Firestorm

The "Twack!!" heard was immediately followed by "Crack!!", that sweet sound of Wood Bat meeting a Baseball. That time when a batter solidly strokes a pitcher's thrown ball. A noise so loud this afternoon at New Nationals Park that it awoke a slumbering crowd watching, at that time, a rather pedestrian ball game. South Capitol Street was silent until this very moment. Down 4-3 entering the bottom of the 8th inning this Sunday, Our Washington Nationals caught fire. A leadoff single to Ryan Zimmerman and walk allowed to Elijah Dukes by Journeyman Pitcher Elmer Dessens provided the first sparks. The kindling wood necessary for Aaron Boone to ignite those burning embers by smoking an Dessens' Fastball deep and over the left centerfield wall into The Atlanta Braves Bullpen. A Three Run Homer, so solidly crushed, it gave Washington their second lead of the game at 6-4.

And Sent Our Fans into that unexpected tizzy, once again, of witnessing their once sleep walking team, fight back, overcome, and eventually Flat Out Crush a now lesser opponent. You can say whatever you want about The Braves, but over the past week, Our Washington Nationals have played as a most Cohesive Unit. The One so many expected far earlier in this 2008 Campaign. A season lost early, but a team now looking to find some hope for the future.

No matter the circumstances, no matter the odds, Washington is finding ways TO WIN these days. Something not seen most all year. The Attitude Developing which goes a long way for establishing confidence in young players. No better effort than this afternoon at, arguably, one of the most Gorgeous Late Summer August Days you may ever experience in The Nation's Capital.

Having Atlanta down now 6-4, Our Washington Nationals DID NOT LET UP. For first time all year, A KILLER INSTINCT, SEEMINGLY, HAS SET IN. DC's Very Own realizing a decisive victory was at hand, if and only if, they finished off The Braves. Which they did, in CONVINCING STYLE, by sending Eight Additional Batters to the plate after Boone's Blast in the bottom of this game changing 8th frame. Although Washington would leave the bases loaded when Elijah Dukes looked at a full count strike three to end this rally, Our Washington Nationals would score two additional insurance runs beforehand, thanks to Emilio Bonifacio's double, a Wil Nieves run scoring single, a Willie Harris single and Cristian Guzman RBI single to left. Five Runs Total Scored that directly led to a unusual Sweep Of The Boys From Georgia.

This Firestorm so large--even after being called on for MOP UP Duty in the Top of The 9th--"The Human Rain Delay" could not even effect Our Washington Nationals spreading blaze. Jesus Colome retired The Atlanta Braves in the 9th and struck out Josh Anderson swinging at Strike Three to finish off Washington's sixth straight win of 2008. The largest streak this season and the best since a similar run from July 31st to August 5th, 2007--over one year ago.

Final Score from an EXCITED New Nationals Park--Our Washington Nationals 8 and The Atlanta Braves 4. Curly "W" Number 52 was a surprising victory won and at the hands of a Young Team finding it's way under the pressures of the Major League Game, while getting assistance from now Healthy Veterans, who understand, and have the experience to win. The Bang!! Zoom!! Of The Fireworks!! continuing a WEEK LONG CELEBRATION of Our Manager's young charges, maybe and finally, getting it. His message coming across,"Preaching and Teaching" has always been Manny Acta's belief. Hope he brings to the table each day. Hard learned lessons that may finally be paying off.

As the Dog Days of Summer slowly fade away--Our Washington Nationals are one of the Hottest Teams In The Game. A Firestorm is brewing, but can their new found confidence extend through another three game set, against The Philadelphia Phillies and their always obnoxious and annoying fans.

Baseball, the ever changing game is producing one of it's magic moments once again. Who would have thought that possible, just one week ago. Really, this latest effort is quite remarkable--And Thrilling To Watch. Just like Aaron Boone's Game Winning Home Run. The Crack of that bat slapping that baseball was marvelous to hear. Good thing New Nationals Park was quiet at that time, because the sound of Our Number 8's Homer was just as good as the sight of the ball landing over the fence. Yes, that was some Good Stuff.

Game Notes & Highlights

Collin Balester was quite the sight on the mound this afternoon. For the first few innings, Our Number 40 had ZERO COMMAND. He just couldn't find the plate. And as remarkable as Our Washington Nationals six game winning streak has become, Balester was uncanny in his ability to find his way in and out of trouble. Runners on base in 6 of his 7 innings pitched. A three run homer handed up to Yunell Escobar in the 4th, but not enough damage to negate Washington getting back into the game.

Honestly, in the first inning alone, it appeared as if Collin Balester could not feel the grip on any of his pitches. Everything off speed thrown well off the plate (many at the batter's head), every fastball right down the middle. Difficulty, which directly lead to his rough start. But being a Rookie, you had to be proud of the man. As I mentioned to The African Queen, more than once this afternoon: "It's quite amazing Balester is still in the game." At every turn, Our Number 40 was in trouble. Most all day he basically survived. Not involved in the final decision, Collin Balester went Seven Innings, his longest Major League Outing of 2008 and left the mound, knowing full well, he had done alright, without his best stuff.

The Makings Of A Major League Hurler. I have no idea what the future holds for Collin Balester, but he didn't give up or mail it in--even knowing he had no command for over half of this outing. He should have left the mound proud, knowing he had basically survived on the very day, he could have been torched.

Garrett Mock received his first Major League Victory of his career today. One of those wins which can only be described as a Vulture Win. Entering this game in the 8th and Washington down one, Our Number 50 was not overly sharp. He struggled just like Balester, his predecessor--for a while. Allowing a Double to Martin Prado, a wild pitch and eventual walk to Omar Infante. But Mock was able to get back into this frame by striking out Yunell Escobar and getting Jeff Francouer to pop out to Langerhans in left. No runs scored against him and when Washington strongly fought back to take over the affair during the bottom of the 8th, Garrett Mock's First Career Major League Victory was assured.

Congratulations Garrett--Take Any Win--Any Way You Can!

When Our Number 40 was in trouble right off the bat this afternoon in the 1st inning, Wil Nieves came to his rescue when he tossed out Omar Infante. The Atlanta Third Baseman attempting to stretch an RBI single to left past a diving Ryan Zimmerman. Today Starting Left Fielder Ryan Langerhans scooped up the hit ball and threw home, a little off line, in an ill-fated attempt to throw out The Braves Martin Prado. Realizing Prado would score easily, Nieves rushed forward, in front of the plate, caught Our Number 29's toss and FIRED A STRIKE to Emilio Bonifacio manning second base who forcefully slapped down the tag on Infante. A Defensive Play Of This Game Effort by Nieves that was rewarded, rightfully, when Second Base Umpire Lanny Vanover gave the Out Call. The Inning Ending Out Call.

The Braves Elmer Dessens entered this game in the bottom of the 8th to pitch for Atlanta and promptly allowed five earned runs, thanks to his three run homer allowed to Aaron Boone and some assistance from his Bullpen Mate. Wil Ohman allowed two additional hits and one walk in his wake. Dessens who entered this game with an ERA hovering around 10.00, left with an Earned Run Average of 31.50 and his first loss of 2008. He really wasn't good.

There were a few other fine defensive plays this afternoon.

Nieves would also toss out a stealing Gregor Blanco in the fifth at second base. And Willie Harris would make a fine sprinting grab to his left on a sinking liner to centerfield hit by Josh Anderson in the third frame. Finally, Atlanta's Jair Jurrjens with the reflex reaction grab off the bat of Ryan Zimmerman in the bottom of the 5th. If Jurrjens does not get his glove in front of his face--he would have been seriously hurt. Instead, the Atlanta Starter found the baseball in his glove and easily tossed out Our Number 11 running to first base.

