bitten this year? (SBF)

“We are all AMAZED at what has happened. You always hear about people and their injuries. But you rarely hear about The Nationals and their injuries. This has been very unfortunate. We lost a lot of good people this year due to freak incidents.”

Dukes going down was really hard to take. (SBF)

“I know exactly what you mean. That man is such a hard competitor. I have never played with anyone that gives his all more than Dukes. You hate to see someone who loves the game that much—with such a competitive nature—be lost. It really was sad.”

“But, we are not giving up. Opportunity is still there and some others now have their chance to step up—just like I am attempting to do in my role in the bullpen.”

With that, My Few Minutes With Joel Hanrahan came to an end. Our Number 38 had a few more interviews to conduct for the assembled media. He is a very likable young man, unassuming and into the fun of being a Professional Baseball Player. Hopefully, Joel Hanrahan will harness that golden arm of his and become a quality Major League Pitcher--soon--and here in Washington, DC for Our Washington Nationals.

My Conversation With Our Head Groundskeeper

“RFK was a different animal," stated Larry DiVito. " We were winging it over there.” Since 2006, when Mr. DiVito was named The Head Groundskeeper for Our Washington Nationals, challenges have come his way most every work day. From sharing the field with DC United on East Capitol Street to helping construct and build the new field on South Capitol Street, Larry has been the point man in making the fields of play for Our Washington Nationals--set up and ready to go.

For the past 14 years, Larry has worked as a groundskeeper. Seven years as the top man for The Pawtucket Red Sox in Rhode Island. Then, The Number Two Man for The Los Angeles Dodgers at Famous Dodger Stadium. 2008 is Larry DiVito's third season with Our Washington Nationals.

This past July 2nd, Larry and I sat down in the Home Dugout at New Nationals Park to talk about all he and his staff of seven regular grounds crew assistants do each and every day to keep Our New Diamond ready for action.

With that, here we go with My Conversation With Our Head Groundskeeper--Larry DiVito.

To keep this field up to Major League standards, how difficult is that to do? (SBF)

“Far more difficult here than in California, I can tell you that. The weather here is the biggest variable. The climate, humidity, and the constant changes keeps the job fresh, but also makes it difficult. You don’t know what to expect here (weather wise) three days ahead of time.”

So you are saying humidity, constant summer rains hurt? (SBF)

“Rains, humidity—during the off season—ice and snow, everything. It all plays into it. Once you get the field and it’s on a 12-month cycle, just trying to maintain it is, by far, the biggest challenge—dealing with all the weather changes.”

Then, what is different here, that makes it more difficult than California? (SBF)

“In California, the weather is a little more constant. The field can be maintained with a more consistent program with your maintenance, your watering, your fertilizing and everything else. Here (in Washington), you have to constantly read what is constantly going on with the grass, dirt and everything else—based upon how the weather has been and how it’s going to be.”

Does that mean there is a constant fight to keep the grass alive? (SBF)

“This time of year (summer), YES!! Changing to (Kentucky) Bluegrass here from the Bermuda Grass we had at RFK (Stadium) was a joint decision by a number of people—architects, builders, the team, sports commission—a lot of people involved. And we knew we would start strong with Bluegrass—in terms of the late fall install and then the weather this spring. That all went very well. We came out of The Pope Mass (on April 15th) very strong because it was in April and the weather was cool. So, the Bluegrass did well. But now, we are in the period of the year where the Bluegrass will go through the most stress due to the heat and humidity—occasional heavy rain. We are putting fungicides out on a pretty regular basis—just to be in a preventative mode---to just help us along.”

When The Pope came here in April, I remember seeing a brown spot in centerfield after all his alter material was removed from the field. How did you deal with that? (SBF)

“We re-sodded about 700 square feet. A couple spots in front of the “Welcome Home” sign and Geico sign due to the forklift traffic—even though we had protective flooring down. There was a tremendous amount of constant traffic on the field in those spots. We had to deal with that. Overall, the field came out pretty good. Sometimes, if you have to put a little paint down—you put a little paint down (chuckling). But, we just re-sodded those two spots.”

When you have to put fresh sod down and you know a game is upcoming soon—can you trust the grass will be solid and in place—without fear of it slipping and causing an injury? (SBF)

“It’s pretty heavy sod, just like a football team would place in the middle of their field and play on it within a week. It’s pretty heavy and it holds.”

Today, I noticed a few guys placing sod behind home plate near the batting circle? (SBF)

“We probably do that every few weeks where the hitters warm up—because our warning track is really small here and since the hitters prefer to swing on the grass instead of the warning track—they wear it out quickly.”

Obviously, being here at Nationals Park is different than RFK because you are no longer dealing with sharing the field with a soccer team (DC United). Has that aspect made your job easier? (SBF)

“It’s a little different here. RFK was fun. It was a really fun challenge. I had a good time working that field. Here, we have a different set of problems thanks to a different kind of grass. And a new field is always a big challenge. Here, the worst part of the season is over—schedule wise. A couple of 10 game home stands put a lot of stress on the field. We have a fairly reasonable schedule the rest of the way. I am feeling pretty good about the rest of the year as I have a good understanding now of how this particular field works, how it’s growing and dealing with it. RFK on the other hand was a great time, but far more difficult—to say the least.”

This stadium was built very quickly, the grass was not laid down until late fall—was that an impediment to getting the field ready for play in 2008? (SBF)

“The field contractor did not get the field area ready (for sod) as early as we wanted it. So, we did have to put it all together rather quickly. We were waiting for cranes to be taken away from home plate and clear out. We needed the leftfield concrete to be poured for the seats so the constructions crews could work on that area. So, we ended working on half the field—then waiting for the other half to open up for planting. The first sod went in on November 1st and the last on November 8th. We spaced it out a little bit just because we were waiting for a construction spot to finish. Yeah, it was fast, everything was fast. But, at the end, it all went pretty well. We got it done.”

Can you explain the type of clay that is used around the infield? Around the batters box, that is far different than the material the average player might see on their baseball field? (SBF)

“The infield clay is not that different than you might see anywhere else in the area. It’s a local product—60% Sand and the rest Silton Clay. That combination can take water better than say the batters box—which is a far heavier clay. I also use different clay on the mound—even tighter—packs down even more—firm. Understand, a lot of the problems people have with clay and dirt is maintaining the water properly. When to water, when not to water—when to prepare for rain.”

If I go to any high school field or college field, most every hitter has dug in and a rut has been formed in the batters box—you can’t have that here. How do you deal with that? (SBF)

“They (Major Leaguers) dig in (laughing). It’s just a matter of how much. The hitters want to be able to get their foot in fairly easily. They don’t want to work at it. You could have it too hard and that would be a negative. But, you don’t want it too soft either—that’s were you get the ruts. Early in the game, you want the clay around the batters box to be firm. The hitters can get their foot in pretty easily. But maintain it so that late in the game, there is not a huge hole.”

At times, I have seen your workers pounding out the batters box flat. Is that something done after every game, every day? (SBF)

“Yes, the box is swept out, watered, and raked up. Then, new material is added every day to the mound and the plate—wherever the holes are. I don’t re-use the clay. I throw out about a couple of buckets worth and put new stuff in daily.”

This is sort of on the sidebar of this conversation—but was that retractable mound at RFK difficult to deal with? (SBF)

“It was because there were a number of occasions where we played soccer on Saturday Night and baseball Monday Night. And I didn’t get the mound up until Sunday Morning. Then, we had to trench around it to fill in. Then, you had to work on the mound. The timing of two sports made things tough at times to handle.”

So, let’s say Jon Rauch goes out there and digs a rut in the pitcher plate—how long does it take you to fix things back to normal? (SBF)

“After the game, maybe one hour and a half on it. But, every single day.”

Can you explain how the drainage works around the field to remove water from the playing surface? (SBF)

“There are quick caps for draining the tarp. When the tarp is not on—it takes water very well. When the tarp is on and you have to dump the tarp and play in 10 Minutes, it takes a little time for that water to get through. That’s the reality of soil. It doesn’t have a vacuum system. It doesn’t have a suction system. Its just gravity, the forces of nature. So sometimes, we have to wait for that water to soak through there.”

So far this year, there has been a handful of rain delays—before and during games—starts and stops. Before the game begins—whom are you talking to—to decide whether a game should be delayed or not? (SBF)

“I am a part of the decision making, but I don’t decide that. That is an organizational decision on whether to start the game. Once the game starts, it’s then the umpire’s decision and I will communicate with the umpire on the weather, timing and work with them on possible scenarios. Recently, we had a storm on a Saturday Night where the umpire did a good job of timing. We didn’t wait too long. If you wait too long, the thunder and lightning is right on you and you can’t get the tarp on. But, we got the tarp on in time. It worked out OK.”

That’s an interesting issue. There has got to be a time where the umpire delays the game from stopping and that decision may hurt the field—in the long run. (SBF)

“Or, they create a longer delay because they did not get the tarp on in time. You could create a bigger problem. They want to keep playing, but sometimes if we had put the tarp on, we would have a half hour delay. Now, we didn’t get it on in time and we have a 90-minute delay. But overall—umpires are pretty good.”

There have been those times where it has rained really, really hard and the teams keep playing. And you have to come out with this compound that many times looks like cat litter. What exactly is that stuff? (SBF)

It’s called Turface; it’s a heat-treated clay. They heat it up to 1800 Degrees to take all the moisture out of the clay and create pore space. It just sucks up the water. (Pretty Fast, I take it—SBF) Pretty quickly, yeah.”

How often are you cutting the grass? And how thick or thin do you cut it in height? (SBF)

“We mowed yesterday, so today we won’t. When the team is on the road, we mow every other day—let it grow out a little bit—and give it a rest. When they (The Nationals) are here, we cut every single day. Roughly, we cut the grass to one inch in height.”

And how do you put that Curly W pattern in centerfield? (SBF)

“John Royce, my assistant, he does that with a walking mower. We have a bit stencil to set the design—when we need to—by setting marks out. The mower changes the direction of the grass—creating the Curly W.”

Do you ever find the players coming to ask you about something they would like to see on the field? Or, I don’t like this. I want to see that? (SBF)

“That happens a lot, especially with a new field. We want to get the field to where they want it. What they are looking for. We make small adjustments.”

Without revealing any secrets, can you be more specific about some field issues players or coaches may have asked you about? (SBF)

“We have been trying to get the slope of the mound the way they wanted it back in April. The height and cut of the grass. I started the season a little thicker in the outfield because it was new sod and because of The Pope coming. Then, about a week after The Pope, we took the height down and it’s been at that same height since then (1”). Those type of things.”

I remember after Opening Night, Chipper Jones of The Atlanta Braves complained that the infield grass was uneven and made fielding grounders more difficult. Did you take notice of that and make adjustments after? (SBF)

“Yes, the new sod was a little bumpy to start. We have been working on that by airing the grass.”

How about watering. Is this a daily thing? (SBF)

“No, last night I finally had the chance to let it dry out and we are going to put a little water on it right now. Again, it all depends on the weather. Today, the humidity is not too high. The air is supposed to be 88 Degrees. We got a breeze, so I have to figure how much moisture we are going to lose during the day and coordinate that effort.”

“The sprinklers are not set to automatically run. I do it manually every time I water, based on the weather conditions and what’s going on the next day.”

How do you get the infield so flat? (SBF)

(Laughing) “Actually, the contractor did that. All of it. (But you have to keep it that way—SBF) Yeah, we have to keep it that way.” (Continuing to chuckle) Actually, at The All Star Break we are going to till up the dirt, only about an inch deep, and re-grade the infield and see where we are. It nice when we can get the team away for a long enough period of time so we can do that kind of a project.”

What kind of reaction do you get from the players on the infield clay—soft, hard? (SBF)

“Honestly, it’s not where I want it to be yet. That’s just me personally. It plays fine, but I just feel it could be a little better (smoother). Firm and moist, not hard, but firm.”

So is it too fast right now? (SBF)

“Depends on the weather conditions.”

How about the mound—anything you feel needs to be adjusted there? (SBF)

“No, it’s exactly where I want it to be. That’s worked out really well.”


Does Manny Acta come and ask you specifically about anything on the field? (SBF)

“We have talked about the height of the cut of the grass. I explained to him after The Pope came what was going on with the field. And then we took the height down.”

How much of an effort is it to learn how to work the tarp? (SBF)

“It can be tough, if only because of the pressure of working under 30,000 people, not necessarily the mechanics of it—that part’s pretty basic. Some of these kids have never done it and they get nervous. Some get so nervous they fall down and then we really have a problem. (Or go under the tarp—SBF—chuckling). Yes, going under the tarp. (Laughing)”

When the tarp is being taken off the field after a rain delay—is there a specific spot or place where you are trying to dump the water? (SBF)

“If I have enough time, I get a lot of it over the warning track—where it can drain—or in foul territory. Other times, like the other night, we wanted to get back to playing in about 15 minutes—so you just have to go with it.”

Is that the umpire saying you have to get ready in 15 minutes? (SBF)

“Well, if the rain has stopped, I don’t want to go to the umpire and say I need an half hour. We have already had an hour delay. It’s the umpire’s call, but you don’t want to keep people sitting in their seats doing nothing, You have television considerations. If it’s stopped raining, you just got to do it—as quickly as possible.”

Obviously, you are watching the weather developing during any delay—many times you see the grounds crew come out and start getting the little things done—maybe pick up the stakes of the tarp, whatever. At this point, is this your experience taking over—attempting to get the field playable as soon as possible? (SBF)

“We always try not to take off the tarp until it really stops raining heavy. But, there are plenty of things we can do to prepare if it’s raining lightly. Knowing the movement of the storm—we can anticipate what can get done quickly and get the game back on.”

New England, when you were with The PawSox has got to be a tough place to maintain a field? (SBF)

“No, this is tougher!! (Really? —SBF) No comparison. The summers up there are so much easier. March is tough up there. You are saying to yourself—come on, when is it going to get to 55 Degrees. But once you get through March, it’s a lot easier up there.”

So here in DC, is it humidity, bugs? (SBF)

“No, it’s not humidity. It’s not bugs or weeds. It’s fungus. Mainly from water getting under the tarp and around the tarp. Out deep in the outfield, we don’t really have any disease issues. Rain is not necessarily a bad thing out there. Having the tarp on, having the grass covered in hot and humid weather along with all the water that runs off around the tarp—sometimes that is five to ten times the water we get normally. So, that is the biggest issue. Washington, St. Louis, Kansas City and Cincinnati are tough places to maintain a field.”

Seattle would probably be a Godsend? (SBF)

“Seattle would be nice!!” (Smiling Broadly)

“From August 15th until the end of the season, this stuff will perk back up here. Right now, we are in the highest stress time—July to Mid-August because of the heat. Once we get shorter days and cooler nights—the Bluegrass will begin to respond a little better.”

Bermuda did not respond that way at all—I take it? (SBF)

“At RFK, Bermuda was a problem due to all the sunlight and all the shade of the bowl (configuration). In June, it would be all right, but then all of a sudden you were into August and sun took longer and longer to get up above that bowl—that’s tough. Here (at Nationals Park), the bowl is built correctly because of where the sun sets. You would want the sun to set on one of the foul poles—ideally. And most fields are set this way today (The sun rises over the right field pole and sets over the left field pole). That’s how Dodger Stadium is. The sun is not in the right fielders eyes, or the first baseman’s eyes. At RFK, the sun rose in centerfield and set behind home plate.”