Washington got on the board in the bottom of the first when Willie Harris led off the frame with a single off Jurrjens. "The Guz" followed with a drilled shot off the centerfield wall, added to by a Dukes infield ground out up the middle, scoring Harris, and a solid single to left by Today's Player Of The Game--Aaron Boone.

Our Number 8, getting a rare start of late, stroking the game deciding three run shot, his first inning RBI Single, knocking in four runs and scoring one himself on his Home Run. Boone answering to his name being called after his 8th inning Homer, moved to the top of the steps of Our Washington Nationals Dugout to, ever so briefly, wave to the crowd in appreciation.

Again, the top three hitters in Manny's Batting Order providing spark this day. Harris with three hits total. Cristian Guzman and The Z-Man with two apiece. In fact, the first five hitters in today's Washington Lineup--Harris, Guzman, Zimmerman, Dukes and Boone provided five runs scored, batted out 9 of Washington's 11 hits, and knocked in Seven of their 8 Runs. Mighty Impressive.


31,090 attended the final game of 2008 at New Nationals Park featuring The Atlanta Braves. Our Washington Nationals getting over the 2 Million Mark in their Inaugural Season on South Capitol Street. On pace to reach 2.4 Million Fans attending the 81 Home Games this year. An average of just under 30,000 per game.

Teddy was leading The Geico Presidents Race all the way until the final 20 yards during the regular 4th inning entertainment skit. Then, Our Lovable Loser lost steam, faded badly and never even crossed the finish line. Teddy needs to begin working out again. He pooped out, when he should have struted his way to victory.

This Sunday was Kids Run The Show Day. Children 12 Years Of Age and under whose parents had registered them, were randomly selected to throw out the first pitch, present the lineup card to the umpires, take the field with Our Washington Nationals at game start, announce the Starting Linups--even hang out with Clint and The NatPack, among other voluntary chores offered to be a part of a Game Featuring Our Washington Nationals.

Immediately after the conclusion of this game, Our Washington Nationals announced a series of call ups to The Major League Roster. On September 1st each year, every team in The Major Leagues can recall up to 15 additional players to their everyday rosters. This afternoon, Kory Casto, Alberto Gonzalez, Roger Bernadina and Levale Speigner received the call, along with two players who will be making their Big League Debuts--Pitchers Mike Hinkley and Shairon Martis.

Finally, as Josh Anderson struck out late this afternoon at approximately 4:23 PM, I could not help but notice the shadows creeping in over the left field stands. Monday's Labor Day Game Versus The Philadelphia Phillies is a 3:05PM start. For the first time all year, since so few games were scheduled so late in the afternoon--those shadows depicted in the above picture may well play a major role in the tomorrow's game. From probably the 4th or 5th inning on--Shadows will completely cover home plate--at least for a couple of innings. A pitcher's advantage that New Nationals Park has never played to since it's opening in March.

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

Retro Saturday Night

The Disco Age of The 1970's is long past, ancient history to most every member of Our Washington Nationals that took the field tonight at New Nationals Park. Long Hair, Big Afro's, Bell Bottoms, High Heeled Men's Platform Shoes, Go-Go Boots and Wide Collar Polyester Shirts--Vintage Clothing on display this Saturday evening along with the Songs of The Decade of My Youth--The Dance Music and The Free Spirt of the High Flying 70's. Fond Memories refreshed at The New Ballyard on South Capitol Street as Our Washington Nationals celebrated "70's Night" against The Atlanta Braves--In Style.


Parliament-Funkadelic is probably not exactly the type of tunes Elijah Dukes grew up listening to on the radio as a youth. But George Clinton's Infamous Band that spanned the entire Decade of my teen years would have appreciated The Funky Moves put on by Our Number 34 this evening in the bottom of the 10th. The only element missing was a strobe light shining down brightly.

Our Ballclub now learning to fight back, becoming competitors--not rolling over--not giving in.

Youth now understanding--even when the worst seems at hand, there should never be a time you give up.

Our Washington Nationals are learning to dance to a beat of their very own.

Like Tonight In The Game Deciding 10th Frame.

Young Anderson Hernandez lead off by walking with the score tied at 8 runs apiece. "The Guz" followed by ripping a liner off the glove of Atlanta First Baseman Martin Prado. A single that sent Our Number 6 to second and got Our Fans up and out of their seats--wanting to see the electric moves of Ryan Zimmerman--once again. Excitement delayed when The Atlanta Braves Manager Bobby Cox intentionally walked Our Number 11 to load the bases with nobody out. A right strategic decision that found the Home Faithful still booing the move and sending the youthful exhuberance of Lastings Milledge to the plate.

Our Number 44 has slowly changed his game for the better over the course of the 2008 season. No longer a flash in the pan, since returning from The Disabled List, Milledge has been one of Washington's most exciting players. He's been patient, working ahead in the count. But on this occasion, the thrill of the moment got to him and The Braves Pitcher Vladamir Nunez struck him out swinging on four pitches. A first out that frustrated a roaring crowd even more when Ronnie Belliard followed and RIPPED a liner to dead center. A possible game winning hit that found Atlanta's Centerfielder deftly moving in to catch the sinking baseball as Hernandez danced off third base attempting to score--looking to make an Electric Slide of his own.

The Anticipation High.

But as Josh Anderson recorded the out, Hernandez took off from third, only to be held at the last possible moment by Our Third Base Coach Tim Tolman. A Flash Dance of Tolman's own that had the crowd Roaring in disbelief. Our Number 10 JUMPING UP AND DOWN along the first baseline in a Saturday Night Fever of his own, not understanding why his teammate had been held off the dance floor. Ronnie Belliard, like the fans watching in the stands--didn't want Hernandez to be a Wall Flower. This spur of the moment decision by Tolman found Anderson's throw dead on to the plate, and cut off by Atlanta First Baseman Martin Prado. Yes, Hindsight is 20/20, and if Hernandez had taken off for home, it would have been a close play. He might have been safe. But he may also have been called out. And Tolman well knew that the stimulating moves of Elijah Dukes was scheduled next on the dance floor.

Why not give Our Number 34 the stage for everyone to witness his ever improving talent?

Dukes has all five tools. He can hit, hit with power, run, field and throw. But the skill he showed everyone in the announced crowd of 30,326 on this Saturday Night was his ability TO TAKE A PITCH. Elijah Dukes is learning to be patient, understanding that as big and powerful as he is, Our Number 34 can be just as dangerous by waiting--displaying composure well beyond his years and the temperment some believe his does not possess.

Flashing his powerful bat, Dukes moved ahead in the count, up 3-1. An advantage that now found THE ENTIRE REMAINING CROWD on their feet cheering on a possible joyous ending. "Happy Days" were possibly here again, everyone knowing full well Our Washington Nationals many times have failed to execute in the clutch--especially when Our Number 34 fouled off the next two pitches.

But not this time around.

As it turned out This Retro Party was just getting started. The Bases were full. The count now loaded. And New Nationals Park ready to explode. On the very night flashy style and jiggle were on prominent display, Elijah Dukes simply WATCHED Vladamir Nunez's fastball offering sail outside and off the plate for Ball Four.

A Game Winning Walk Off--Walk Off. A new slide developing which featured Dukes twirling his bat off to his right side, pirouetting into the air and then doing the boogie all way into arms of his teammates rushing onto the field in celebration at first base--scoring Anderson Hernandez with the game winning run--in arguably one of the best games played in The Inaugural Season of New Nationals Park to date--during maybe the best stretch of play by Our Washington Nationals all season long. How different Our Lineup looks when healthy and motivated players take the field each and every day.

Not many would have believed possible just a short time ago that Washington could dance their way back into any competition down by 4 runs in the bottom of the fifth and garner Curly "W" Number 51. When Washington was reeling through their recent dozen losses in a row--every opportunity to strike back, when down, was wasted. Advantages now capitalized on as Our Washington Nationals winning streak has reached 5 straight games--tying the longest stretch this season.

And by the time this Retro Saturday Night Affair had ended on South Capitol Street, The Bang!! Zoom!! Of The Fireworks!! displayed Our Washington Nationals stepping out to a new jig. A competitive nature reborn from lessons learned from a now experienced past. The majority of Our Players suiting up tonight in their Modern, Technologically Advanced, Dri-Fit Uniforms had never witnessed the whacky years of the 1970's, but at least for one night, they understood how to tango to a different beat. The Disco Moves Of 30 Years Past were back this evening and Our Washington Nationals found a fighting spirit to revel in it's comfort.

Final Score From High Flying, Polyester Filled and Colorful New Nationals Park--Our Washington Nationals 9 and The Atlanta Braves 8.

"70's Night" was one of the most compelling evenings all year. And Our Fans, The Nat Pack, Clint, and even My Best Friend Screech!! suited up in Retro Style making the night that much more enjoyable. This was a great evening at New Nationals Park-both on and off the field of play.

Game Notes & Highlights

Jason Bergmann displays some serious Jekyl & Hyde Moments. One day, Our Number 57 can be virtually untouchable, not many batters he faces are going to to hit him well. Then, take an evening like tonight, when Jason gets torched by allowing 4 doubles, three of them back to back to back while giving up 4 Runs in the top of the 3rd inning. And later allowing two homes runs--one a liner to right just over Washington's Bullpen to Brian McCann and a drilled opposite field shot to right center by Martin Prado. Six earned runs allowed in less than five innings. Not only did Jason walk three Atlanta Hitters, he didn't strike out a single Brave. Not One, very unusual for a man that commands some good stuff. Control which Our Number 57 had little of tonight. One of those evenings when Jason deserved a loss, but was bailed out by his teammates.

Saul Rivera was handed his 3rd blown save of the year in the top of the 8th by allowing a single to Greg Norton, a single to Josh Anderson and a double to right by Gregor Blanco. A game tying 8th run scored by Norton that could have resulted in the game winning 9th run scored by Josh Anderson--if not for The Defensive Play of This Game.


As Norton scored easily, Elijah Dukes was picking up the baseball and firing it to Anderson Hernandez standing in short right field taking the relay. When Atlanta Third Base Coach Brian Snitker sent his speedy Runner Anderson around third and on to home, Our Second Baseman Hernandez reeled off a one hopper to Jesus Flores at the plate. As The Braves Centerfielder attempted to slide around the now close play at home, Our Number 3 displayed the savvy of a veteran. Realizing the baseball might just reach home plate, in time on the bounce, Jesus pulled his glove back toward the the body of the sliding Anderson--allowing the baseball to land in his mitt at the exact same time The Braves Centerfielder was moving past and behind him. A smart play that allowed the baseball to travel it's maximum speed and gave Home Plate Umpire Tim McClelland the time to witness and signal the out call!! The Defensive Play Of This Ball Game and possibly game saving run because, if Jesus Flores had attempted to catch the baseball in front of home plate and then move the caught baseball in his mitt toward Anderson, precious seconds would have been lost. Instead, Our Number 3 let the ball come to Anderson, whereupon Jesus simply recorded the out.

This WAS A GREAT PLAY!! And Savvy Too.

Of course, Jesus Flores found himself right in the middle of the mix earlier in the game. Our Number 3 has sambaed his way through his own beat all season. Not expected to play a significant role all of 2008, Flores now finds himself developing as a clutch hitter--Dependable, with the game on the line. None more so than when Jesus UNLOADED on a Buddy Caryle fastball over the middle of the plate in the bottom of the 5th and sent a drive to DEEP LEFT CENTER, a bases clearing double that not only gave Flores his team leading 56th, 57th & 58th RBI's but sent this, one time, out of reach game back to even at six apiece. A short lived tie that turned in Washington's Favor when Anderson Hernandez blooped a looping ball between The Atlanta Infield to center for an RBI Single.

A 7-6 lead that advanced one more run to 8, when Ronnie Belliard stroked a seeing-eye single up the middle just off the out-stretched glove of The Braves Shortstop Omar Infante. An RBI Hit scoring Lastings Milledge who had singled with one out in the bottom of the 6th off Jeff Bennett, stole second and scored when Our Number 10's baseball found a way through The Atlanta Infield. A now two run advantage lost when Chipper Jones FLAT OUT HAMMERED a Charlie Manning pitch to deep right center for his 20th Home Run of 2008 in the 7th and Saul Rivera gave up that run scoring single to Gregor Blanco in the 8th. The game tying hit that might have resulted in becoming the Game Winning Hit, if not for that GREAT DEFENSIVE EFFORT on the play by Elijah Dukes to Anderson Hernandez to Jesus Flores for The Defensive Play of This Game.

But like all the victories of late, this one was a Team Win.

Washington's starting batting order tonight rapped out 16 hits. Anderson, "The Guz" and Ryan Zimmerman with three apiece. Lastings Milledge, Ronnie Belliard and Elijah Dukes with two hits each. And Ryan Langerhans walked three times tonight. Of course Jesus Flores with his one Clutch Hit, his Three RBI Double in the bottom of the 5th that turned this game around.

More and more, Our Washington Nationals are looking like a competitive team, fielding a lineup that is slowly becoming a force. They might not be able to pound the baseball out of the park to win each night, but they are learning to play within their means. A single here, a stolen base there, an advancement of a runner into scoring position. Small ball that pays off when the opponent realizes Our Batters are no longer getting themselves out with runners in scoring position. And it doesn't hurt when Our Team, in the field, plays flawlessly.

And how about those Atlanta Braves? Yes, missing John Smoltz, Tommy Glavine and Tim Hudson has hurt them tremendously on the mound. But in the field, would you really rather have many of the players Bobby Cox is forced to throw out on the diamond most every night right now? Chipper Jones and Brian McCann aside, Atlanta looks like its on it's very own slipping slide. They do not look good--as a team.

Elijah Dukes is one athletic specimen. He's also the most talented baseball player on Our Washington Nationals Roster. That man can play and as this 23 Year Old gets more experience, Our Number 34 could develop into one of the best players to wear a Washington Uniform for seasons to come. Really, Elijah Dukes is wonderful to watch. If only he can solve his off the field problems. For the most part, Dukes has been a good citizen in the public eye. We can only hope, Elijah can leave his personal demons behind. For if he does, Elijah Dukes is capable of being an All-Star, a top performer in the game. Our Number 34 is that good. He really is. And he should be playing Centerfield, where is arm could make a difference.

Speaking of Dukes, when Elijah was batting in the game deciding 10th inning, why in the world was Jesus Flores even warming up in the On Deck Circle? The bases were loaded. The game was tied. There were two outs. Our Number 34 was either going to win the game or extend it with a recorded out. Our Number 3 was NOT GOING TO BAT--no matter what. It makes no difference in the whole scheme of things, but it just didn't make any sense. Jesus Flores, or any other player for Our Washington Nationals was not going to bat during the remainder of that inning. Not going to happen. I found that strange.