Do you find yourself talking to all the groundskeepers around the leagues? (SBF)

“We do, all the time. We have meetings every January, where just about every team shows up. Some of which is sharing thoughts, and MLB comes in and talks about any policy changes, or any concerns we have. We have an umpire stop in to talk about game issues. It’s pretty constructive. For two and a half days we gather each year to discuss our business.”

Which brings up another good question. Major League Baseball has their standard for how a field should be. Can you change those standards in any way for local aesthetic reasons? (SBF)

“Some of the standards are fixed, like the height of the mound, bases, those things that affect everyday play. Others have some flexibility. When we were constructing this field, we wanted to do what MLB is trying to do, which is to have playing fields more level. And you can see it standing in here. The infield is a little higher than the outfield, but it’s pretty subtle. Unlike fields of 10 to 15 years ago which had a big crown on them, a big slope. This field is basically level. That’s why we end up with so much water staying on the tarp. The field is pretty flat. But that is what Major League Baseball wants. You want to be able to sit in the dugout, stand where we are and see the entire outfield. I can always see where the ball is and I can see the outfielders’ feet.”

So you are telling me, if say 15 years ago, I was in Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, there was a possibility I could not see the feet of the players in the outfield, from the dugout? (SBF)

“Yes, absolutely correct!! Dodger Stadium did not get converted or flattened out until 1996. Yankee Stadium, Shea Stadium in 2001. Wrigley Field just six months ago. They did it last fall. Wrigley was the last one that was still old school.”

That’s really interesting, you know that!!? (SBF)

“Yes, I know it is. Obviously, any of the new fields from Camden Yards, The New Comiskey—1991, 1992 and 1993—those were all built with sand, drainage, and flat. But a lot of the older stadiums they had to go in and eventually convert—flatten them out. So basically, all the fields now are pretty level.”

This is something I had never really thought of. That means, the older fields sometime affected play? (SBF)

“Yes, that could be true. You could be an outfielder and feel like you were constantly throwing up hill. Where as now, you stand out in the outfield and you look into the bases and the plate and you feel like you are throwing on a level plane—so to speak. Although, there is always some fall in foul territory (slope), but not much. When it has rained in here this spring when the tarp was not on and the team was out of town, and you could see the water running off. And the field has taken the water really well in those situations.”

With that My Conversation With Larry DiVito came to an end. Larry needed to continue with his days work and I needed to take pictures of his staff taking care of the field at New Nationals Park. As Larry was watering down the infield--we were discussing how he balances preparing the field for Our Washington Nationals while still having to work with each Umpiring Crew for every single game.

Larry DiVito concluded: "I have to realize, that before and after each baseball game, I work for The Washington Nationals. I work with the team. There is no question about that. But once every game begins, I work for The Umpires. There is no question about that also."

All Photos--Nats320 (except 11/1/07 Stadium Cam Shot from Clark Construction)

The Natural

I don't think I have EVER been more proud and happy for ANYONE in The Great Game. Tonight at Yankee Stadium, Josh Hamilton put on the show that so many believed he was, for so long, so capable of achieving. 28 Home Runs in the first round of The All Star Game Home Run Derby. An incredibly exciting moment for--a still young man--fighting every single day over his demons of drugs and alcohol addiction.

How fitting the performance in--"The House That Ruth Built"--occurred in the very last season of Yankee Stadium--the most honored Ballpark in American Sport.

Sitting in our home watching--Sohna and I actually stood and applauded his Herculean Effort. "The Natural" so long ago named--has now possibly turned his personage around. There is no question Josh Hamilton is THE GREATEST STORY IN THE GAME OF 2008. And I don't care a single lick that Josh did not ultimately win the Home Run Contest this evening, for Josh Hamilton is winning in the game of life--once again.

We only hope he continues improving on himself. Anybody that personally states: "Hope Is Never Lost" is worth rooting for. I can't tell you how happy "I WAS" to see him perform at New Nationals Park, just a few short weeks ago for The Texas Rangers. That man has the talent to be a true Triple Crown Threat. And make no mistake about it, Josh Hamilton has adoring fans in myself and The African Queen--Forever.

You just can't say enough about that man. How he and his closest family and friends have battled as a team on all his issues--to make his journey--A Memorable One Again--for all the good reasons. And the fact he asked a long time confident and supporter to assist him tonight in his quest--made the effort that much more special.

There is no more deserving player in the game as Comeback Player Of The Year. Maybe MVP of The American League.

Josh Hamilton is "The Natural". What A GREAT STORY!! Really, I don't think I could EVER BE PROUDER OF ONE ATHLETE!!

At nearly 49 years of age--I am not afraid to call Josh Hamilton--My Hero. I Love That Guy!!

His Comeback--Legendary. Keep it up Josh--you are worth remembering--and cheering for--every single day.

Tonight's InGame Photo--(Getty Images) Nick Laham

My Question

UPDATE: Now it even gets more interesting--Thanks to Brian at NationalsFarmAuthority. Alex Escobar has been released--according to The Columbus Clippers website--on the very day Wily Mo Pena needs surgery?


Wily Mo Pena, after having a Gad MRI earlier today and an examination of his left shoulder with Nationals orthopedist Dr. Ben Shaffer, has a small tear and impingement in his left rotator cuff, as well as, fraying of the labrum in his left shoulder.

Surgery should take place within the next 7-10 days with details to follow.

When I received that email from Our Washington Nationals claiming that Wily Mo Pena has a tear in his left rotator cuff--I just started to laugh. Yesterday, Our Manager Manny Acta mentioned Our Number 26 has been hurt for 'some time". Obviously, others in involved with Our Washington Nationals had to know as well. So, my question. Why is it that each and every time one of our players gets injured, Our Team waits for "some time" to find out whether these players are always out for "MUCH MORE TIME".

Most always usually more seriously than previously mentioned or considered?

Never has there been an explanation why this "APPEARS" to always be the case. And in this particular one--some one KNEW Wily Mo was hurt and continued to play him. Yes, players get injured and there is nothing you can do about it. And some play through the everyday pain. But this one is mind puzzling.

It's a legitimate question--worth finding an answer to. That is My Question.

Flat Sunday

Maybe it was the heat and humidity.

Maybe it was because today was Getaway Day for The Annual All-Star Break.

Maybe all the news surrounding Our Washington Nationals this week had finally taken it's toll.

Maybe there was just no juice left in the tank.

After injury after injury after injury. A series of losses followed by a few more. And the continuing sight of Our Washington Nationals playing shorthanded when their players are unable to go physically--today's game against The Houston Astros was the most LIFELESS game of the season.

Little energy shown on the field, even less in the stands. Fans spending most of this Sunday Afternoon trying to find protection from the BROILING SUN casting down upon New Nationals Park.

There was so little noise and excitement on South Capitol Street that when Paul LoDuca grounded out to Ty Wigginton at third base in the bottom of the fifth--the SOUNDS of Our Number 16 disgustedly yelling at himself in anger over failing--could be heard CLEARLY across the first base side of New Nationals Park. In Section 218, Sohna and I started laughing--wondering where was that type of passion from the remainder of Our Team?

Honestly, this game was just spiritless and when it ended--The African Queen and I slowly trudged our way out of New Nationals Park, looking forward to the Upcoming All-Star Break. We will never give up on Our Team, but left hoping a mini vacation away from watching Our Washington Nationals will help rejuvenate and bring life back to Washington's Baseball Team and Ourselves.

Yeah, we are disappointed and frustrated how the Inaugural Season at New Nationals Park has played out so far. But, that has not taken away from all the fun we have in and around the games on South Capitol Street. Having friends to share time with at each and every game--makes attending as exciting as ever. We only hope there will be more signs of life over the last two and one half months of this season. And that those injured players now on the Disabled List will all fully recover before Spring Training 2009, so all of us can truly find out if Our Washington Nationals of 2008 were better or worse than the product now struggling on the field of play before us.

Final Score from a Flat Sunday New Nationals Park--The Houston Astros 5 and Our Washington Nationals Zero.

And you can bet--Sohna and I will be back--as strong as ever on July 29th--to shout down THE WORST FANS IN PROFESSIONAL SPORTS--Those of The Philadelphia Phillies. I don't care how bad others feel Our Washington Nationals may be--but We Just Have To Beat The Phillies and their MOST OBNOXIOUS FANS. Nothing more pleasurable over the past three and one half years since Baseball's Return to Washington than putting The Phillies in their place.

Please, come join us protect Our House!!

Game Notes & Highlights

As the trading deadline approaches--I can only hope Our General Manager Jim Bowden finds a taker for Odalis Perez--today's starter. A now journeyman pitcher with no future in Washington. Never has he overly impressed me. Never does he pitch lights out. With all the issues surrounding player personnel injuries this season--I would be far more interested in seeing Tyler Clippard, Garrett Mock, maybe Shairon Martis starting for Our Washington Nationals in August and September. Really, we have NOTHING to lose.

And since I am on a roll here--the same goes for Wily Mo Pena. If Batting Coach Lenny Harris is publicly trashing him--then someone has got to go. Either Our Number 26 for continued failings, or Our Number 9 for not being able to work with Pena's problems. This statement goes for FLop too. Sorry Felipe Lopez, but I don't see enough effort from you.

Professionalism, that Ronnie Belliard continued to show this afternoon at New Nationals Park. In the top of the 7th inning, with Houston Pitcher Brandon Backe on first after a single--The Astros Kaz Matsui BLISTERS a grounder to the left of Our Number 10. Cool as always and mostly under control--Ronnie dove to his left--AND BEHIND HIMSELF--the baseball had already gone past him. Still, he was able to get his glove on the ball, recover and throw out Matsui at first base for The Defensive Play of This Game.

Houston's Darin Erstad also swiftly strode back to the centerfield wall in the bottom of the 7th on a blast by Pete Orr. Erstad, the only player in Major League History to win a Gold Glove as an Infielder and an Outfielder made a wonderful over the shoulder catch approaching the 412 FT. Sign in Dead Center off Our Number 4. At 34 years of age--on the downside of a good career--Erstad can still play this game. You gotta appreciate hustling guys like that.

There was a very strange play involving Erstad in the bottom of the second. With Ronnie Belliard on second, Kory Casto on first--Pete Orr drove a liner to dead centerfield. The Houston Centerfielder charged in and appeared to catch the baseball. Now, I don't have anyway of seeing a replay on this moment, but I am pretty sure Second Base Umpire Charlie Reliford signaled "OUT". Belliard trotted back to second seeing the call. Then, Umpire Reliford REVERSED HIS CALL which Belliard DID NOT SEE. Casto did and ran to second base. Both runners now occupying the same bag. Astros Second Baseman Kaz Matsui tagged both Our Number 10 and Our Number 5 before Casto was eventually called "OUT"--Orr safe at first base on a fielders choice--Ronnie remained at second.

The Umpire's original miss call--if that was it was--had caused the problem. Unfortunately, there was nothing more to be done to correct the situation. But I would like Our Manager Manny Acta to trot out there to get the final word from The Umpires over what just had transpired. Houston Manager Cecil Cooper had NO PROBLEM running out for an explanation.

Finally--I saw the comments from Ken Rosenthal stating Our Washington Nationals are interested in Matt Holliday of The Colorado Rockies. He's a fine player, good numbers--home and away. Giving up Chris Marrero and some other similar type players would be OK by me. But the thought of giving up Ryan Zimmerman for him--is out of the question. Maybe, Lastings Milledge. Can you imagine an outfield of Holliday, Elijah Dukes and Austin Kearns or Lastings Milledge. That would be a pretty solid outfield. Our Section 218 Seatmate, Jim and I discussed this rumor at length this afternoon.

PS-- GOOD LUCK "GUZ"--Represent Our Washington Nationals Proudly. Sohna and I will be cheering on Cristian Guzman wildly in The All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium this Tuesday Night. Hopefully, Our Number 15 will get a chance to play and produce. HE EARNED THE HONOR.

Today's InGame Photo--(AP) Pablo Martinez Monsivais

A One Inning Game

Showing patience, Willie Harris had started a rally. Our Washington Nationals were trailing 5-2 heading to the bottom of the sixth inning. Our Number 1 had just fouled off three straight third strike pitches. Being hot of late--Harris was not fazed over the continuing battle. And when The Houston Astros Wandy Rodriguez served up an off speed pitch in and over his wheelhouse--Willie CRUSHED the thrown baseball well over the rightfield wall for a Home Run.

A pick me up jolt that now found most of the 30,682 Fans on hard at Hispanic Heritage Night getting back into this game. The chance for Washington to win--especially when Paul LoDuca followed with a single to left--moving to second on a ground out by "The Guz". Then, Austin Kearns walked and Ronnie Belliard singled to left to load the bases. Next up--two Latin Sluggers for Our Washington Nationals. One playing well, the other not. As many on hand began swaying to the Latino Beat heard at New Nationals Park, Houston Manager Cecil Cooper stomped to the mound to remove Rodriguez from the game. No way he leaves a left handed pitcher in this game to face Jesus Flores and Wily Mo Pena.

Our 23 Year Old Catcher has shown great promise this season. The Ability to hit in the clutch. Potential, which Our Number 26 has consistently flailed at. With just one out--could these two power hitters provide the tying and go ahead blows?

On came Houston Reliever Chris Sampson--the upbeat crowd pulsating over the situation at hand. The bases loaded, Flores at the plate. The tying run at first base. And what did Sampson do--he proceeded to hit Jesus on his left shoulder during the very first pitch thrown to him. A stunning Hit by Pitch that forced LoDuca home--put Our Washington Nationals down by two and sending the home faithful into a tizzy. Remember, there is just one out. The chance for Wily Mo to shine. The opportunity given for Pena to be THE DIFFERENCE MAKER. Many fans now on their feet, anticipating what was to come.

All season long--Our Number 26 has been ineffective. Little Power and even less in timely hitting. As patient as Willie Harris can be at the plate--Pena is quite the opposite. Rarely, can he hit a curve ball. Rarely, does he adjust his swing to compensate. Rarely, does he take a pitch. How many times has his long looping swing got himself out--thanks to the very fact--Wily Mo rarely cuts down on his swing. A major problem that seemingly, every single opposing pitcher knows. A batting glitch that found Sampson going right to the heart of this issue--by setting Pena up with a fastball--fouled off on his very first offering. Pena looked uncomfortable at the plate. And when Sampson came back with another fastball that was JUST LOW to his knees--Our Number 26 rolled his eyes, swung his head back and forth--and prayed Home Plate Umpire Kevin Causey called ball one--which he did. A signal that gave the ever rising home crowd something more to cheer for.

Washington's Fans wanting to see some sizzle. The Houston Astros just wanting to get two outs.

For whatever the reasons--Our Number 26 just does not look like the same player that put up some fine numbers late in 2008 for Our Washington Nationals. What exactly is wrong? Hopefully, this was a big chance for Pena to turn things around. With the count now 1-1, the crowd moving forward anxiously in their seats in anticipation--Chris Sampson leaned back and delivered an off speed pitch--a slider that Pena has not been able to hit all year. The Houston Pitcher realizing--Wily Mo's swing might get in the way.

Mere seconds after Pena offered at the pitch, the excited crowd began to moan. Wily Mo Pena had meekly grounded back to Sampson on the third pitch of this At-Bat. An easy double play set up that found The Astros Reliever throwing to his catcher, Brad Ausmus at home to retire Austin Kearns, who then turned over and fired a strike to Lance Berkman at first base for a rally killing 1-2-3 Double Play. You talk about killing momentum.

In every single game, now matter what the score--every team usually has one chance to get back into the game. This was Our Washington Nationals opportunity to win. This was Wily Mo Pena's prospect to beat the odds. This inning was the determining factor in whether Our Fans would continue to dance to the Salsa Beat, all night long.

This had become A One Inning Game. The result of which--extinguished the final flames of fire from Our Washington Nationals. The Houston Astros not succumbing to the pressure of the moments. Presenting a calm and cool which Wily Mo Pena did not bring to the plate during the most crucial At-Bat of this inning and this game. His failure putting a damper over the remainder of the evening at New Nationals Park. Our Washington Nationals never threatened again.

Final Score from New Nationals Park-where the Spice & Sizzle of Hispanic Heritage Night-could not help get the home team over the top--The Houston Astros 6 and Our Washington Nationals 4.

Game Notes & Highlights.

Tonight was a learning experience for young Collin Balester. Early on--Our Number 40 had little command of his curveball and Houston got to him right away for one run in the first after allowing three consecutive singles. And then in the 4th--when Hunter Pence took Balester DEEP over the left field wall for a two run homer. Down 3-2 now, Balester later found himself in even greater trouble thanks to two crucial mistakes by his fielders. Ronnie Belliard committed a throwing error from third base to first on a routine grounder by Darin Erstad. Then, after Kaz Matsui & Lance Berkman doubled back to back--and Carlos Lee singled, The Astros found themselves up 5-2 with no outs. To Collin's credit he fought back and should have been out of the inning.

He struck out Miguel Tejada on a vicious off speed pitch. Then, induced Geoff Blum to ground sharply to Paul LoDuca at first base. A sure Inning Ending Double Play--if only LoDuca touches first base and then turns to his right and tags out The Astros Carlos Lee, standing about five away from him--off the base. Instead, to the absolute total dismay of just about EVERY SINGLE PERSON IN THE PARK--Our Number 16 proceeded to worry about Lance Berkman prancing off third base--threatening to score. If Paulie was only thinking and understood the situation at hand--all he had to do after stepping on first--was to tag out the very slow Carlos Lee. How INCREDIBLE to see LoDuca FREEZE ON THE PLAY. And the sight of the burly Lee TIP TOEING. That's right--TIP TOEING back to first around the confused Paul--UNBELIEVABLE. I'm sorry, but I don't care how few games Paul LoDuca has played in first base in his Major League Career. He is a Professional Ballplayer that has played this game for years and years and years. His experience alone--should have made his decision automatic.

As it turned out--LoDuca's mental mistake led directly to Collin Balester allowing a 6th and final run of the night to be scored by Houston. Hunter Pence would drive a clean single to left scoring Berkman. A run that finished Our Number 40 for the evening. Balester would leave the game after 4.2 innings, and be charged with four of the six runs scored upon him. No--he wasn't too good, but his fielders had let him down-also.

Paul LoDuca has been pretty much a disaster at just about every position Our Manager Manny Acta has placed him this season. Whether behind the plate at catcher, in left field or at first base--wherever Our Number 16 plays defensively--trouble seems to follow. I still can't get over the fact that Paul LoDuca DID NOT simply turn to his right and tag out Carlos Lee for an inning ending Double Play. How could he have missed that?

Collin Balester notched his very first hit as a Major Leaguer--taking Wandy Rodriguez up the middle for a single in the top of the 3rd inning. As is customary, the baseball was retrieved as a souvenir for Our Number 40.

Washington got on the board early in this affair. Willie Harris scored Washington's first run with leadoff double down the right field line in the first--advancing to third on a LoDuca ground out. And scoring on Cristian Guzman's sacrifice fly to centerfield. A Belliard double to the left centerfield wall, followed by a Flores single--plated Our Number 10 with Washington's second run of the evening in the second inning.





Tonight was Hispanic Heritage Night. Fans entering the ballpark from The Centerfield Plaza were greeted by a Latino Band and Dancers.

Later, 12 members of Our Washington Nationals (Coaches & Players) were introduced on the field, and stood proudly in front of the flags of their home countries. For 2008, The Dominican Republic, Mexico, Venezuela and Puerto Rico were among those represented. Throughout the game--the lineups and subsequent batters for Our Washington Nationals were announced in Spanish.


This evening--Sohna and I upgraded to Presidents Club. And were pleased to also see Ms. Chatter on hand with her family enjoying the night behind Home Plate. Late in the game--My Best Friend Screech!! came by to complain that he had swung up to Our Section 218 to visit The African Queen and I this evening--but sadly did not find us there. Upon spotting us sitting five rows from the field--he nearly fell over in wonder. We promised Screech, we would forward along our seating location the next time--we move from our customary seats. Can't have My Best Friend missing out on all fun.


Finally--after the conclusion of this baseball game--Our Washington Nationals hosted Saturday Night At The Movies. What was most amazing to witness, were hundreds, if not one thousand or more fans STAYING to watch the entire movie shown--"The Sandlot". Standing next to Team President Stan Kasten as the movie began, I said to him--"I was expecting only a few hundred. This is a terrific turnout." Mr. Kasten responded: "Yes, it's quite impressive."


Not only did Mr. Kasten stay around to watch the movie--but so did Principal Owner Mark Lerner. Honestly, the movie looked great on the HDTV Screen and the sound was fabulous. Safe to say--Saturday Night Movies at New Nationals Park was a big hit for fans. Thankfully, the weather cooperated and made the setting quite comfortable. Honestly, I still can't believe that many stayed around to watch the movie. It was Impressive.

Tonight's InGame Photo--(AP) Nick Wass
All Other Photos--Nats320 (All Rights Reserved)

By The Numbers

Reminder: DC United is playing at RFK Stadium Saturday Night July 12th. Nats Express will operate from Lot 7--not Lot 8. DC United Fans will be tailgating there. Nats Fans using the free shuttle service to New Nationals park--please be aware.

If the oddsmakers had told me I had to give up nine runs against Roy Oswalt and The Houston Astros--in order to win, I would have laughed in their face. No way Our Washington Nationals post a 10 Spot of The 'Stros Top Pitcher. Too bad, I am not a big betting man--because Houston's Top Ace would strain his hip abductor--opening up a series of numbers games this evening.

The very moment Big Chad Paronto started warming up for Houston in the bottom of the first--you knew something was up. When Their Number 54 held up play in the top of the 2nd--jogging down from the left field visitors bullpen to the visitors dugout--you new this was serious. And when Paronto was announced as a Pinch Hitter for Roy Oswalt in the top of the second--you knew Their Number 44 was hurt.

Let The Fireworks!! Begin!!--2 Hours and 30 Minutes before they were originally scheduled to commence this Friday Night.

Powerball was under way. Our Washington Nationals were providing the thunder. And Our Number 10 became The Power Draw. Just about any combination worked tonight for Washington. In fact, things went so well that Our Manager Manny Acta maybe could have sent The African Queen out there for her first plate appearance. The way The Astros Pitching fell apart tonight--her Baseball 101 Instruction could have come in handy.

Ronnie Bellard greeted Chad and set off those Pyrotechnics right away. First--a golf shot off Paronto in the bottom of the 2nd. A two run homer with that arching trajectory and Jesus Flores aboard. A 3-10 Combination putting Washington into the early lead, 2-0. The type of Home Run you stand there and admire--for its beauty. Style that Our Number 10 has down pat. Can that man ever put on a show. Then, "Manny Ramirez, Jr" would return for an encore performance in the bottom of the 5th--this time with Kory Casto and Jesus Flores on bases--this time facing Dave Borkowski.

With Washington already up 5-0, Belliard decided to put this game out of reach. Swinging as hard as any player in the game--Ronnie connected and fully extended on a full count pitch right down the middle of the plate. As Our Number 10's left arm, his bat hand, extended high into the air--this smacked baseball, launched by his lumber went deeper and deeper into the night. And well before his drive cleared the wall for a three run homer--Ronnie Belliard was already struting his way around the bases in triumph. The lucky numbers had been drawn for the evening and Our Number 10 was Officially A Winner. In fact, his second homer of the evening was the 100th of his career. A milestone that found Ronnie Belliard taking a curtain call from the joyous crowd.

A Two Homer, Five RBI Night that put Washington up 8-0 and found the buzzing crowd of 33,653 rejoicing in a blowout. Was that really Our Washington Nationals crushing an opponent? Was that really Our Home Team putting together a complete effort on the field tonight? They played well--a nearly perfect game. And Washington even placed down two fine sacrifice bunts. That fact alone meant Our Washington Nationals were destined to win.

But Ronnie Belliard was not the entire show--another number had a big night.

Our Number 25 displayed his value. Since Austin Kearns returned from his elbow surgery just 8 short games ago--he has been very effective. Keeping his shoulder in, swinging through the ball and obviously fully recovered from his injury--"Bluegrass" has been hot. Tonight--a well stroked opposite field double to right centerfield scoring "The Guz" in the 3rd, then a Rocket Shot Two Run Home Run to left center and the Houston Bullpen in the 6th--scoring Cristian Guzman again before him. A 15-25 mix that combined to score 5 runs and knock in three this evening. Austin Kearns has driven in eight runs since returning from The Disabled List.

How about Our Number 15. Cristian Guzman is smoking the baseball. This evening--three more hits, three runs scored, Our 2008 All Star found his groove early this season and is just not letting up. "The Guz" easily Our Most Valuable Player so far this season.

How about Our Number 3? Destined for AAA Ball for "SEASONING" before the year started, Jesus Flores continues to rack up some Power Numbers of his own. A Key two run, two strike single off Borkowski in the bottom of the 5th--setting up Belliard's three run blast moments later. Leading Our Washington Nationals in Runs Batted In (with 35), Flores has proven that sometimes you have to get lucky (thanks to player injuries) to show that you are good. Our Number 3 beating the odds as well in 2008.

And how about that 17-59 match up at New Nationals Park. Tim Redding and Steven Shell combining to pitch nine shutout innings. Redding receiving his 7th win and Shell garnering the rare three inning save.

Curly "W" Number 36 was an absolute blowout. An evening that found Our Manager Manny Acta picking the right combination of uniform numbers leading to victory. And The Bang!! Zoom!! Of The Fireworks!! proving that choosing the right Powerball Number can always be EXPLOSIVE--just look at Lucky Number 10!!

Final Score after the most relaxing victory of 2008--Our Washington Nationals 10 and The Houston Astros Zero. Yes, 10-Zip. That is not a misprint. Those Numbers Are Correct.

Game Notes & Highlights

Tim Redding was also the winner of The Powerball Lottery Tonight. Having not won one single decision in nine consecutive starts, this was simply his lucky chance to win. Hard to believe Our Number 17 had six wins back in May--and it took him until July 11 to receive his 7th. Baseball--always the great equalizer. You are never as good or as bad as you think. This evening--Redding went 114 pitches into the game. He didn't give up a single walk--his command was fine. But he also wasn't lights out. Scattering seven hits--Tim Redding was pitching without his best stuff and kept his team in the game--just like Brandon Webb did this past Tuesday Night for Arizona at New Nationals Park. Our Number 17 set up his teammates to win. That's all you ask of the man--or any pitcher.

Ronnie Belliard had quite the night. He started the evening at 3rd Base. But when Dmitri Young strained his back swinging in the 3rd inning and had to leave the game--"The Ballplayer" moved to 1st base to replace Our Number 21. Manning his new position, Our Number 10 made a nice catch of an errant throw from his replacement at third base--Pete Orr--in the 5th to retire Hunter Pence. But his best fielding effort came in the top of the 9th. And this one play typified how there was NO CHANCE Our Washington Nationals would lose tonight.

Miguel Tejada would ground sharply to "The Guz" leading off the top of the 9th. Guzman would first muff the catch, then physically boot the ball even farther to his right. With Tejada still running hard, but not necessarily fast, Our Number 15 then retrieved the baseball, and slung it across the diamond--well away from Ronnie Belliard. A error in the making. Ronnie had other ideas though. Just wanting to get the out, Our Number 10 proceeded to cross the 1st base bag toward the hard charging Tejada--catch the errant toss and all in one motion--slam down his glove hand--containing the baseball--on Miggy's right shoulder to JUST BEAT HIM for Out Number One. A very fine effort from Ronnie Belliard--and the HONORARY Defensive Play of This Game. Ronnie was IN THE GROOVE--that Zone where you can do no wrong.

By the way, Dmitri's back strain is listed as day to day.

And Roy Oswalt was removed from the game due to a hip strain.

The Houston Astros have nearly the identical color combinations in their uniforms as The Arizona Diamondbacks. Having both these teams visit New Nationals Park back to back--at times I found myself thinking we were playing The Snakes again tonight. Odd.

Lance Berkman is one fine player. Kept under wraps tonight--his power numbers shown on the HDTV Screen were downright impressive. Even more so--Berkman has stolen 14 bases this season. And this a man--with constant knee problems.

There was alot of action surrounding the game this evening.

Of course Teddy did it again. He found another way to lose in style. This time during the 4th Inning Preidents Race--Our Lovable Loser ran the wrong way around the outfield warning track. While Abe, GW and Tom ran the normal course toward the right field foul poll--Teddy ran toward left field. After realizing his mistake--Teddy was assisted off the field--and actually showed some emotion--by kicking over a chair in disappointment.


Throughout the game--Our Washington Nationals were displaying to all fans interested--the various ticket technologies available to them for use for each and every game played at New Nationals Park. Through your ticket account number and password, you can sell, trade, even email to yourself or a friend--a forgotten ticket. If you have a cell phone with capability--you can even send a bar code that any ticket taker can scan and let you into the park--and provide a receipt. Tickets.com in conjunction with Major League Baseball and StubHub allow Season Ticket Holders to directly sell their game tickets online--with all funds going directly to your personal account. Staff will be in place through this Saturday Night, in the Centerfield Plaza, near The Red Porch Restaurant. So, if you are interested in finding out more about various ways to use your season tickets--check it out.

Although Our Washington Nationals provided much of the firepower tonight--Friday Night was a Bang!! Zoom!! Go The Fireworks!! Night after the game as well. The 10 Minute show which begins shortly after the conclusion of all Friday night home games.

The Saturday Night Movie to be shown after tomorrow's game will be "The Sandlot". All patrons wishing to view the movie are asked to sit on the third base side of New Nationals Park--anywhere except for Presidents and Diamond Club. Limited concessions will be available.



Finally--a reminder. It's Christmas in July! All weekend The United States Marines are on hand at New Nationals Park to collect unwrapped toys and monetary donations for The Toys For Tots Program. As always, we participate. And Sohna always proud of those Marines in their sharp dress uniforms.