Finally, 70's Night was quite the extravaganza at New Nationals Park this evening. The HDTV Scoreboard featured Dot Matrix electronics, subdued Color Graphics in each teams logos and some terrific 1970's Mod Style Photos of Our Washington Nationals.


The Nat Pack LOOKED TERRIFIC, as did Clint, some Nats Staffers and Fans. Really, this stuff was fun. Sohna and I enjoyed the festivities all night long. Even My Best Friend!! Screech!! posted up in a Tie-Dye Pink Nationals Jersey and Bandana. Our Washington Nationals need to do this promo again and really push the idea to Our Fans. But next time, Our Team needs to wear those Sand-Knit Polyester super tight uniforms from the 70's. The ones with the colorful elastic waist bands instead of belts. Great Stuff though. This was a really cool promotion.


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

More Pix from the night--click on any picture and it will blow up to large size.

Nats Express From Lot 7 Tonight--August 30th

Plan accordingly, The Nats Express Shuttle from RFK to New Nationals Park is operating from Lot 7, tonight, Not Lot 8 due to DC United Playing a MSL Soccer Game on East Capitol Street.

Here is the complete Team Press Release:

Nats Express to Operate Out of RFK Lot 7 on Saturday, August 30

WHAT: Washington Nationals fans choosing to park for free at RFK Stadium and take the Nats Express to Nationals Park may park in Lot 7 on Saturday, August 30.

Due to a D.C. United game, RFK Stadium Lot 8 will not be available to Nationals fans. Lot 7 may be accessed off the Whitney Young Bridge (East Capitol Street) or off of Oklahoma Avenue. The Nats Express begins ninety minutes prior to Nationals home games.


WHO: Washington Nationals Fans choosing to take the free Nats Express


WHEN: Saturday, August 30, 2008


WHERE: RFK Memorial Stadium

Lot 7

Oklahoma Ave & East Capitol Streets, SE

Passion

As Joel Hanrahan stepped to the mound tonight at New Nationals Park, I stepped into The South Capitol Street Ballyard for first time during this homestand. Thanks to the very fact that EVERY SINGLE PERSON visiting Denver, Colorado over the past week decided to book a flight today. The Denver International Airport was packed! Delays, Gate Changes, Cancellations, with seemingly every single plane taking off fully loaded--especially those trips coming to Washington, DC. (The Media alone, including us, were paying some serious excess baggage fees this Friday)

Our 1:44PM Flight moved to 3:40PM, eventually 4:05PM (Mountain Time), and put my goal of attending tonight's game between Our Washington Nationals and The Atlanta Braves in serious jeopardy. Not taking off from DIA until 6:05PM Eastern, Our United Airlines Flight did not arrive until 9PM at Dulles International Airport. 45 Minutes later, the television gear was retrieved, then shuttled to my car in Daily Parking Lot 1.

AND THE RACE WAS ON!!

Could I Make It? The passion was running high.

No matter the circumstances, no matter the score--my goal was to make it to New Nationals Park by the end of tonight's game. No way I was going to miss Four Consecutive Complete Games. As I started up my car, 3WT was tuned in, Charlie & Dave, pleasing to my ear, stating Our Washington Nationals were already up 7-3. This affair was in the top of the 7th inning. Odalis Perez had just been replaced by Charlie Manning.

Could I make the 31 Mile Trip from Dulles to New Nationals Park before the final out was recorded?

A New Game was at hand. A Challenge to beat the clock--knowing it would take a good 45 to 50 minutes to reach South Capitol Street. As the game progressed, I found myself distressed. The timing was not good as I traveled down The Dulles Toll Road, onto Interstate 66, through Rosslyn, onto 110, and past the Pentagon. The 7th inning had finished. The 8th inning was coming to a close.

Sadly, it seemed this effort would result in failure.

Then, as I turned onto Interstate 395, moving toward the South Capitol Street Exit on the SE/SW Freeway, Steven Shell got into trouble in the top of the 9th. A one out hit-by-pitch to Kelly Johnson followed by a walk to Gregor Blanco had given new opportunity. Our Pitching Coach Randy St.Claire trotted out to the mound--not only to calm Shell down--put to give Joel Hanrahan the better chance to warm up--properly.

Game tactics which found me know cruising down South Capitol Street and parking just a short walk from New Nationals Park. Preciously Needed Moments which gave me the time needed to move inside the park. Our Number 38 was on the mound, now having concluded his warmups, facing New Braves Centerfielder Josh Anderson. Moving swiftly and spotting The African Queen visiting with Our Friend Pat, I headed over to surprise them as Anderson grounded into a force out. "The Guz" fielding the hit ball and tossing to Emilio Bonifacio for the second out of the final frame.

Only one out now remained before this game would officially conclude. I had to reach their seats before that 27th out of this affair was recorded for The Braves. With Martin Prado now at the plate for Atlanta, Anderson, having reached on a fielders choice, ran to second base on Hanrahan's first pitch in the dirt to Prado. Defensive Interference, which gave me those illusive moments to reach Sohna and Pat. As they sat chatting, I bellowed out: "So, have I missed much excitement so far?"

Sohna was so surprised, she jumped up to kiss me right away. Pat, smiling broadly, stood to strongly shake my hand. "We were just talking about you and your trip," said Pat. "Yeah, we were wondering whether you were going to make it?", replied The African Queen. Together, they filled me in on the game at hand, and all turned our attention to Joel Hanrahan. Intently, we watch Our Number 38 take his 7th Save of 2008 and third from this very week--by recording the final out this game on a called check swing strikeout. Together, Sohna, Pat and I stood and clapped and High Fived over a nice moment.

Our Washington Nationals had won--their fourth in a row. And I had made good on my promise. I was there, in a seat, when the Final Out Was Recorded.

Curly "W" Number 50 of 2008 was another TEAM WIN!! for Our Washington Nationals. The Bang!! Zoom!! Of The Fireworks!! celebrating a young team playing some excellent baseball over the past four days. And signaling, when you make the effort, with passion--anything is possible. Just like, what seemed like, my never ending trip this afternoon and evening to attend--at least a few moments of Our Washington Nationals Game against The Atlanta Braves.

Nothing like passion, the wanting to be there, just like Our Players are beginning to show--once again--in exciting style.

Final Score from New Nationals Park, where Pat says REAL BASEBALL FANS have showed up all week long!! Our Washington Nationals 7 and The Atlanta Braves 3.

Game Notes & Highlights

Although I did not see it in person, Dave Jageler raved about Ryan Zimmerman's diving stop to his left on a sharply hit grounder by Martin Prado in the 7th. A sure run scoring single, if not for Our Number 11's continuing excellent fielding over the past week. Sohna believes "Z" is playing, defensively, just as effectively as many of Our Fans have come to expect of him over the past two seasons.

On another note, I really enjoyed reading commenter Steve's take on Our Fan Base in yesterday's post while traveling.

Here are his written words:

The game last night was fantastic! One of the best since baseball returned to D.C.!

On people leaving -- I don't think more people leave than any other park watching a non-playoff contender play in its home park (except Sundays when there's more kids at the park). The way the ballpark is built, you see everyone leaving at once. I've been to many other parks and there's not one exit to see everyone leave. People are so quick to criticize Nats fans, I don't know where all the bitterness comes from. Who are we threatening?