Tonight's InGame Photos--(AP) Haraz N. Ghanbari
All Other Photos--Nats320--All Rights Reserved

Hispanic Heritage Night

September 17th, 2007 was a memorable night at RFK Stadium in Washington, DC. The Old Ballyard on East Capitol Street was swaying, shaking and rumbling to The Latino Beat. On that night--Our Washington Nationals honored the many Hispanic Nations that play the game of baseball and our players that play it. A fun night where the action off the field was just as good as the fine game played on it.

With New Nationals Park, now open--this year's festivities will move to South Capitol Street. This Saturday Night, July 12, Hispanic Night returns to the ballpark of Our Washington Nationals. I have got to tell you, last year's event at RFK was enjoyable to no end. A festival broke out in the stands. The music was terrific. The players announced in their native tongue over the P.A. Sohna has always remembered that night. And was thrilled to see Hispanic Night return for 2008. If this Saturday night is anywhere near as good as last year's, it's going to be a great night at the ballpark. We really mean it. We loved Hispanic Night last year. Worth attending, just for the salsa beat. Nothing like it.

Here are the details from the Official Press Release:


WASHINGTON NATIONALS HOST HISPANIC HERITAGE NIGHT

The Washington Nationals will host Hispanic Heritage Night on Saturday, July 12 when they host the Houston Astros at 7:10pm. The organization will recognize Hispanic culture and honor Hispanic players’ contributions to the game of baseball. The Nationals have 10 Hispanic players on their Major League roster, as well as three coaches and the only Dominican manager in Major League Baseball in Manny Acta.

The Nationals will honor their Hispanic players and coaches in an on-field pre-game ceremony that will include a flag presentation. Flags from Curacao, Netherlands Antilles (Roger Bernadina); the Dominican Republic (Manny Acta, Ricardo Aponte, Jesus Colome, Cristian Guzman, Wily Mo Peña and Odalis Perez); Mexico (Luis Ayala); Puerto Rico (Felipe Lopez, Jerry Morales, Wil Nieves and Saul Rivera); and Venezuela (Jesus Flores) will be presented by the respective players.

Nationals fans may enjoy music by the Verny Verala Project; a Latin band led by Verny Verala, an arranger, composer, singer and flutist who teaches at Bell Multicultural High School; prior to the game in the Center Field Plaza from 4:30 pm until 6:50 pm. The band will be accompanied by Salsa and Cuban rueda dancers from Saoco, winner of the 2007 Salsa Dance Group of the Year in Washington, DC. The Saoco dancers will also perform on the dugouts during the middle of the third inning. El Zol radio personality Pedro Biaggi will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Nationals Spanish Béisbol Network broadcaster Luciano Rodriguez will provide PA announcements in Spanish and the team will show videos of Hispanic baseball greats, including Rod Carew and Juan Marichal,

Snake Bitten

The last time Andrew and I sat together at New Nationals Park, a most extraordinary moment happened. Ronnie Belliard slammed out a two strike, two out, down to their last At-Bat Home Run to defeat The Baltimore Orioles. A miracle comeback that Sunday, which nearly became Old Hat this Thursday Night. For eight innings a tight, well pitched and low scoring game was played out on South Capitol Street, but just when you thought all was said and done and Our Washington Nationals were going to lose--The Bewitching Hour Began. Truly one of the most exciting two innings you might ever witness. The African Queen, Andrew and myself just couldn't believe it. So did just about everyone still remaining from the announced crowd of 27,330. New Nationals Park was on its feet. Extra innings was in the works. And the sounds echoing throughout the park, ON EVERY SINGLE PITCH, were mesmerizing.

Down 2-0 and down their their last At-Bat, what transpired was not only mind boggling but downright bizarre. And it all began with a FLop walk off the tiring Arizona Starter Dan Haren in the bottom of the 9th. An innocent free bases on balls that quickly became worse for The Diamondbacks when Kory Casto followed by ripping a grounder to right field. The 113th and final pitch of the night for The Snakes' Haren--attempting to go the distance. A first and second, no out situation that now had the crowd stirring, and not just to get up and leave, but standing up to cheer on Washington.

RallyTime!! was in effect and Arizona Manager Bob Melvin went to his closer--the very efficient Brandon Lyon to end it. Looking to stem the tide, turn the momentum around and defeat Washington. What Bob Melvin didn't realize was this game was far from over. This evening was going to become odd. One of those baseball affairs that takes on a life of it's own. Twists and turns that many times are unexplainable. Cherished Baseball Moments and the reason why you have to love this game.

"The Guz" was next and immediately greeted Lyon with a rip of his own--a drive the opposite way--to left--just out of the outstretched glove of The Snakes third baseman Mark Reynolds. The Crowd now juiced! The Bases now loaded. Andrew and I staring at each other in disbelief. Could Our Washington Nationals do it again?

Up stepped Austin Kearns. And up on their feet, just about everyone in the ballpark. The roar so loud, you would have believed this was a sell out crowd. "Let's Go Nats!!" chanted throughout New Nationals Park. And unbekownst to many, to complete the odd ending in store, that first magical moment of strangeness to come--was next.

Guzman's single had just cleared Reynolds' glove, now "Bluegrass" stepped in and ripped a grounder down the third base line. A sure double play ball and rally killer. But No!! Arizona's Mark Reynolds would commit his second error of the night--this time, Ryan Zimmerman's former teammate at The University of Virginia botched a backhand stab at the slicing ball. The sight of the baseball skipping past his glove and down the left field line sent New Nationals Park INTO A FRENZY!! Felipe Lopez scored. Willie Harris scored. A crescendo of noise cascading down upon the field. A celebration beginning. New hope rising. Our Washington Nationals had not only tied the score, but where in a position-TO WIN!! Who would have thought this possible--less than 10 short minutes ago.

No one honestly and that's where this game took another twist. With the noise level rising for every single pitch. With victory for Washington just one clean single away. They couldn't push across the winning score. Dmitri Young flew out to centerfield for the first out. Jesus Flores fought off nine pitches before striking out. And even after Wily Mo Pena reached on THE THIRD ERROR of the evening by Reynolds--loading up the bases again--that was not enough. While Brandon Lyon still found himself in a heap of trouble, facing newly recalled Roger Bernadina along with a home crowd joined to the battle--Lyon was able to survive by retiring Our Number 7 on nine pitches. A terrific At-Bat for Our New Number 7 that ended with a groundout to Arizona's Orlando Hudson for the final out of the inning--sending this game into extra innings and sending a chill down the spines of every single Nats Fan.

Believing the game was nearly won--everyone now sat back and waited for more action. Did both The Diamondbacks and Our Washington Nationals Deliver.

Action which came right away when Big Jon Rauch got into some serious trouble--all with two outs and nobody on in the 10th. The Snakes Connor Jackson would hit a dribbler between the mound and third base--unplayable. Chad Tracy followed with a drive to the left centerfield wall to score Jackson on a double. Then, the error prone Reynolds drove an opposite field double to right off the wall scoreboard, scoring Tracy and the light hitting Miguel Montero finished Arizona's rally with a clean single to left scoring Reynolds. A now 5-2 Diamondbacks lead that now found most of the remaining crowd, booing and getting up to leave.

Big Mistake. This game again was far from over.

On they played--into the bottom of the 10th. And when Pete Orr lead off with a double to right off Tony Pena, followed by a single up the middle by Willie Harris scoring Our Number 4, Andrew looked over at me for the second consecutive inning stating: "Do these guys think they are the 2001 New York Yankees?" We started laughing, remembering those classic World Series Games that went deep into night with heroics playing out against The Same Arizona Diamondbacks. The few thousands still in the stands now back into the game. Everyone again expecting a miracle, especially when Guzman ripped another liner JUST OVER the outstretched glove of Stephen Drew at shortstop. And Austin Kearns followed with a DRILLED SHOT down the left field line. A clean double that had New Nationals Park ROARING!! Harris and "The Guz" scoring the game tying runs. "Bluegrass" standing on third representing the game winning run!!

Any way you looked at it--this was good stuff!!

This was edge of your seat stuff. In fact, who could possibly sit down. A type of game had broken out which you could never write a script for. A roller coaster ride that makes Baseball The Great Game. Not many times, do you witness a game quite like this one. Andrew and I enjoying the moments.

And on this chiller went.

The Snakes Manager had now seen enough of his reliever Tony Pena and called on Chad Qualls to again stop the Washington rush. With the rhythmic clapping not stopping, the cheering from the stands not ending--Arizona, set up a double play, by first walking Dmitri Young (who was replaced by Wil Nieves as a pinch runner). Then, Jesus Flores followed and hit a weak grounder to The Diamondbacks NEW THIRD BASEMAN--Augie Ojeda. Reynolds not trusted any longer with his glove. Austin ran from third on contact and was thrown out at the plate for out number two--bringing a huge sigh from the audience.

Again, Washington was down to their last out. Wily Mo Pena was at the plate. If Our Number 26 raps out the game winning hit, much of his early season struggles might be lifted from his ever strong shoulders--at least for a few hours. But, this moment was not to be. After fighting back in the bottom of the 9th to tie and not push across the winning run, Our Washington Nationals would battle back with three more runs in the bottom of the 10th--only to witness Pena ground out to second base.

Qualls had Quelled The Rally.

You could hear a pin drop at New Nationals Park. No one believing Our Washington Nationals had NOT WON AGAIN.

Victory nearly gained, lost for sure when Luis Ayala was sent out for the 11th inning and proceeded to give up two more runs on three hits and a walk. A 7-5 insurmountable lead for Arizona--as it turned out. A margin too large for Our Washington Nationals to overcome for the third consecutive inning. Their fight now gone. The Opportunity for A MOST MEMORABLE of COMEBACKS OVER. The realizing faithful in the stands bowing their heads in defeat--as glorious as it was to be.

Chad Qualls closing this wild one out with a 1-2-3 bottom of the 11th.

Our Washington Nationals had been snake bitten. The miracle venom potion desired had not been found--incredibly.

Final Score after one of the greatest games Our Washington Nationals will ever lose--The Snakes 7 and Our Nats 5 in 11 wonderful innings.

Yeah, they lost, but Baseball does not get much better than this one--for pure entertainment.

Game Notes & Highlights

Jason Bergmann pitched another outstanding ballgame, got no offensive help from his teammates and was destined for another loss until the first comeback began in the bottom of the 9th. With his ERA now lowered to 4.03, Our Number 57 seems to be one of those odd men out during a baseball season. You can pitch as well as you want, but if your team can't score any runs for you--it will not matter whether you possess a great arm in the game or not. Jason Bergmann had no chance of winning this evening. But that doesn't mean he was not any good.

How about that Dan Haren! He not only batted for himself in the top of the 9th, he walked out to the mound in an attempt for a complete game. Something not seen yet at New Nationals Park. Two batters into the that final frame for him--Haren was gone. Effective all night, but tiring badly, Haren left the game after striking out 9 Washington Hitters, allowing a stingy three hits and just one walk. His pitching delivery a little strange. At nearly the apex of his left front leg swinging forward in his delivery, he stalls, then completes the motion. Odd, but interesting to watch. Must work for him--because Dan Haren is a pretty good starter.

Was that actually "The Guz" diving to his right to snare a liner off the bat of Haren in the sixth. The sight of Our Number 15 immediately had me wondering how rare that is to see. Honestly, I don't recall Cristian Guzman diving to his right for ANYTHING in the time he has played in Washington. For that fact alone--"The Guz" with The Defensive Play of This Game. In fact, Our 2008 All Star rapped out three more hits tonight, giving him 123 for the season--most in The National League.

Willie Harris also made a terrific toss to the plate from short left field in the top of the 11th to throw out Stephen Drew attempting to score on a single. Jesus Flores also blocked the plate beautifully.

And speaking of fielding. How about Wily Mo Pena. The man can't hit, but at least tonight he provided some help in the field. 11 putouts playing leftfield--the most by any fielder since baseball returned to Washington.


Finally, this evening Sohna and I were guests of Our Friend Andrew in Presidents Club. And after the game, The African Queen and I enjoyed some moments with Bill Hall, Stephanie, Tracy, Frank and SenatorNat at The Oval Bar inside The Lexus Presidents Club. In fact, we closed the place down.

InGame Photos--(AP) Nick Wass
All other Photos--Nats320

Joel Hanrahan ESPN Zone

For six years, Joel Hanrahan was a member of The Los Angeles Dodgers. Drafted in the second round in 2000, Our Number 38 thought he was going to be drafted by The Atlanta Braves in the third. Instead, The Dodgers came calling and this Iowa Native signed with the team. Ironically, to this day, Hanrahan finds it funny that his very first Little League Team he played for was also called--The Dodgers. Now--he is a valuable member of Our Washington Nationals. A one time starter, now turned into a set up man out of the bullpen. Known for his velocity, at times Joel has trouble with his command. Still young at 26 Years of age, Hanrahan is still looking to find his place in the game of Professional Baseball.

Yesterday, June 9th--Joel posted up with Radio Broadcaster Charlie Slowes at the monthly ESPN Zone Meet & Greet in Downtown Washington, DC. For 30 minutes, Charlie hosted, asked questions, and took questions from the audience, while Hanrahan answered in the specially provided Leather Nationals Recliner.

Here is the transcript of most of the Q & A with Charlie Slowes and Joel Hanrahan.

Charlie: Of course Joel’s been pretty busy in the past week trying to raise money for disaster relief and flood victims of the bad weather in the mid-west and, of course, your native Iowa.

“Yes, last week we tried to do something for them. We had a fundraiser set up and we raised nearly $9000 for that. I am just trying to help those people back there as I am in a fortunate position here (with The Nationals) to be able to do that and I think it turned out pretty well.”

Charlie: We had a little less than one week to set it up. The auction ran for about a week. There were a bunch of different items. An Ultimate Nats Fan Experience raised $2100 from the highest bidder. Radio broadcaster for a day hanging out with us (Charlie & Dave Jageler) in the booth was the second highest item--$1600. How about that!!

“Yeah, that’s because you guys were just pushing it all the time.”

Charlie: Well, we were pushing all the items!!

“All you talked about was the experience with you! (Joking) We had some others who are going to eat lunch with The Bullpen.”

Charlie: That’s true. Lunch with The Bullpen. There was also a winning bidder for a Pitching Clinic with Joel Hanrahan.

“Let’s just hope I don’t mess them up too bad with that.” (joking)

Charlie: Of course you grew up with The Dodger Way. A franchise with a great tradition—always pitching rich. To this day, that is what they always preach.

“The Dodgers may have been a little too pitching rich for me. I never quite got up there (The Majors) with them. I learned a lot of things there with The Dodgers, Sandy Koufax, Rick Honeycutt was there, for a while. There were a whole lot of people coming in and out there. I was fortunate to spend six years with them, but I was happy to get out of there too.”

Charlie: All those years of Spring Training in Vero Beach. Hard to believe there will be no Spring Training in Vero next year (The Dodgers moved their training headquarters to Arizona).

“Yeah, that’s crazy. I remember as a kid going there to see The Dodgers in Spring Training. Then, I trained there, put in a full season there (Gulf Coast League)—six spring trainings. It should be pretty crazy for some not to make that Vero Beach trip again. I am sure someone (another team) will get in there sometime.”

On to questions:

Question: Joel, when Brian Schneider was here, you always heard that he was really good at handling pitchers. I was wondering how much a catcher makes a difference for you, and how?

“I am one of those guys that I never really cared who caught me or cared about what a catcher does. As long as the catcher puts down the right fingers, I will be happy. But, we got (Jesus) Flores and Wil Nieves, and then Paul (LoDuca) occasionally. Flores is still learning at the Big League Level. He’s doing a great job with us right now. And he’s only going to get better. We look forward to having him here for a while.”

Question:

Who is your favorite player of all time?

“My favorite player of all time—I don’t have just one. When I was younger, I use to be a catcher as well. I was a big fan of Carlton Fisk. Then, Frank Thomas and Nolan Ryan.”

Charlie: Nolan Ryan was pitching idol? “Yeah” Not bad.

“Big guy, you know.”

Charlie: (After a trivia question about Joel’s first major league hit being a triple) We always talk about this (in the broadcast booth), especially when the weather is hot and you are out on the bases a long time (after reaching base)—how much that might take out of your strength.

“You can say it doesn’t affect you, but for some reason it does. I don’t know what the reason is. We do our conditioning. We do our sprints all the time, cardio distance running. But there is nothing like getting out there and running from first to second base, home to second or second to home. For some reason, it just takes some energy out of you. I don’t know why.”

Charlie: When a pitcher comes back from an injury and is pitching in a simulated game, they (staff) even make the pitcher sit down, as if between innings in the dugout. They don’t have you bat to simulate that aspect of the game, do they?

“No, we don’t do much hitting at all.”

Charlie: Converting to relief pitching, you were a starting pitcher your entire career—for the most part—until this year. And right from the get go in Spring Training, they (The Nationals) decide to try you in relief.


“That was a different situation. I was not too excited about it at first. I will do anything I can do to get in the Big Leagues and stay in the Big Leagues—and help out the team. In Spring Training, I made the transition really well. I had a great spring. I saw that my velocity was up a little higher. I took Spring Training as a time to learn how many pitches I need to warm up. It was an adjustment period for getting into the season. I struggled my first month with situations, getting ready real quick. Sometimes, I tried to get ready too quick and it affected me (wasn’t loosen up properly). But, it’s been a good transition and hopefully it will get better.”

Charlie: How about last night (July 8), Steven Shell has been a starting pitcher most of his career in The Minor Leagues with The Angels before this year. You are sitting out in the bullpen, the pitcher is in trouble, you know your time in the game, maybe the hitters they (coaches) want you to face. You kind of have an idea, you start moving around to get ready. But in Shell’s case, Odalis Perez gets tossed in the third inning while cruising along—no one is thinking about coming into the game for him. Now, you are out there, you don’t get warmed up in the bullpen, that safety net is gone. Now, you have to warm up on the game mound. You might feel you have as much time as you need, but you might also feel like you are holding things up.

“That’s a very different situation coming in there—having to warm up on the field, it’s not the one you hope for. It means someone got thrown out or somebody got hurt. Down in the bullpen you have the time to work on things, take more time. Out there (on the game mound), you have 40,000 people watching you. The other team is sitting in the dugout watching your every pitch that you throw. In the bullpen, you have a little bit more privacy back there. It’s tough, but Shell came out there and did a great job under tough circumstances.”

Charlie: Yeah, if you are in The Bullpen, unless it’s Wrigley Field or San Francisco, where it’s right on the field, you can bounce a couple or throw the ball over the catcher’s head and no one is really going to notice.

Question: Hank Steinbrenner (NY Yankees Team President) criticized The National League style of play for having their pitchers bat. What is you take on that, do you think The National League should go to a Designated Hitter?

“I am personally in favor of having the pitcher hit, because I like to hit. But, as you can see with some of our guys, like (John) Lannan, some pitchers are not very good hitters. So for them, it’s leave me out. But, I think it’s good. The DH is just someone who is paid to hit. That doesn’t show off a bunch of skills. I am in favor of letting the pitcher hit.”

Charlie: In Steinbrenner’s case, he was upset over Chien Ming Wang getting hurt running the bases, and they invest a lot of money into their starting pitching. They are not doing that (batting) all season.

“Well yeah, but it’s only fair, when they (American League Teams) come to our park, it’s only fair they hit. He (Wang) could have gotten hurt running to cover first base (off the mound). If he has a problem with it, he should not have gotten on base (chuckling).

Question: John Lannan has some unusual game day habits (not discussed). Do you have any?

“When I was a starter, I might have. Sometimes, more so in The Minor Leagues. When I was home at Vero Beach, during day games—I would go to Bob Evans, get some cinnamon pancakes, a couple cups of coffee. But now, since I am in The Bullpen, I don’t really have much. I will throw with the outfielders during the 4th inning, have a Red Bull, because it gives you wings!! Then, I will do my stretching routine in the 5th inning. That’s really about it.”

Charlie: Your routine as a starter is to get you ready every five days and that day is different from the other four.

“As a starter you have four days to prepare, you watch game films, do your workouts and all that good stuff, then once game day comes around, some people feel like they have to stay away from me. I was always the one to turn on the music, talk to guys, and have everyone around—act like it was just another day. And not put too much pressure on myself.”

Charlie: Now since you’ve become a relief pitcher, versus starting pitcher, John Lannan, Tim Redding, Shawn Hill, they all sit together in the dugout. And relievers are, of course, in the bullpen. So, do you get kicked out of the group? And welcomed to new friends?

“Those starters are a pretty tight knit group. It’s tough to get inside their group. But, we have our own little group in The Bullpen. We have a good time down there, play a couple of games, here and there—but try to keep it serious. Our games are sort of involved with the game playing before us. This makes us kind of watch the entire game. We take some things pretty serious down there. Like if you talk through The National Anthem you are going to get punished right there.”

Charlie: No talking during The Anthem.

“No ‘O’ here. We need to find a way to end the shouting of 'O' during the song. I really believe everyone should just respect the Anthem--without intervention." (to a huge ovation) “Just let it be, leave it alone.”

Question: What’s the hardest pitch to throw well. And why?

“That’s a tough one. For me, a curveball is hard to throw. A changer is hard to throw. Anything hard is more mental. We work at it so much. We have been pitching for our whole lives. But for me, that 3-2 is a tough pitch to throw, when the count is 3 balls, 2 strikes. In terms of pitch wise, I would say, the change up is hard for me to throw. It’s a very big ‘feel’ pitch. When I come out of the bullpen, there are times I won’t need it and I sort of lose the feel for it. But, its one of those things were you have to keep throwing it and throwing it and eventually get confidence in it.”

Charlie: And this is where relieving is different. You are usually coming into a situation with runners on base, not of you own doing, but you are expected to get out of the jam.

“I am use to getting out of messes of my own doing, that I created. Last year, I always seem to be in a mess (as a starter). But, if I walk a guy or two, I don’t panic anymore because I am use to it. Coming into a mess like that, it’s just something you have to work yourself out of. I think that I can get out of those situations most of the time.”

Charlie: Starting pitcher are usually relaxed at the start of each inning. The relief pitcher is most always in a high stress situation because the games are mostly decided in the 6th , 7th and 8th innings.

“It’s definitely different being out of the bullpen. As a starter, you are putting yourself into the mess—you are giving up a couple of runs here or there. You have control of the game. When you come in from the bullpen, it’s most always a do or die situation. And if you give up one run, that could be the game. I try not to put too much pressure on myself, but sometimes the pressure kind of gets to you. And I get pissed at myself.”

Charlie: Were your plans to attend college (University of Nebraska) or wait out for The Major League Draft?

“I signed a scholarship to Nebraska. I was content with going there. They are a pretty good baseball school. I liked the coaches and I liked the staff. It was not too far from my home in Iowa. So, that was nice. I didn’t get recruited by a whole lot of colleges, as they were scared I would be drafted. And I said to myself—if they (Major League Club) gave me so much over this amount, I would say thanks for your scholarship (to Nebraska), but I won’t be attending your school. It’s always been a dream of mind to play professional baseball. And as soon as I got that opportunity (with The Dodgers), I had to run with it.”

Charlie: Do you think this has changed for high school players, pitchers in particular, going the college route?

“I don’t know which way I would recommend others to go. A lot of guys are coming out of college and going directly to The Big Leagues. They are getting all that hype about coming out of college and going to The Big Leagues. But I said, if I get the chance to play, I got to play. You never know what might happen to you during those three or four years of college. You might get hurt and never play again. Then, you end up saying to yourself, I missed my chance to play baseball. It was an easy decision for me, and others need to make their own choices.”

Charlie: Of course after signing, you found yourself in Rookie Ball in Great Falls, Montana. Tell us about that?

“Great Falls, Montana. A little different. My first day I flew into Billings, Montana. I got in and did not know anyone or anything. That night, we were leaving to go to Ogden, Utah—which was a 10 hour drive on a bus. So, this is my first day in professional baseball. Here I was, sitting next to another new player. I am 18 years old, right out of high school. I spoke only English. He spoke only Spanish. So, I found myself questioning myself about what in the heck I just got myself involved in to. Great Falls, Montana was a big change. They had host families (homes were the players stayed). That was kind of different. It was a fun experience to get away from home for a little bit. But, I missed Mama’s cooking though.”

Question: What harder, warming up in April (when it’s colder) or summer when it’s hotter?

“For me the biggest problem is cold. I had a little shoulder bug a few years ago. If it was cold out, it would take me forever get warmed up. And it would take forever to get my velocity up. Definitely April, but one of the advantages of April is that your arm is still fresh, because you really haven’t thrown all year. But, with the weather like we have here (in DC), you can get warmed up pretty quickly. Sometimes you got to take advantage of that and try not to throw a lot before a game—keep your arm fresh.”

Question: Joel, you here a lot of hype about young pitchers and what age they should start to throw a curve ball or any type of breaking ball. At what age, in your opinion, should a youngster start throwing a curve ball?

“The curveball, not sooner than their freshman year of high school, maybe. That might even be a bit too young. You might be able to get away with it as a freshman in high school. I think I was a fastball, change up guy until my sophomore year. Then, I started throwing the slider. I never got the curveball down though.”

Charlie: You see so many kids messing around trying to do stuff in Little League Baseball that are physically not ready for. How hard was it for you to resist all that, or did you have good people around you that drilled in your head—stay away from the stuff that will hurt you elbow or shoulder?

“When I was a kid, I don’t think I ever hit a curveball. I never faced a curveball until I was in high school—saying what the heck is that? I didn’t even know what a curveball was when I was 12 years old. Watching The Little League World Series, it’s just ridiculous. Kids out there throwing 80 MPH in Little League and then throwing the curveball in there—I don’t understand it. You have the chance to throw 100 MPH (when you grow up), don’t try to hurt your arm now. It kind of blows my mind seeing all of these kids having surgery at 13 or 14 years of age. When I was a kid, my Dad was my coach most of the time. We just threw fastballs and let the guys behind us make the plays. We weren’t on TV (in Iowa), so I guess it just wasn’t cool, I guess.”

Question: There was a game in Spring Training at Disney World where you came in an were just unbelievable—striking out eight of nine batters. What felt different that day, compared to other days? Do you know if you could do that all the time?

“I wish I could do that all the time. I wish I did. Yes. I don’t know what happened that day. Maybe the lights were just messed up, or something. I couldn’t explain it that day. Although I figured I had a pretty good chance to make the team that day. I had a good slider working that day. I had a good fastball. And I was fortunate they were all swinging and missing. Must have been bad lighting that night.”

“Yes, I struck out 8 of 9 outs and gave up one hit. The Braves had all their regulars in there. Unfortunately, it’s the only time I got Chipper (Jones) out. I think he owns me during the season. But at least I can say I got him in Spring Training. To say the least, that outing gave me a little bit of confidence. Of course, I thought maybe they would consider making me a starter again. That turned out to be a big day for me because it showed them (baseball operations) I could pitch here.”

Charlie: Do you still think about starting?

“No, I don’t think about it anymore. I have people ask me this all the time. Of course I can start, but I am not going to go out there saying so—especially during the season. If they (The Nationals) come to me this off season and ask me to prepare for a starting role. OK, I will do that. But, we have a pretty good starting rotation right now. Two or three guys that are sitting in AAA that could come up here right now. So, I don’t think we need any more help with the starters right now.”

With that final answer, it was time for everyone wanting, to line up and meet Joe Hanrahan. The Next ESPN Zone Meet & Greet with Charlie Slowes and a player for Our Washington Nationals to be named will be August 13th.

Finally, at the conclusion, like Lastings Milledge & Tim Redding before him, Joel Hanrahan signed the Nationals Lounge Chair to be given away to one lucky fan during the Last ESPN Zone event in September.

Nationals Season Ticket Holder Yearbook

After last night's sighting of Our Washington Nationals handing out The 2008 Yearbook to those entitled to receive one with their Season Ticket Package--I followed up with the team this morning.

Here is the exact email the team is sending out--verbatim.

Dear Nationals Season Ticket Holder,

The Washington Nationals would like to thank all our season ticket holders who have made the 2008 season a very memorable one. To celebrate this remarkable season, which includes the team’s inaugural season in Nationals Park , the Nationals are proud to present you with our annual yearbook.

The account holder of record may pick up the Nationals’ yearbook at the season ticket holder table located on the main concourse outside of the Washington Suites. Season ticket holders will receive one (1) yearbook per account. As the account holder of record, please bring a picture ID to this table to receive your yearbook.

Season ticket holders will be able to pick up their yearbook on the following dates beginning an hour and one half before game time until the end of the 7th inning:

July 9th-July 12th

July 29th-July 31st

August 1st-August 3rd

Once again, the Nationals would like to thank you for your support and we certainly look forward to having you as a fan for many years to come!

Sincerely,

The Washington Nationals Ticket Sales and Service Department

Simply A Good Win

Once again, John Lannan was pitching a solid game. Once again, his teammates were providing minimal offensive support. And when Our Number 31 walked off the mound after six quality innings of work--his slim 1-0 lead was not guaranteed to hold up. In his last eight appearances--John Lannan had received little help. Five losses and three no decisions added to his personal record since his last victory on May 18th against The Baltimore Orioles.

Tonight, finally, a different outcome. Thanks to timely hitting, solid defense and a stellar relief effort. Words usually not associated with Our Washington Nationals this year. Against The Arizona Diamondbacks this evening--25,862 were treated to one of Washington's finest games of 2008. From start through finish, The Snakes were held well under wrap. They never uncoiled. No rallies, no consecutive hits. No bite and no venom from The Boys from Phoenix.

Thanks to Kory Casto--getting an extended look in left field--knocking in the first run of the evening on a bases loaded walk to score Dmitri Young and following that run batted in with a drive over The Diamondbacks' Emilio Bonifacio's head in right in the bottom of the sixth to score Young again with the second run of the game for Washington.

Thanks to Jesus Flores, continuing to grow up, improve and become one fine power threat at the plate. Not in the starting lineup, Our Manager Manny Acta sent Our Number 3 up to the plate immediately after Casto's double to pinch hit for Lannan. Flores, facing Arizona righthander Conner Robertson got down early in the count. 0-2 before he fought off and fouled off a strike three slider, took a pitch off the plate in the dirt and then proceeded to SMASH a Robertson fastball deep over the left field wall into The Diamondbacks Bullpen for the game distancing three run homer.