On another note -- it's clear that we fans cannot depend on the media nor the team to get baseball to truly catch on here - winning will help, but, until then, it falls to us fans, if we want baseball to stay here and thrive, to talk up the team, invite friends to the game and the beautiful park, get our places of employment and youth teams and scout groups and neighborhoods to take group outings to the park.

It's going to take grassroots evangelizing to get people to see what a great game baseball is and how relaxing and fun a day at Nationals Park is. It's up to us, Nats fans. The Lerners aren't going to do it, Stan Kasten's not going to do it, the Washington/Baltimore Post, burying the team's great sweep in the bowels of the sports page sure isn't going to do it, the national media - full of New Yorkers, Chicagoans, and Baltimoreans won't do it. Only us. Take folks to a game. Ask them to listen to Charlie and Dave on the radio and watch MASN with the sound down. If we love baseball and want it to be anything more than a small market, perennially losing venture, we have to act. It shouldn't be this way, but it is. It's up to us to make sure baseball in Washington works this time around.

I really enjoyed reading Steve's comments. There is a tremendous amount of truth to them. It's going to take Fans, not the media, not the owners, to fall in love with The Greatest Game. Winning always helps, but no Franchise in the game survives without a fan base. The Cubs haven't won anything in nearly 100 Years (although they are serious contenders this season). The Rays, The Rangers, The Mariners, The Brewers, The Astros, The Rockies and The Padres have NEVER WON THE WORLD SERIES--neither did The Montreal Expos. Yet, all are thriving franchises today.

Except for The Expos in their final years in Montreal--all of these teams have (Had In Montreal's Case) built solid fan bases. People willing to attend many games of their favorite home team every season. No matter the loses. No matter the poor play.
These people are baseball fans. Aficionados of the game which Washington definitely has in place--despite the written reports of late stating few are watching or listening to games of Our Washington Nationals on Radio & Television. Washington has a solid growing Fan Base that has room to grow, but like Steve states and Sohna and I believe--we don't understand the bitterness. Only 20 of the 30 Teams in Major League Baseball have won A World Series In My Lifetime--and I am 49 Years Old. Even more amazing than The Cubbies streak, San Francisco and Cleveland winless strings are even more mind boggling. Those two franchises have built some great teams--and won nothing--but they haven't alienated and whittled their fans bases down to virtually nothing.

Neither have Our Washington Nationals.

Every single team goes through a rebuilding cycle--Our Washington Nationals are experiencing that painful growth early on in their brief history. What is doesn't mean--is that they will not be successful soon.

Finally, I just wanted to give thanks to the many fans of Our Washington Nationals who were kind enough to stop by and say hello and see how Sohna was doing while I was away this week at The Democratic National Convention. Your thoughts and efforts were very much appreciated by The African Queen and I.

Tonight's InGame Photo--(AP) Nick Wass

A History Making Night

Sohna called me tonight in Denver all excited. Our Washington Nationals had SWEPT The Los Angeles Dodgers. "The Guz" had hit for the cycle and Elijah Dukes flatout HAMMERED two home runs at New Nationals Park. An 11-2 pasting of The Dodgers that left her thrilled, excited and downright proud of Washington's Performance of late--just like the experience felt by me this evening at Invesco Field at Mile High.

If you can put the politics and rhetoric aside for the briefest of moments, there was nothing quite like the feeling at The Democratic National Committee Convention tonight at the Home of The Denver Broncos. Over 70,000 People crammed into hear Senator Barack Obama accept his party's nomination to run for The Office Of The President Of The United States. Working the event, we had ringside seats, the straight on view, just behind The Delegates. Stating I was proud to be there--may well be an understatement. Because, just like The New Ballyard on South Capitol Street, The Broncos Home Field at Bryant & 19th was absolutely ROCKING this evening!! And as much as I miss Our Washington Nationals, I don't think I will ever forget August 28th, 2008.

No Way. Not Possible.

What A Program!! What A Performance!!


From Jennifer Hudson singing The National Anthem to Cheryl Crow & Stevie Wonder bellowing out some great stuff. And of course, the appearance of Barack Obama to officially accept his party's nomination. A downright thrilling moment to watch--in person. An extravaganza, with not only confetting and steamers--but fireworks sharply glowing into the dark but jubilant night. This party was special. Something not ever before seen in Our Great Country.

Our Washington Nationals made some baseball history of their own tonight in winning Curly "W" Number 49. Cristian Guzman hitting for the cycle. Only the second player to do so for Washington since baseball returned to The Nation's Capital. Our Number 34's second home run of the evening was The 500th in The Team History Of Our Washington Nationals. All on the very evening The United States Of America recorded some fresh history of its own. A Moment In Time some thought The Land of The Free & The Home Of The Brave, Might Never See.

The Bang!! Zoom!! Of The Fireworks!! memorable in The Nation's Capital tonight--not only for the play on the field by Our Washington Nationals, but for A Contender for The Office Of The President Of The United States. One of two men who may well be living at 1600 Pennsylvannia Avenue come January 20th, 2009. Everyone knows, A New President is coming. But, no one knows for sure who that person may be. But whoever takes that oath of office early next year, better be committing to throwing out The First Pitch at every single Home Opener for Our Washington Nationals until the year--2012.

Nothing else would be deemed satisfactory--by me.

August 28th, 2008 was A History Making Night. 45 Years to the exact day since Dr. Martin Luther King gave his infamous "I Had A Dream" Speech at the steps of The Lincoln Memorial.

This Day Never To Be Forgotten, just like Dr. King's, those many years ago. And yes, I was Proud and Honored To Be Here in Denver--watching and experiencing this entire event--Live!! No, nothing quite like it in my entire lifetime--to date.

PS--Short Turnaround. We did not return from Invesco Field until after Midnight and have to be up at 4AM for more work. Hopefully, the excitement of the evening will keep me awake a few hours from now.

Tonight's InGame Photos--(AP) Luis M. Alvarez
DNCC Photos--Nats320 (All Rights Reserved)

In A Nutshell

Sohna tells me that she doesn't want to hear anyone complaining about Chad Cordero anymore. Apparently, Joel Hanrahan walked one serious tightrope to close out The Los Angeles Dodgers tonight at New Nationals Park. And Ryan Zimmerman, despite one error, played a pretty terrific game in the field at third base, maybe his best defensive effort in some time. The African Queen says Our Number 11's catlike reflexes were back--he just needs to start hitting with power.

And Oh Yeah!! She also says Lastings Milledge continues to blast the ball all over and out of the park. He hit his team leading 13th Home Run of the season. "The Guz" also added three hits and EVEN DOVE FOR A BALL IN THE FIELD!!

Collin Balester got the win. Our Number 38 his 5th save of the season. And Washington FINALLY beat Derek Lowe. Finally, on the sixth try.

In A Nutshell--that's what Sohna called me about in Denver to report late this evening. Final Score from New Nationals Park, Our Washington Nationals 2 and The Los Angeles Dodgers 1.

All on the very same day--Austin Kearns was placed on the Disabled list with a foot injury--from August 3rd? While Elijah Dukes will return tomorrow from his latest stint on rehab.

Finally, Instant Replay for Home Runs--starting Thursday. I am all for it--as long as it doesn't take a significant time to review and delay the games.

One For The Record Books

When The Los Angeles Dodgers visit New Nationals Park beginning Tuesday Night, I will be 2000 miles away in Denver, covering The 2008 Democratic National Convention--where I have been since early Sunday Morning. Yeah, I know, it is amazing and incredible news. Our Team President Stan Kasten was quite stunned when I informed him on this matter last Wednesday Morning. For the first time in The History Of Our Washington Nationals, SBF is actually missing an entire Home Series. Yes, it's true.