Thanks to Our Washington Nationals infield defense. Four Double Plays turned by Washington, killing any potential rally by Arizona.

And Thanks to Joel Hanrahan, Luis Ayala and Big Jon Rauch having Lannan's back tonight. Three shutout innings of baseball by Our Bullpen adding to Our Number 31's stellar effort.

There might not have been a more pedestrian win all season long. How strange to see Our Entire Team slowly trot out to the center of the field after the conclusion to congratulate each other on a 5-0 victory. Seemingly, every single win by Our Washington Nationals on South Capitol Street has come in their last At-Bat. Tonight, there were no late theatrics. No nail biting worries about a late game collapse.

Simply A Good Win.

If 2008 is about youth--The Bang!! Zoom!! of The Fireworks!! signaled that John Lannan and Jesus Flores are a big part of Our Washington Nationals Future. Keepers, talent that could play in The Nation's Capital for years to come. And that Kory Casto may yet have a Major League Future after all--if given the opportunity.

Curly "W" Number 35 ended a six game losing streak for Our Washington Nationals. Halted a personal five game skid by John Lannan--while winning his fifth of the season. And, at least for one night showed, all might not be lost in 2008. There is some talent on Our Roster. Our Team can play team ball. It's just that Our Youth is Our Future. And that's going to take some patience.

Final Score from New Nationals Park, where the skies threatened all night long to rain, but never poured--Our Washington Nationals 5 and The Arizona Diamondbacks 0.

A Shutout--Team Style.

Game Notes & Highlights

John Lannan lowered his ERA to 3.40 while gaining his 5th Win of 2008. His poise on the mound is quite remarkable for a young kid. Tonight, just two hits allowed, although he gave up three walks. Thankfully, 3 double plays fielded behind him solved all those free passes.

Joel Hanrahan, Luis Ayala and Big Jon Rauch provided three solid innings of relief work tonight. Hanrahan was helped in the 7th by Felipe Lopez snaring a liner off the bat of Mark Reynolds and firing immediately to Dmitri Young at first base for an inning ending double play (the last of four for Washington this game). Ayala maybe pitched his most solid inning over the past month. A 17 Pitch Frame where Our Number 56 struckout two and was never not in control. "The Wookie" retired the side in order in the 9th to close things out.

Over the first two games of this three game set--The Snakes have only managed 7 total hits--their powerful offense being shutdown by Washington. Their only two runs scored--in game one--were unearned. Our pitching has been mighty solid. Too bad our bats had been silent of late--until tonight.

Arizona Diamondbacks' Starter Micah Owings hit three different batters, two in the same inning. Generously, Home Plate Umpire Chad Fairchild did not call two more. In fact, Ownings almost hit Paul LoDuca during all three of his plate appearances against Micah during the game. The incredulous look on Our Number 16's face each At-Bat, priceless. Was LoDuca ever pissed.

Dmitri Young had two more hits tonight, raising his average to .290. Hot of late, Our Number 21 now needs to start showing some power at the plate. Our Washington Nationals need someone to jack the ball more often, something Jesus Flores is learning to do in clutch situations. Playing leftfield, Casto provided two hits, two rbi, one walk, one stolen base and some solid play in left field. Better than Wily Mo Pena, just stick Our Number 5 out there and see what he can do over time. What do we have to lose?



Did you know that Season Ticket Holders for Our Washington Nationals who have Ticket Plans which include a Free 2008 Team Yearbook, can now pick up the collectible at New Nationals Park? Before each upcoming home game and continuing through the first few innings, those entitled to the Yearbook can pick up their copy on The Main Concourse, behind home plate--near The Washington Suites Entrance--across from the Elevator Lobby. Staff is on hand with a list containing the names of all those who can pick up their copy. Just show an I.D, sign for your Yearbook and enjoy.

For those that use a taxi to get home from New Nationals Park, the taxi stand has been moved to South Capitol Street, right outside the third base, media and suites gate--located near Potomac Ave. SE.

Before tonight's game, Sohna and were talking with Jehrime Chadwick--Season Ticket Account Executive for Our Washington Nationals. On this occasion all three of us were discussing some of the dissatisfaction mentioned online and in other forms of media over the past few days concerning the play of Our Team in 2008. Jehrime's fabulous response: "People need to realize, you can't graduate from High School when you are four years old. It's going to take time to grow up and mature. People need to be patient." The African Queen and I loved his remark and just wanted to share it.

Finally, at noon today, Joel Hanrahan posted up with Radio Broadcaster Charlie Slowes at The ESPN Zone in Downtown Washington, DC for the monthly lunchtime meet and greet. Much more coming on this event over the next few days, but I wanted to share a comment Our Number 38 mentioned concerning The National Anthem at New Nationals Park. "We need to find a way to end the shouting of 'O' during the song, " said Hanrahan. "I really believe everyone should just respect the Anthem--without intervention." His remark got a huge cheer from those on hand at The ESPN Zone.

Tonight's InGame Photos--(AP) Nick Wass
All other photos--Nats320

Christmas In July--Toys For Tots

For the third consecutive year, Our Washington Nationals have partnered with The United States Marine Corps Reserve for their annual Toys For Tots Campaign in July. The opportunity for fans to donate unwrapped toys to be distributed to needy children at a later date. Always a good cause--Christmas in July will take place this weekend at New Nationals Park when The Houston Astros are in town.

Below, please find the complete details from the press release.

Washington Nationals Host Third Annual Christmas in July Toy Drive in Partnership with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves

WHAT: The Washington Nationals and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves will partner with the Toys for Tots foundation to collect new, unwrapped toys during their weekend series against the Houston Astros. Volunteers from the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves will be stationed outside of all Nationals Park gates beginning two and a half hours prior to game time and through the fourth inning. The main collection point will be at the Center Field Gate, as well as at the Community Table, located on the main concourse level behind Section 143, adjacent to the Family Picnic Area.

This is the third season the Nationals have partnered with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves to benefit children in need in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The toys will be distributed to non-profit organizations and pediatric wards. This year, the Nationals are looking to surpass their collection totals from 2007 when they collected over 1,900 toys.


WHO: Washington Nationals U.S. Marine Corps Reserves


WHEN: Washington Nationals vs. Houston Astros

Day Time CF Gate Open All Other Gates Open

Friday, July 11 7:35 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, July 12 7:10 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m.

Sunday, July 13 1:35 p.m. 11:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m.

WHERE: Nationals Park 1500 South Capitol Street, SE Washington, DC 20003

About Marine Toys for Tots Foundation

The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, a not-for-profit public charity, is the authorized fund raising and support organization for the Toys for Tots Program. The Foundation provides the funding and support needed for successful annual toy collection and distribution campaigns. The foundation staff is located in an office suite aboard Marine Corps Base, Quantico, Virginia, about 35 miles south of Washington, DC.

Opportunity Wasted

One of the best pitchers in the game was ripe for the taking. The Arizona Diamondback's Brandon Webb did not have his best stuff. The great sinker not sharp. The sweat rolling off his perspiring forehead looking more like a water fall. Was Webb ever drenched. Apparently, 87 Degree Hot and Humid Weather in The Nation's Capital a far cry from the 100 Degree Dry Heat from the Desert--for the 2006 National League Cy Young Award Winner.

Our Washington Nationals had Brandon Webb on the ropes--four times--this evening at New Nationals Park. Runners on 1st and 2nd, nobody out in the bottom of the second--opportunity wasted. Runners on 1st and 3rd with one out in the same bottom of the second--opportunity wasted. Runners again on first and third, one out in the 4th--opportunity wasted. Bases loaded, two outs, in the bottom of the 5th--opportunity wasted yet again. Four times during the six innings that Webb pressed and struggled on the mound--Washington could not score against him. They could not push one single run across the plate.

With Washington runners in scoring position during these three crucial and game deciding innings--these were the results from the hitters in our lineup:

Jesus Flores Groundout.

Wily Mo Pena Strikeout (and badly on off speed stuff)

Roger Bernadina Groundout.

Jesus Flores Strikeout.

Wily Mo Pena Strikeout (again badly looking).

Austin Kearns Fly Out (with the bases loaded).

And remember, Webb was throwing a tremendous amount of pitches. 112 by time his Manager, Bob Melvin, removed him from this affair after the sixth inning. Yet some how, some way, Brandon was still pitching shutout ball. As Webb headed toward the Visitors Dugout slowly walking off the field at the conclusion his final frame--he must have felt like one lucky man to survive. Fortunate to face Our Washington Nationals Lineup, also struggling, on a night he was simply beatable.

Six Times, Four Different Batters for Our Washington Nationals stepped to the plate with the opportunity to knock someone, any one run home. Each time, they all failed. Each time, opportunity wasted to knock a quality pitcher out of this game. Opportunity wasted to beat a GREAT PITCHER.

Honestly, this was the night--that never was. When four pitchers for Washington combine to throw 9 innings of four hit ball--you deserve better. When those pitchers are left watching their fielders make two crucial errors--you deserve better. When you lose by giving up just two unearned runs-thanks to those errors--you deserve better.

Unfortunately, for Our Washington Nationals even one run was too large a deficit to overcome this evening. They wasted every opportunity to move ahead and defeat The Arizona Diamondbacks. And Brandon Webb was let off the hook by Our Washington Nationals. Webb better being buying a whole round of drinks in thanks for somebody. He was lucky to get his 13th Win of 2008.

Final Score from Hot, Humid and fairly uncomfortable (weather wise) New Nationals Park--The Snakes 2 and Our Nats ZERO.

Game Notes & Highlights

Home Plate Umpire Angel Hernandez has one quick thumb. In the top of the third inning, Hernandez signaled Balk against Odalis Perez--twice. First, Arizona's Chris Burke moved to second when Angel called a balk on Perez. This after Burke was safe at first on a throwing error by "The Guz". A mistake that set up the eventual game deciding run. Chris Young followed with a looping liner to right--scoring Chris Burke for The Snakes first run of the evening. But then, matters got even worse.

With Stephen Drew at the plate, Odalis Perez attempted a pickoff throw to first base--moving Young back to the bag. Immediately, Home Plate Umpire Angel Hernandez called BALK--again. And Our Number 45 went BALLISTIC!! Right away, Perez started berating Hernandez, yelling and screaming. Later, Odalis would state he's been using the exact same pickoff move all season.

Hernandez waited about three seconds--and tossed Perez from the game. And Odalis WENT NUTS!! Did he ever start giving Angel Hernandez the business. Both Our Manager Manny Acta and Pitching Coach Randy St.Claire rushed out to hold Perez back. No, It didn't help Our Number 45--as he was already gone. But, at least, he could always say, he got the last word in. Manny, in the postgame, stated that Odalis Perez's anger had put Our Washington Nationals in a big hole.

But I have say, in Perez's defense. There was NO REASON for the Home Plate Umpire to toss Odalis. Not without a warning. Not without further explaining his call to the pitcher. Yeah, Our Number 45 was pissed. Cooler heads should have prevailed on this hot night. Sometimes, an umpire needs to let a player vent. Let him get over it. Move on. The quick removal of Our Starting Pitcher sent another shockwave through our already depleted and overworked bullpen.

In this same top of the third inning--The Diamondbacks Orlando Hudson smashed a grounder up the middle, just to the right of the second base bag. Felipe Lopez ranged all the way over to his right, dove at the last second, to stop the hard hit baseball. Then, FLop proceeded to toss the baseball sideways using the glove hand while his chest was firmly planted in the ground--toward Cristian Guzman at second base. The baseball dribbling while "The Guz" stretched for it. A FLop/Flip combination that retired Stephen Drew for the final out and The Defensive Play of This Game.

Jesus Flores made a nice toss to FLop at second to catch Arizona's Connor Jackson attempting to steal in the second. And Wily Mo Pena made a nice running catch to the wall down the left field line in the top of the 8th. A shoelace/snow cone catch over the foul line--right at the green pads down the left field line. As poorly as Our Number 26 has played defensively, you had to give him his due for this catch of a Mark Reynolds drive.

During the key bottom of the 5th--Our Washington Nationals rallied and loaded up the bases. An opportunity that would not have occurred--if not for hustle. With two out and Kory Casto on second base after a pinch hit double--Ronnie Belliard slapped a routine grounder to Reynolds--Arizona's Third Baseman. Our Number 10 did not give up on the play. In fact, he never looked over at third. With his head down, running hard, Belliard was rewarded when Reynolds misplayed the baseball, fumbling it. The result leading to a possible game changing moment--thanks to RUNNING A GROUND BALL OUT. A hit that every single person in the ballpark thought was out number three. No--Washington did not ultimately score--but it goes to prove the point. RUN EVERYTHING OUT!! You never know what might happen--no matter how routine the play may seem. Mark Reynolds' error perfectly reminded everyone of the point.

Saul Rivera was victimized for an unearned run in the top of the sixth--when Roger Bernadina totally misplayed a single slapped right in front of him by The Snakes Robbie Hammock. A three base error that scored Mark Reynolds with the second and final run of the evening. I don't recall hearing such a collective sigh of disappointment from a crowd at New Nationals Park over this mistake. The number of folks throwing up their hands in disbelief over the miscue was quite remarkable.

Finally, and since we are talking about mistakes and errors--Teddy was leading The Geico Presidents Race all the way to nearly the finish line. Only to lose his right shoe, stumble and fall, while Abe jumped over him and through the finish line for the victory. Teddy, what are we going to do with you?



Of course--Abe winning was justified. Tonight for Tee-Shirt Tuesday--Our Washington Nationals gave away Abe Lincoln Racing President Tees--to the first 10,000 fans inside the gates.

PS--Did The Washington Post really send AN INTERN to cover The Gamer last night? Interesting. No matter how badly the team is struggling--I wonder whether The Washington Post would send an intern to write a gamer for The Redskins, Wizards, Capitals or even a DC United Game. Really, I would like to know.

Tonight's InGame Photos
Brandon Webb--(AP) Haraz N. Ghanbari
Perez, Acta, Hernandez--(Washington Post) Toni L. Sandys

I Care

On the very first day I ever played The Great Game, the learning process began (I remember being six years old and being taught how to bat).

On the very last day I ever played a real hardball game--at Age 34 while still playing Semi-Pro Baseball, that schooling never stopped.

Now--nearly 15 years later--I find myself still studying the great game of baseball.

Never have I stopped. Never do I EVER want to stop learning. Never have I not CARED.

So, why is it that some Major League Players today have never understood the game?

Over my entire career playing baseball--I probably played in a few thousand games and practices--covering 28 years. A Major League Player with five years in The Bigs--has most likely competed in over twice that many games and practices in his young career. Cal Ripken, Jr. most likely played and practiced baseball over 10,000 days. Cal understood how to play the game--because he cared and was taught properly. He worked at it--to improve. Thank You Cal!! That's why I have always loved you so much!!

Yet, so many players today don't possess the same qualities. Not even close.

And let's be perfectly clear, this issue of baseball players being unable to make the fundamental play is League Wide, both American and National. This is not a problem solely at the feet of Our Washington Nationals.

Why is it that so few can not square around to bunt the baseball? Why are so many continually jabbing at the baseball why trying to lay one down? Why can't today's players not keep their bat still and let the ball hit it?

Why is it that so few players are patient at the plate? Why is it that so few batters can take a pitch? Especially with an opposing pitcher in trouble?

Why can't fielders cover the proper base? Why do so many not backup plays? Why is the cutoff man often missed?

Why do so many pitchers only throw? Not Pitch?

It's a game. Let's learn how to play it Guys. It's not that difficult.

Sorry, but when I grew up in the 1960's in Alexandria, Virginia, even Our Little League Coaches taught EACH AND EVERY PLAYER THESE BASIC SKILLS. My T.J. Fannon Little League Team may not have been The Best, but we could make The Routine Play. The same holds true for my High School Years at (The Famous) T.C. Williams and then in college ball. Learning the fundamentals came as a youngster. Enhancing my learned skills and talent was what professional ball was all about.

Unfortunately, injuries curtailed my career.

But for so many others--they don't have that excuse.

Why is it that many of today's Major Leaguers can't play the game--properly?

Are there not enough youth coaches out there who actually understand the game?

Are there not enough High School and College programs with competent instruction?

Are there not enough youngsters and adults that want to play and teach the proper ways of baseball?

Or, has the all Glory of Fame and MONEY made too many players--too one dimensional--thanks to agents and handlers having their own personal wants and desires over the talent?

This coming August, my age will reach 49 years. No, I am not as physical, agile or adept as my younger years--although I still work out regularly--swimming 12,000 Meters per week. Age catches up on you, whether I want to admit it or not. But, I will guarantee you that if Our Washington Nationals asked me to advance a runner up one base--I could execute it--more times than not--with a solid bunt.

If a ball was hit into the gap--I would know where to stand for the cutoff throw (I played first base).

If an opposing pitcher was in trouble, you could bet I would patient at the plate--not guaranteeing a hit you understand--but at least I would make the honest effort to work the count.

That's how you play the game. That's the sixth sense learned early on and developed over years and years of play by me.

Instincts and Basic Knowledge missing from some Professional Players today. That's disappointing. I just don't understand it. Who is teaching these guys? Do some of the players just not care? Or is it all just about the money?

It's a legitimate question--not laid just on Our Washington Nationals.

Since that very first days as a six year old in 1965 holding a baseball bat in my little hands--I cared about the game. 43 Years later, I care just as much. Unfortunately, I get the feeling others do not.

Yet, they call themselves, Major League Baseball Players. For them, it's just a job. A place to earn a paycheck.

Just Call Him Up

Just call him him. If there was ever a time that every single person available on the Minor League Roster should be considered for a promotion to The Major Leagues--this is the time. Just about everyone knows that Alex Escobar is a FIVE TOOL TALENT. Just about everyone knows He Can't Stay Healthy. Considering all the damage injuries have caused to the roster of Our Washington Nationals--why in the world is Alex Escobar not already on Our Team?

If he is going to be wasted there, why even have him at AAA Columbus as an emergency replacement? I can't think of a more dire time than now for his use.

Is anyone concerned right now if he gets injured again?

During his very brief time playing for Our Washington Nationals is 2006, there were only two other players on that Version 2.0 Roster that provided as much excitement--Alfonso Soriano and Ryan Zimmerman. No one else came close. Escobar has power, speed, the ability to play the field (sometimes a little more exciting than I wish) and possesses one of greatest arms in the game. Who exactly, under contract to Washington, is better and more qualified to get a call up to the Big League Roster?

No position player out there deserves it more. No, No One.

And before anyone starts harping over the fact that Alex is only hitting .266 for The Clippers, Jesus Flores was batting well below .150 before his recall. It just doesn't matter. Let's put Alex Escobar out there, in centerfield, and see what happens. If Our Washington Nationals get lucky--Escobar provides a bright spot and some spark to an otherwise struggling season. No one can ever say that man was not exciting each and every time he stepped to the plate in 2006. Remember this moment. Now that was a dramatic At-Bat. The makings of a quality player that continues to be hampered by constant pain.

Unquestionably, and sadly so, Alex Escobar and Nick Johnson need to write a book on baseball injuries. They may be two of the most qualified experts in the game.

JimBo--please give Escobar his final shot. Our Washington Nationals have nothing to lose--and everything to gain.

Everyone should be able to see that Alex Escobar can not possibly harm any progress. Only help us when we are down. Let's not call the season over.

Please, just call him up--times a wasting. Let Alex Escobar provide and have some fun--for all of us.

PS--Sohna and I did not have the opportunity to watch this afternoon's game, the completion of a four game sweep at the hands of The Cincinnati Reds. Family obligations took us away. We tried to listen on the radio and when we heard Dave Jageler mention in the bottom of the 8th how "frustrating' this game was to watch, followed immediately by Charlie Slowes stating "this is hard to watch" after a Paul LoDuca error--The African Queen and I just shook our heads, knowing Our Washington Nationals were mostly likely down. In fact, eventual 6-5 losers at The Great American Ballpark after a near fabulous comeback finish in the top of the 9th fell short. By the way, we played shorthanded again with Elijah Dukes out with his patella injury--and Our Manager Manny Acta only had Wil Nieves available off the bench with two outs, two on--with the game on the line. The Columbus Clippers played at home today--in Ohio. Our Washington Nationals were playing in Cincinnati, Ohio. How difficult would it be to add another body?

Anyone could have driven there in time for the game.

Even Alex Escobar.

PSS--Congratulations to "The Guz" Who would have thought Cristian Guzman, nearly run out of town by every single fan of Our Washington Nationals in 2005, except for The African Queen, for his one horrendous season--would be named Our 2008 All Star Game Representative. Our Number 15 DESERVED THIS HONOR. Our best and most consistent player all year. No one runs the bases and plays as hard, outside of Elijah Dukes. Guzman earned the praise of his fellow players, managers and coaches this season, and has won back the heart of many fans of Our Washington Nationals--including me.

Just Sad

The pall over the latest injury to Our Washington Nationals could be felt all the way from the Ohio River to the Potomac River tonight. Elijah Dukes going down hard, with an injury to his right knee chasing down a fly ball by Jay Bruce in left field at The Great American Ballpark in the bottom of the seventh. This anxious moment brought total silence.

Quiet In Our House. Quiet from Charlie & Dave on the radio. And even quiet from Our General Manager Jim Bowden, on hand, standing with this incredulous look on his face. Every one of us wondering--How much worse could it possibly get? Are the 2008 Version of Our Washington Nationals cursed?

The Baseball Gods not looking favorably on the team that calls The Nation's Capital it's home this year.

This one was cruel. While chasing down a fly ball over his head, Our Number 34 turned twice on the stroked ball. Twirling backwards, Dukes starting limping on his right knee, before he even caught the baseball. Did he ever go down hard. In pain, Elijah looked mighty hurt--Seriously. Eventually, he was carted off the field, walking gingerly to the ambulance cart.

Honestly, I couldn't believe it. The entire play seemed so innocent, nothing overly stressful for a good athlete.

You have to feel for him. Over the past month, Elijah Dukes has arguably been our most exciting and best player. After a slow start, Our Number 34 has been developing the many athletic talents he truly possesses for the game. How sad that he is also now down--adding to the ever growing injury list. A right patella (knee cap) injury strain the latest update. No word on how serious. MRI to come.

It's just sad. Very, very sad. Sohna and I only wish the best for Elijah Dukes' full recovery.

For once, I am actually lost for words.

And the sting took the fire out of tonight's game. The Cincinnati Reds coming back to defeat Our Washington Nationals 3-2 on a walkoff single to left by Former Montreal Expos Farmhand Brandon Phillips.

What Should They Do?

"We'll trade a piece that hurts our team this year to help our team win a year from now or two years from now," stated Our General Manager Jim Bowden. "Total focus is on the long-term."

JimBo was apparently in a talkative mood early today during a rain delay in Cincinnati. Chatting with the assembled media, Bowden discussed the upcoming July 31st Trading Deadline and where Our Washington Nationals stand when it comes to Our Current Roster. After grading The 2008 Major League Club with a "D" last week. After calling the first half of 2008 "Disasterous", Our GM took another step to quell any upcoming hope for progress during the remainder of the current season at New Nationals Park.

"We're open to any trade that makes us better long-term. That includes proven major leaguers that are successful, top prospects in the minor leagues; we're open to anything. We've told every club, we have complete flexibility on trading players and acquiring players. So we're keeping every avenue open to us. We've let all the clubs know that. If someone wants to know if we're a buyer or a seller, we're both. Any way that we can add long-term pieces, we're going to add long-term pieces. Because we're not in a structure where we're trying to make trades to help this team win right now. We're trying to build a baseball team -- to eventually win. This isn't the kind of team you add a piece to win. You need to have the Milledges and the Dukes and the Lannans and the Zimmermans and those long-term pieces."

So where exactly do we stand? Right now?

Has any progress been made for the near future? Are enough building blocks being put in place to make Our Washington Nationals a winner--one to two years from now?

All those questions are interesting considering the positive vibes many had for Our Washington Nationals heading north from Viera, Florida this spring. So what happened to the talented team assembled this past February and March? If I recall correctly, some felt Our Washington Nationals were capable of playing .500 ball--maybe surprise and finish with a winning record.

Certainly, injuries have curtailed development. Ryan Zimmerman, Nick Johnson, Lastings Milledge, Chad Cordero, Shawn Hill and Austin Kearns all being down at the same time has hurt. No question about it.

But some of the youngsters called up to replace those on the Disabled List have simply not been ready. In fact, when it comes to position players in Our Farm System--Our Washington Nationals are still pretty weak. There was one big exception. Jesus Flores took advantage of two veterans (Paul LoDuca & Johnny Estrada) being injured to prove blocking his development to The Majors--was unnecessary. Other than Our Number 3, only young pitching apparently a strength in the minors right now. Even Fan Favorite, Outfielder Justin Maxwell, is injured once again and can not be promoted.

Of course, Wily Mo Pena and FLop have not produced as well. The offense, so profoundly talked up this spring--has been absent. And with Our Starters continuing to not go deep into ball games--Our Manager Manny Acta has been forced to use an already undermanned and overused bullpen--to it's detriment. The one time Force of Our Washington Nationals--Our Relievers--is no longer. And as the losses have mounted, there has been concern over some Washington Players losing their focus. Not caring.

So what should Our Washington Nationals do?

Jim Bowden's been given the mandate to rebuild. He's probably not going anywhere soon.

Here are my thoughts.

if Version 4.0 of Our Washington Nationals is being jettisoned at Mid-Season, then let's get some players out there on the field that WANT TO BE THERE. Let's get some players out there that still want to improve themselves. Let's get some players out there that want to be Professional Major Leaguers. Let's get some players out there that are still HUNGRY!!

Cheering on a team that plays hard, if not winning ball, is still enjoyable. Simply look at the past three seasons of Our Washington Nationals. You could never say they were not entertaining.

Thankfully, Jesus Flores, John Lannan, Elijah Dukes have never let up all season long. And as frustrating as Lastings Milledge can be with his antics--I can't say the man's not giving his all out there--either. We need more guys like that. Talented individuals that care.

On Our Major League Roster--we need a second baseman, and a shortstop (do you really think "The Guz" will re-sign?). We need a quality backup catcher for Jesus. We need Elijah Dukes to move to centerfield and Milledge to a corner outfield position. We need a POWER HITTING Corner Outfielder. We need someone, anyone, to be a quality leadoff hitter. And we possibly may need a first baseman--but I will always leave that spot open for Nick Johnson. NJ means so much to our lineup.

We need to trade any or all of these veteran position players-if something of value is offered in return. Dmitri Young, Austin Kearns, Ronnie Belliard, Aaron Boone, Paul LoDuca, Wily Mo Pena and Felipe Lopez. Although Our Number 26 and Our Number 2 can't be highly touted right now. They have played so poorly, some have even wished for them to simply be Designated For Assignment (released from the team).

If it is true that Our General Manager will let The Major League Roster Suffer the rest of the way in 2008--short term loss for long term gain--then there is no excuse for not moving and shuffling a Baker's Dozen of players over the next seven weeks. Why not? What do Our Washington Nationals have to lose?

Nothing.

And what about Our Pitching?

Our Bullpen has suffered, but that doesn't mean individual players are not valuable to others. Big Jon Rauch, Joel Hanrahan, Saul Rivera and Luis Ayala could be important cogs--to the right team in a pennant race. Don't underestimate their talent. Wear and tear has hurt their records.

With no run support from their teammates, Lannan, Jason Bergmann, Odalis Perez, Tim Redding and now Collin Balester have all suffered as starters. Lannan, Bergmann and Balester the only ones with possible long term futures in Washington. Perez and Redding have pitched well enough to gather interest. Whether they can return some talent over the next month in a trade--is the big question.

No doubt, Our General Manager is working that blackberry of his. The next few weeks of July may well determine whether Our Washington Nationals have a successful 2008 Season or not. Victory, based not on winning percentage, but rather on gathering some more talent to enhance this Franchise for years to come.

If we are building for the future--now is the time to move a few steps forward--show some progress. Give Our Fans more hope as the last half of the season gets underway.

Time for JimBo to get creative. But please, Jim Bowden--no more Cincinnati Guys that you craved for years. Those coveted players have not exactly worked out well for Our Washington Nationals.

PS: I wanted to write about a topic that I have read over and over again in various online forums. Before the 2008 Season commenced, many had stated they wanted Our Washington Nationals to sign Kyle Lohse to a minimum contract to be an innings eating starter. Instead he signed with The St. Louis Cardinals. Remember, The Cardinals can hit the ball. Our Washington Nationals can not. Lohse is having a fine season. But, don't you believe that Lohse would have the same frustrating record as John Lannan in 2008 playing for Our Washington Nationals? Two different teams, St. Louis and Washington. Two different directions and results. Kyle Lohse would not be 10-2 playing for Our Washington Nationals. Not possible.

Thanks For Playing

Watching with the sound down most of the time from the hospital.

Thanks for playing--Jesus Colome. Entering a tie game (3-3) in the bottom of the 7th, "The Human Rain Delay" proceeded to throw away the inning by tossing a 96 MPH Fastball to Dmitri Young at first base on a dribbler back to the mound by The Cincinnati Reds Corey Patterson. An errant fielding play that resulted in Our Number 21 totally missing the baseball for an error. A mistake that became a whole lot worse just one batter later.

Thanks for playing Roger Bernadina. When Jerry Hairston singled off Our Number 43 in the very next At-Bat, Bernadina showed his inexperience when he, once again, threw an errant toss so far past Jesus Flores at the plate--Hairston moved into scoring position. Bernadina not ready for Prime Time.

Thanks for playing Luis Ayala. After Our Manager Manny Acta made the right move by walking Jeff Keppinger--loading the bases and using Charlie Manning as a situational lefty to retire Ken Griffey, Jr.--Our Number 56 gave up the game tying hit when Brandon Phillips blooped a two run scoring single down the right field line. Just like that, what was a good solid game by Our Washington Nationals was over.

And Lost.

Thanks for playing Felipe Lopez. Just before The Reds fought back with nobody out and Willie Harris on first base after a single in the top of the 7th, FLop decided to swing at BALL FOUR. A pitch so high above his head, it was laughable. But this became no laughing matter when Harris attempted to steal on the play and was thrown out--on what should have been ball four. Instead of first and second with no outs, a strike em out, throw em out double play was in the works--thanks to Our Number 2 not thinking. Potential Rally Over. Potential win thrown away.