All Thanks To Barack.

Of course, Mr. Kasten recovered nicely when he was informed that The African Queen will still be there representing us in Section 218 this week. Gotta give Sohna credit--she's stepping up--just for me. In fact, Sohna HAS NOT MISSED A SINGLE GAME ALL SEASON.

As much as I want to be here in Colorado for Mr. Obama's acceptance speech, it will just not be the same--not sitting in my customary seat at New Nationals Park--knowing The Dodgers are playing on South Capital Street. I really wanted to see Manny Ramirez play against Manny Ramirez, Jr. (Ronnie Belliard--Our Number 10 has always idolized his Senior). But, business calls and this is a very important assignment. Many might say--an historic moment this coming Thursday Evening at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver. Being in the news business--Barack Obama accepting the Democratic Party Nomination to become The President Of The United States--simply can't be beat to watch--IN PERSON.

Yes, This Is A Good One. One for The American Record Books. And I am honored to be here to watch--despite breaking a personal record of my very own.

May Our Washington Nationals survive a few days without me attending home games--in person. And, as Mr. Kasten stated upon hearing the news--"If we win all three games of the series, I am not letting you back into this ballpark!" And yes, he was just joking.

Finally, please say hello to Sohna, if you see her over the next few days at New Nationals Park. I would appreciate the gesture--greatly.

Our Conversation With Stan Kasten (The Final Words)

After discussing Our Washington Nationals with Team President Stan Kasten for nearly 35 minutes in his office, Sohna and I turned our attention to off the field questions. New Nationals Park, Fan Experience, Concessions--items for discussion not related directly to the product on the field.

With that, here we go with The Finals Words as Our Conversation With Stan Kasten concludes.

Now, let’s switch to off the field stuff. (SBF)

Other than the re-building process with the new ballpark, what are you looking to improve on? (The African Queen)

“There is always stuff, but as I have said maybe to you guys before, and others before, there is stuff about the ballpark that remains unfinished and needs to be improved. But, I am not going to tell you guys about it. If you haven’t noticed, I am not going to point them out for you. And the same goes with stuff surrounding the team. There are a lot of things we have to work on. There are a lot of things we need to improve and we plan to do it all. But it’s not something I am comfortable talking about publicly. I just want to do it. And the results will always be the final proof we got things done or didn’t get things done.”

The naming rights issue. Is this the last year the ballpark will be called Nationals Park? (The African Queen)

“I can’t tell you that for sure. We continue to have talks. We feel like we are not in a rush. It could be next year, the year after—three years. We really are not in a rush. We want to get it right. As you know, at this ballpark, we feel like getting our sponsors involved in an interactive way—whether it’s the Sony PlayStation Area, or The Miller Scoreboard Walk, or The PNC Diamond Club or The Lexus Presidents Club. We really feel like involving them. Some of our main real estate we have not given away—like the (centerfield) plaza. Or The Home Run Extravaganza that we still have planned. Or the different areas, like The Red Loft, The Red Porch—we still have big stuff out here that we held back—pending the right fit.”

Is there any chance the stadium remains Nationals Park? I like the name. (The African Queen)

“I don’t think there is a chance that it remains named that way permanently.”

“Home Run Extravaganza? What is that? (SBF)

“It’s just a concept, some Whiz!! Bang!! Things, which happens after home runs. It’s just one of 100 things on a drawing board of possibilities we have talked about with different sponsors. Some sponsors want to come to us. They say we would like to do this after a Home Run and attach our name to it. But, it takes many different forms. That’s just one thing on a menu of many possibilities.”

How about the ball that was originally in the designs above the Red Porch? (The African Queen)

“That is real estate which is still available for the right thing. At the end of the day, we thought let’s not put a ball there. We have toyed with a number of iterations of what kind of ball, maybe video—we just don’t know. But, there was an awful lot to get done by Opening Day ’08 and we now have many things we still plan to do for ’09.”

You mentioned to me at one time The Red Loft Bar would be expanded? (SBF)

“We did. We took out one row of seats. The back row of the seats in front, which really opened up the room there. At the same time, we then built the Miller Scoreboard Bar, which is great fun and on a Friday Night especially—which we have themed out. We do have one fun special event planned there for September. We are planning on a Speed Dating Event. (Sohna and I chuckling) Yeah, seriously. We want the park to be fun and we think that is kind of a fun thing in keeping with the character of what fans are experiencing up there. So, we are always going to be trying fun things like that.”

What the latest on the statues? (SBF)

“My understanding is that they will be in for Opening Day 2009. I have not heard anything different.”

There has been this rumor that Centerplate might be sold—possibly to Aramark—can you comment on this? (SBF)

“There is nothing I can tell you because there is nothing I really know. They are a public company and they are in their own discussions. I don’t have any more information on it, but it is a situation I am watching closely, obviously. And I am talking to other teams to see what they are experiencing—other Centerplate Clients. So, we are just watching and preparing for any eventuality.”

I am just concerned about Aramark and their reputation from RFK? (SBF)

“Well, there are many different ways to do it. I don’t know if Aramark gets it or another company gets it—if they are sold at all. I just don’t know. But, we are going to insist that on what we always insist on here. We are going to insist on top quality. Service is another important thing to me—which has improved over the season, although, it is still not where it has to be. We are going to continue to work on that—whoever the concessionaire is.”

The service at The Nats Dogs Stands can be really trying on patience. (SBF)

“Yes, I agree with you on that. It’s been a yearlong challenge. I know it is better. I know it has improved, but not yet where we want it. Food Choices, I think we have more variety here than any park I have ever been to.”

Will the Nats Express continue to operate next year? (The African Queen)

“That is our expectation to use RFK. I think so, nothing is finalized yet, but that’s our hope and our expectation.” (Will it still be free? TAQ) As far as I know—yes. But that has not been finalized yet. We don’t own the land, but that’s how we are thinking.”

Is there more you can do for season ticket holders? Some claim you are not doing enough? (The African Queen)

“I don’t know what their expectations are. We need to keep working on the stadium. We need to keep working on our service. We need to keep working on our product. All of those things are what fans deserve. We will keep trying to do all we can.”

There were some online complaining after the Weekender Plan came out that included a Diamond Club Ticket for the last home game this season. These folks claiming something like this should have been offered to Season Ticket Holders. (SBF)

“There weren’t many. There will always be someone who has a problem with everything we do. I think the plan we have offered is very popular and there have been next to no complaints about it.”

Uniform Changes for next year? (SBF)

“I am not aware of any.”

I understand there are two? Like the Red “DC” Jersey is being replaced by a Curly “W” one and a possible Blue Jersey with some stars and patriotic trim--stuff like that. (SBF)

“Yes, some tweaks. I honestly don’t remember what we decided. I would call them tweaks, I would not call them major changes. I know that you follow this stuff , religiously, (Yes, he does—The African Queen) and would consider this all big and major. I just don’t remember. I would call them tweaks. We are basically still having our basic uniform.”

We’ve noticed there is not a lot of advertising around the park? Are not as many businesses interested in The Nationals? (The African Queen)

“What do you mean not a lot of advertising? In the ballpark? (Yeah—TAQ). With our LED Ring and our major scoreboard and our concourse signs—holy smokes!!—I think most people say we have too much advertising. You think we don’t have enough, BLESS YOU!! Because I am always a fan of getting even more in.