Finally, thanks for playing Bob Carpenter. Tonight on MASN, during the 9th inning you mentioned that Cincinnati Fans are so great that when they purchase tickets for games--they always show up--unlike any other city in the game. Thanks for dishing not only every baseball fan around The Major Leagues, but the very city in which you work--Bob. That comment was uncalled for!! I could bet there are just as many no shows in Cincinnati as any baseball team in America. Who exactly do you work for? Last time I checked--Our Washington Nationals. Show some respect and quit telling everyone watching how great every other baseball city in America is. The Nation's Capital has some terrific baseball fans. Maybe you should attempt to realize that.

Final score after a very winnable game--The Cincinnati Reds 5 and Our Washington Nationals 3.

Thanks for playing. Could we please make a better effort on July 4th--America's Birthday.

Game Notes & Highlights

John Lannan pitched very well until two outs in the bottom of the sixth when he gave up back to back to back singles to Brandon Phillips, Edwin Encarnacion and Joey Votto to tie up this game at three apiece. Sadly, inexperience had beat him. Tiring nearing 90 pitches in the game, Our Number 31 has yet to develop the savvy to get by--when not at his best. Only the experience of failing will get him there.

Elijah Dukes continues to impress. Tonight, his third home run of the current seven game road trip in the top of the sixth. Our Number 34 showing the talent everyone knows he has. Really, his future all comes down to attitude. I find myself rooting for him. "The Guz" setting up Dukes first RBI of the night when he ran hard all the way to first on an infield single to Brandon Phillips at second base for The Reds. Then scored on Elijah's drilled shot into the gap that scored Cristian Guzman. Dukes then was plated--when Austin Kearns singled to left for Washington's second run of the evening.

More and more--Willie Harris impresses me. Honestly, I didn't think much of his abilities early in the season. But now I find him to be versatile, a hustler, and pretty good at playing The Great Game. Tonight, two more hits starting at second base. And I love his attitude--he gives his all on every single play. I appreciate that. Our Number One is NOT HAPPY when he makes an out.

How odd was it to see a Cordero close out this game for Cincinnati. Francisco Cordero pitched a perfect 9th for his 16th Save on the very day Chad Cordero was examined by Los Angeles Surgeon Lewis Slocum on his torn labrum. No word from Our Washington Nationals on the results of the doctor's visit--as of 11PM Eastern Time.

Was it just me or did Austin Kearns look trimmer in his first appearance in a Nationals Uniform since his elbow surgery? Fit is the only way to describe him. No longer does Our Number 25 look "soft".

Finally, thanks for playing Major League Baseball--tomorrow is July 4th. There is no excuse for Major League Baseball NOT TO CELEBRATE America's Birthday in The Nation's Capital. There are three dates that Our Washington Nationals should ALLOWS PLAY A HOME GAME.

Opening Day with The President of The United States throwing out the first pitch.

Memorial Day to honor all those who have fallen in protection of Our Great Country.

And July 4th--in celebration of The Founding of Our Nation.

Every single year. Every single date. No exceptions.

We Live In Washington, DC. We Deserve The Honor. Major League Baseball MUST RESPECT THAT.

But despite all that. Happy Birthday America!! Happy 4th of July to all of you. Sohna and I wish you a safe and happy holiday.

Tonight's InGame Photos--(AP) Al Behrman

Family

A member of our family is in the hospital. So, the attention for Sohna and myself has turned from our work and Our Washington Nationals--over to family commitments. And because of this unexpected development, there has been little time to watch the past two games played by Our Washington Nationals. Family is more important. Responsibility to duty which also played out last night at Dolphin Stadium outside Miami.

For a small bit of time I did catch a few innings as Collin Balester made his Major League Debut. Nervous in the beginning, sharp through the middle innings--Balester hung tough in the 5th when most Rookies would have wilted. And came away with his first Major League Victory.

But what I enjoyed the most about Our New Number 40's effort was his Father--Tom. Tom Balester posted up with his entire immediate family from California to see his son pitch in his very first Major League Game. Was this man ever enjoyable to watch and proved again how important family life can be.

After as a funny and endearing interview with Debbi Taylor early in the game as you will ever see. After MASN consistently showed Mr. Balester cheering on his son--as passionately as anybody could support someone. And then seeing Tom Balester tell just about EVERY SINGLE PERSON sitting near him "That's My SON!! That's My Son!!" over and over--You had to love the guy!!

He was great.

And a surfer dude no less. Mr. Balester manufactures surfboards from his hometown of Huntington Beach, California.

Family support is important in ANYONE'S life--at all times. Comfort and confidence comes from those who have your back. Those who are always there for you. And when Mr. Balester mentioned how many hours and days and weeks, unquestionably years, of his life he and wife had given up to drive their son to every single baseball game Collin ever played growing up--you had to appreciate their passion. His thoughts were poignant and endearing. Good Parents provide backbone--their time given up, willingly, to make their offspring's life better than their own. In fact, Tom Balester's devotion reminded Sohna and I of another pitcher for Our Washington Nationals and his Father--the son, Chad, the dad,--Mr. Ed Cordero.

Without ever hearing or reading a single word about Tom Balester before I watched him on television last night--I could see he was as devoted a Father right away. And I was proud for him. And proud that his son--Collin--made him proud in Miami. It was a touching moment. Very special for a Father that had always been there for his son.

Hopefully, Collin Balester can build on his debut performance and become the quality starter and long term success story Our Washington Nationals need. At the mid-way point of the 2008 Season, with all the injuries, all the losses--Our Number 40 could help turnaround the lackluster year we have all witnessed thus far. Besides--who wouldn't want to see Tom Balester around New Nationals Park much more often. That man's a total kick!!

He understands what family is all about. Kinfolk, which Sohna and I always believe are most important.

PS--Yeah I know, Our Washington Nationals lost this afternoon to The Florida Marlins on a two run homer by, of all players, Alfredo Amezaga. The first hitter Charlie Manning faced after a 95 minute rain delay. Sorry Charlie--but you can't let that pest take you deep. No, can't ever happen. EVER. The Marlins just seem to have Our Washington Nationals Number in 2008.

Baseball 101 For Women--Version 2.0

“As a fan you get to watch, and if you are not a truly knowledgeable fan---you might notice some things different," said Carolyn. "But when you get the chance to talk to the coaches, you find out it’s the little things that count. How to grip the ball. How to run the bases. Things you just don’t know about. It helps me see the game differently.”

Carolyn was one of over 75 women who showed up on the field at New Nationals Park this past Saturday, June 28, to participate in Our Washington Nationals 2nd Annual Baseball 101 for Women Program. A coaching skills and baseball primer taught by the coaches of Our Washington Nationals. Sohna participated last season and she couldn't wait to step back out on the field this year with many of her like minded friends and fans of the game of baseball.

"This gives me the opportunity to try to play the game," stated Sohna. "And get a better understanding of just how difficult the game is to play."




Beginning at 10AM, the ladies began by warming up with Strength & Conditioning Coach Kazu Tomooka. For 15 minutes, the women went through a normal warmup procedure for any baseball player. Then, after loosening up--were divided into five groups of 10 to 12 people. In 15 minute intervals--the ladies rotated as a group to separate stations set up around New Nationals Park.

“I came mostly because I wanted to get an inside look," said NatsNut one of the campers. "I wanted to see what it was like on the field. And go in the dugout---see what the players see. It is a completely different experience. That's what I wanted."

And that's what she got.




Third Base Coach Tim Tolman taught the art of giving signs to batters at the plate and how to properly run the bases. Why he sometimes sends runners home in an attempt to score. And why sometimes he doesn't.



First Base Coach Jerry Morales taught fielding techniques, outfield positioning and even told the ladies about his very long professional career in the game. Sohna and Mr. Morales even got into an animated discussion about how Jerry is constantly waving his arms to the outfielders from the dugout--attempting to move them into an area the team feels a certain hitter will stroke the ball. Upon saying to Jerry Morales that she has noticed that sometimes Lastings Milledge does not see his waves--Jerry responded: "You notice that too!! It's true. Sometimes the players are spending too much time looking at the HDTV Scoreboard or something else around this beautiful new park." Cracked everybody up.


Bench Coach Pat Corrales went over preparing for any game. "We have the information on computer about every single hitter and player in the game. We know exactly what each player is going to do in every single situation. It is our job to stop that person from doing what he does best. And that's where the game is played." Mr Corrales went into great detail about building a team with young talent. The patience needed to teach and the forward thinking to believe in what you are doing. Pat Corrales was with The Atlanta Braves when they were one of baseball's worst team. Then The Braves started rebuilding, from scratch, just like Our Washington Nationals are attempting right now. The Braves--with Pat Corrales as bench coach--won The 1995 World Series.


Bullpen Coach Rick Aponte explained the nuances of the bullpen. How the relievers get ready for action. And the fact that he reads a rather large notebook each and every game--while in the bullpen. These scouting reports contain the details and hitting techniques of each and every batter from the opposing lineup that might enter the game. It's Rick's job to make sure Our Pitchers are aware of every situation and how they should approach it.


Additionally--Mr. Aponte spoke about the Bullpen Phone. Maybe one of the best tidbits of the day. How attached to the phone is a special alarm. If no one answers the phone after ONE RING--a rather large ALARM BELL goes off!! "It's why you always see me running to pick up the phone. You don't ever want to hear that alarm go off." Rick went on to say that Our Washington Nationals Bullpen is so deep into a corner with the stands far above--that most fans can't hear the alarm if it goes off during a game. But The Visitors Bullpen in leftfield is very near the stands. "We always laugh when a new team comes to town," he said. "They have no idea the alarm will go off after one ring. It's quite funny to see them scramble."




Hands on as always--Our Bullpen Coach showed the ladies how to grip certain pitches. Then each and every participant stood on the bullpen mound and threw tosses to home plate.


Finally--all the women were invited to The Batting Cages--behind the Home Dugout-- to swing away in the batting cages. Batting Coach Lenny Harris was very engaging. Telling the ladies that hitting is the hardest thing to do in sport. It takes concentration. It takes skills and it takes patience. The Major Leagues All Time Pinch Hit Leader told the women that after 17 Years of playing in The Major Leagues--the most important thing that happened to him during his entire year--was winning a World Series Ring--as a Florida Marlin in 2003.

"Nothing beat that. Nothing. It's why I played the game. Came close a few times, but that wasn't enough. Winning The World Series meant everything."



In groups of two--the women hit off batting tees. Harris adjusting their mechanics and taking time to show the ladies how to swing properly. They were having some fun. NatsNut stated: “Being in the batting cage was kind of scary. I am glad we didn’t hit against the pitching machine. That would have been really scary to see those balls screaming by. But, it was fun.”

In fact, NatsNut was wishing to do even more: “I wanted a little bit more technical instruction. I wanted someone to show me how to grip a baseball. How to actually throw a pitch. I wanted to see a real live pitch being throw close up. Those types of things that are hands on. Now that’s not a big deal, because we still got to talk with some of the coaches—which was really fun. But, I totally wanted to do some fielding. I really wanted to go out there and shag flies. It would be really cool if they let us shag balls during batting practice!! (Laughing) It would be so much fun!!”

Sohna agreed: "We had fielding practice last year. And had the opportunity to catch and throw the baseball. As much as I enjoyed playing today, I would have loved to catch and field some more. I would enjoy that." Even Miss Chatter chimed in: "I really wanted to field some grounders. That was alot of fun last year."

But nothing took away the enjoyment these ladies had on the playing surface at New Nationals Park this past Saturday. They all went away smiling.

“To have the chance to meet the coaching staff and have a great time with my girlfriends," exclaimed Jen. "that was a total blast!! I especially enjoyed meeting some people who--based on watching the games--I might get frustrated with—the hitting coach, or the third base coach. But when I meet them and find out they are delightful—that made the fun so much better. (Laughing)"

Becky stating: “I thought it would be fun to participate because I enjoy baseball, so any opportunity I have to get on the field or play baseball—I try to take advantage of it. As it turned out, I had a great time. The coaches were fun. The ladies were great and it was just wonderful to be out here and enjoy the stadium in a completely different way.”


As it turned out, Becky was the hitting and pitching star of the camp. She started playing baseball when she was nine years old and still plays softball today. "I am telling you my friend," said Rick Aponte to Becky. "You are a very good player. Maybe we can sign you up!! (Laughing)." Rick was only half kidding. Becky was named The Most Valuable Player of Baseball 101 for Women in 2008.

After the training session ended and the team photo was taken--all the ladies headed up to a Party Suite, just outside Club Level, down the leftfield line at New Nationals Park. Inside--along with Lunch being served--the women were met by four special guests. MASN Sideline Reporter Debbi Taylor, Team Masseuse Tatiana Tchmouroff and Our Washington Nationals Infielder Felipe Lopez and his wife--Jen.


For 30 minutes, with Taylor hosting the lunch--the women asked questions to Tchmouroff and The Lopez's. Tatiana is well known for, not only her 10 years of work with The Baltimore Orioles, but for her recent MIRACLE MASSAGE of Dmitri Young's back that got Our Number 21 back on the playing field--after being on the Disabled List for some time.

Jen and Felipe discussed a few things about their family life. How travel and time constraints of the baseball season, affects the everyday lives of their two young daughters (ages 3 and 7). Jen home schooled the oldest at first, but now has placed her in a private school. She along with the family members of other players--lean of each other for support during the baseball season. Thankfully, she believes--her kids are young enough to not be affected by the heavy burden baseball plays in their everyday lives.

But Jen did tell some good stories about her husband--Felipe.

What does Felipe Lopez do during the off season? Jen says: "Felipe has a big huge sledgehammer and a big monster truck tire in the garage. And he goes out and swings, and swings and swings all day long. He does that and cleans his car." Felipe adding in: "And the garden too.” (Everyone cracking up)

How they met: Jen: "We met at a stoplight. Seriously!! He told one of his friends in the car, he wanted to meet me (in Hagerstown, Maryland, Single A Ball). His friend gave me the number. And this is where the discrepancy arises. It sat in my car for about a month. He says one day. (everyone laughing) Eventually, I called it.

Felipe responds: “I barely knew English at the time. And I was really shy. So we just stood there. But it worked out.” (funny comment)

Jen and Felipe just celebrated their 8th Wedding Anniversary.

Finally--no discussion with Felipe Lopez can ever end without a question about his many tattoos.

Felipe: "My father would not let me do anything. He was very strict. After we got marred, I got one tattoo as a symbol for my oldest daughter. Then it just got kind of addictive (laughing). I don't plan of getting anymore."

Did you know: Felipe Lopez wears a special tattoo, designed by his wife Jen--on the right portion of his neck. It means "always and forever."

Four Hours after The Baseball 101 Women had first entered New Nationals Park--Version 2.0 ended for 2008. Each participant was given two tickets to last Saturday Night's game against The Baltimore Orioles in Section 237. Many of the ladies met up again a few short hours later to share their thoughts and passion for baseball. The game they have all come to love.

You can bet--there will be a Version 3.0 Next Season at New Nationals Park. And Sohna will participate again. She loves attending the event.