I think what she is referring to are the concrete overhangs of each seating level where the only advertisings are The Lerner owned facilities and the garage drapings that are not filled. (SBF)

“We are trying not to trash the place up with billboards. (I agree with that—TAQ). Interesting, I have never had a fan say we need more billboards (chuckling). I think we are exactly where we need to be the advertising in the park. This year, we have relationships with 125 sponsors covering many different things. Some have signage and some don’t. But, we have had a really, really, healthy year on advertising and sponsorship. Very healthy.”

How is that Red Tent on top of Garage B working out? (The African Queen)

“It’s a group party thing and it’s gotten a lot of use. (It’s a fun place before a game—TAQ). Yes, it’s a fun place and next year, now since we will have it full time—we are going to be able to program it all winter. We were never sure with construction issues and all that—we were never sure what we were going to do there this year. We did not get it until mid-season, but now since we have it and know what we have—know how well it works—it’s going to get a heck of a lot more use next year. And maybe we will use it into the game. This year, with very few exceptions, we have cut it off at the start of each game. This past weekend, we let it go until 2PM (for Sunday’s Game). Its kind of fun seeing the Wrigley (Field) type view of people hanging out and watching the game. We will probably do more of that now.”

“This is a tight footprint, I have told you this before, where the ballpark is. We don’t have a lot of extra space. We struggled and struggled at first where we were going to have the tent. (At the first Ladies Night of 2008 it was outside the First Base Gate at the corner of Potomac & 1st Street, SE). Finally, when we got that space (Garage B) it’s been a huge plus for us and the fans.”

There are a lot of odd unused spaces throughout the ballpark—especially on club level where we have always felt you could put chairs, tables, etc to add to the stadium. (The African Queen)

“These are among the things that are still getting done. We put some drink rails out two weeks ago. The drink rails themselves work fine, but they were put in the wrong place. At least we have model of drink rails that we know will work. So, we are going to put a lot more of them and we hope to have them everywhere. Stand up drink rails behind the seats.”

Like at Citizens Bank Park? They have in Philadelphia these stand up tables that are directly hanging on the backside of the railings for the last row of seats on their concourse. A ledge, if you will, that allows you to stand, eat your food or drink and not miss any of the game. (SBF)

“Yes, that is what I am taking about. We have started to do just that and there is more of that, that needs to happen. We’ve started relocating, finally, more TV’s into the areas that didn’t have them. That’s taken until just this week—in some cases. We’ve been able to reconfigure, check it out next home stand, the portable (concessions) from home plate to the left field foul pole in a more functionable way. These are the types of things you learn as you go along. We have issues with some of them getting power, water by moving some of these stands, but we are getting it done. Now, that’s not something I need to tell you, or anyone, ahead of time—but these are the things we notice all the time. The drink rails, the TV’s, the portables. We are still doing it. We just don’t talk about the need for it.”

When you walk now from 1st base to Centerfield along the main concourse there are these terrific HDTV Screens hanging under the overhang for those sitting in those sections. They stand out. (SBF)

“Yes, and some of those, frankly, are not well located. They need to be in other places. We’ve moved some of them beyond the right field fence. Those sections just got TV’s this week—under the scoreboard. They needed them. But, we have more that are needed in other places.”

I got a MASN question. When Belliard hit that fabulous game winning home run off The Orioles to win the game in the last At-Bat, we were surprised to see after the game, the post game show be The Orioles Post Game Show and The Orioles Broadcasters decrying the loss—all over Nationals Park. We didn’t think that was right. (SBF)

“I think that was just an anomaly. (MASN was sharing broadcasting crews all weekend since they televise both teams). It was just the luck of the draw.”

I know it’s just a business deal that you had no control over. But can you do anything about MASN? (SBF)

“No.”

Will you be able to solve your battle over the rent with The District of Columbia? (SBF)

“Yes, I am confident that is going to be resolved in the very near future. There is nothing I can really say about it other than it’s obviously going to get resolved to everyone’s satisfaction.”

Will there be a Winter Fanfest during this coming off-season? (SBF)

“Yes, it is going to happen, details to come.”

Speaking of money—will ticket prices change next year? (The African Queen)

“Nothing has been set yet.”

With that final answer, Our Conversation With Stan Kasten came to an end. For nearly one hour, Our Team President was generous enough to give Sohna and I some personal time to discuss the many topics on our mind, concerning Our Washington Nationals. It is important to note that Mr. Kasten is willing to speak with us, as fans, about our concerns and questions. He fully understands Fans may well have different concerns and desires. Issues, The Main Stream Media sometimes has little interest in. Thankfully, Mr. Kasten is willing to explore diverse options.

That's always a good thing--for Fans of Our Washington Nationals. Mr. Kasten is willing to talk.

Our Conversation With Stan Kasten (Part Two)

As Sohna and I pick up Our Conversation With Stan Kasten, we are continuing our questioning of The Major League Team and how things will shape out at the conclusion of the 2008 Season. Of course no discussion about Our Washington Nationals would be complete without talking about the very fact that Our Number 1 Draft Pick for 2008 was not signed to a contract.

This very topic is where Part Two Begins:

How about the Aaron Crow stuff? Can you put some final words on the negotiations? (SBF)

“I am still disappointed. I can’t tell you that I am not disappointed, not because substantively it’s a big loss, because we are getting that same pick in 10 Months. It’s a delay and I don’t have time for delays. I need this (team) to be good as fast as possible. Delays are always setbacks. Having said that, last year we were among baseball’s leaders in signing draft picks. We were again going to be this year. I don’t want to go through the blow-by-blow again. There is no point to that. But, we really stepped up to make Aaron Crow, at the 9th pick, the highest paid pitcher in the draft. It probably wasn’t warranted, but we did it anyway. We offered it anyway. For whatever reasons, I will let him and his agents explain what their thinking was. I couldn’t tell you, because we were never allowed to talk to Aaron Crow. So, I really couldn’t tell you what the thinking was from the other side.”

“Again, Big Picture Wise, it’s not a necessarily a loss to us. We still have that same pick. It’s not a money savings. We need to disabuse people of that notion. This was not done for money. We still have that pick and we STILL HAVE TO PAY THAT PICK—10 months from now. So, there is not money savings here. We had the fallback. We had The Plan B. This is what the (Draft) system was designed to do as negotiated with the players. Expressly for this purpose, so some errant agent could not come in and try to hold some one up (for ransom) at the top of the draft. And that is why the Players Union negotiated with Management to say, OK—if you don’t sign your top pick—you get that same pick next year—to forestall this exact same thing from happening. And why that usually works is because the player has no fall back.”

“I know what our fallback was. We have the same pick in 10 months. I don’t know what the players fallback was and that’s kind of sad.”

I find it sort of amazing there are critics out there claiming The Nationals should have thrown whatever money Crow wanted on the table to sign him? (SBF)

“Well, that is why this sort of got out of hand this year, because that was done last year with one case at the top (of the draft). This year, all the agents said: ‘Let’s copy how that was done.’ You know what, it kind of worked for a lot of picks who got $6 Million Contracts, even though the first time a bonus like that was ever given, was last year at midnight. So, a lot of agents played that game and it actually worked in some cases.”

“OK, what does that mean for next year? This is rapidly going to become an impossible situation if you just say ‘Yes’ to everything. You CANNOT OPERATE THAT WAY. You cannot operate that way. And we certainly won’t.”

Just to clarify this last minute negotiating. If you sign a guy at midnight, is that a verbal commitment? Or how does that work? (SBF)

“Both sides file an email. We send an email in and there are no problems there. There is even a few minutes after the deadline when the paperwork is being filed.”

As long as the basic negotiation has been completed before the deadline. (The African Queen)

“Yes, exactly.”

Where does all this leave the Fans who are dying for a winner? (SBF)

“Once again, if you are a Big Picture Person, which I must be, you recognize we (Lerner/Kasten Ownership) has only been here two years, since July of ’06. There has been an awful lot of progress made in two short years. That really is not a lot of time. That is a short amount of time to make the progress we have made. I think we can already see, and I will let you do this work, you can already see the lineup you could project for ’09. Just from the people we have here now—OK—that is starting to look like, not only the youngest team in the league, but a pretty darn respectable team and pretty darn respectable defensively. I have some optimism about them offensively, as well, and younger pitchers being here now. You can do that work yourself—(SBF)—because I am not going to talk about who is going to be in the lineup come 2009, but I can already see the people who are here.”

“It’s coming, it’s here. As I said, I have been in this exact spot before and had the naysayers criticize me before. But, I don’t know a shorter or quicker way to do it to be good and BE GOOD FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME.”

I have already stated the 2009 Nationals defensively, are a pretty solid team. (SBF)

“I think it’s an above average defensive team, which is a great start because all of a sudden your pitchers are better. (They are getting to the balls in the gaps and the holes—SBF). Yeah, and all of a sudden your pitchers are better and that happens to mirror my own experience in my history in the game.”

It’s too bad Alberto Gonzalez got injured right away; he showed some fine defensive skills at shortstop. (SBF)

“Anderson Hernandez is the same thing. We are putting those all-important pieces, I think, together. You take a look at Our Starting Nine for 2009, that’s your homework. But, they have to show up and be healthy. I don’t know what else to do if nine other guys have to play, if our nine backup guys have to play (again). That won’t be a very good team. But if our nine starters play, we will be alright.”

Do you feel the energy on this current team is OK, compared to earlier in the year when it appeared some were going through the motions? Lazy might be another way of putting it? (SBF)

“I never know if that is fair or not. I know the energy around a team that is winning is better than around a team that is losing. It’s kind of a chicken and egg thing. We all can, I think, hang on a little to how things felt that first week of August. All of a sudden the clouds cleared and we saw light at the end of the tunnel. Unfortunately, it was followed by these past 11 games. But, I don’t have any concerns about energy. I think that when we work out the things we need to work out. When we get the players we need to have back here—the wins will come and energy will be there right along with it.”

How is moral around the clubhouse? (The African Queen)

“Moral is better when you are winning, Sohna. We don’t have any particular moral issues. We don’t have any particular clubhouse relationship problems. We don’t have those types of things. Still, in all, I will tell you there are a lot of examples of teams with bad relationships in the locker room that could still go out and win. So, that sometimes is overplayed. When the game ended (last Sunday August 17th), Manny pulled them in and his message to them was ‘Guys, you are playing hard, you need to continue to play hard, and you need to be optimistic and upbeat.’ He wasn’t screaming. He was trying to encourage them. Manny continues to encourage. Let’s remember for now—this is the youngest team in the league and, I think at this stage, they still need more of that (encouragement) than the other stuff (yelling and screaming), while still demanding the work and the effort that we must have.”

We ran into Manny at the Blood Drive last Saturday, his patience is unbelievable. (SBF)

“It is true. It is true. (Shaking his head back and forth in amazement) He is a believer in the gospel of optimism—as I would call it. And that is not an act (from Manny). There is nothing phony about it. That is how Manny is.”

Zimmerman was also there and he told us he is still having fun playing baseball. (SBF)

“Yeah, for those of us who are still fans, it would be hard to understand someone not having fun playing baseball. Come one. If nothing else, you should still be having fun playing baseball no matter what the circumstances are up here in The Major Leagues.”

Just on one player, do you feel Zimmerman has been set back at all in his maturing as a player due to injury and the team surrounding him? (SBF)

“I don’t worry about him Big Picture. He’s had a tough season. I think he has had a tough season. The first time he has ever had this type of injury. Again, once we turn the corner, we will be able to look back on this and, I would like to say laugh, but you never want to laugh about it (everyone chuckling). But, we will understand that it was a part of the building process and all the teams that are good now—I think—you can look back now and see where they were. They all went through this. Pick a team. They all went through this—all the teams recently good. And by the time they all got good, no one was thinking about those tough times anymore. I know that, so that is what we have to keep focusing on.”

Hopefully these rough times will make the good times that much better—more enjoyable. (SBF)

“It’s true. There is no question about it. Listen; there is nothing that has happened this season that has set the long term back—at all. It’s been a good year in the Minor Leagues, not just record wise, because I don’t go by records in the Minors. That is not the most important thing. It is nice that our records now are good in the Minor Leagues, but what is most important is the development of individuals. That is what the Minor Leagues are for.”

“Do yourself a favor, as you are mentally filling out your 2009 Lineup Here (Major League Club). Fill out your ’09 Lineup in Columbus. Do it yourself and tell me if you don’t have a full team of guys who are available to step right in or are about to be the next wave. Do it yourself and I think you shall see what I am talking about.”

There is some talent, although I would be curious to know whether you feel you have enough talent at all the positions? (SBF)

“No. We knew our first focus would be on pitching. Brother, we are really deep on pitching over the next three to five years. We have some corner people that are coming. But, we were short in middle infield. I think we have shored that up now with the two trades we made mid-season up here (Emilio Bonifacio & Alberto Gonzalez) and now for Anderson Hernandez. Now, we have backups and people to fill those positions. And we have guys coming, whether it’s Ian Desmond, followed right behind by Gonzalez. You have probably followed the kind of year he is having now. It takes time. I wish it didn’t take time, that would make my life a lot easier. But, this just takes time.”

Do you also feel that if the team does get into contention, you can now use your youngsters for trade bait? (SBF)

“No question about it. We have to think of that. You have to think of that. I am intrigued by what Arizona has tried to do in the last year. Did you know in the last 12 months they have given up 20 prospects—TWENTY! A, it speaks to the depth of their organization to begin; B, I presume it means they are working hard to replenish because you can’t be doing that very long and get away with it. That is an interesting way they have gone about it (to win). Now, they still only have a .500 team, roughly—right? (Yes, that is true—SBF) But, they are in a division where that will work.”

“But, no question, that (trading prospects down the road) has got to be one of our potential avenues to succeeding.”

I would imagine you feel Mike Rizzo (Assistant General Manager--VP Baseball Operations) has picked Arizona for some pretty good prospects? (SBF)

“Yes, but he is not the only one obviously. They have traded 20 guys. Oakland did a pretty good job taking guys from them. Cincinnati got guys from them. They keep doing that. It works for what they need.”

For a .500 club. (SBF)

“And yet—a first place club.”

And with that answer by Mr. Kasten, Sohna and I finished off our questions about Our Team--on the field. The Final 20 Minutes of Our Conversation took a different track, centering around the Fan Experience, the off the field concerns and questions. Those Final Words From Stan Kasten will post up tomorrow as Our Conversation With Stan Kasten concludes.

Our Conversation With Stan Kasten

When Ryan Zimmerman socked out that game winning homer against The Atlanta Braves on March 30th at New Nationals Park, not many watching that crisp cool night believed Our Number 11's Walk Off would be one of the few high level marks for Our Washington Nationals in 2008. No one could have predicted all the injuries to come. No one would have guessed the struggles Washington's Home Team would suffer through all year. So much hope for New Nationals Park after Game One. Momentum lost as the schedule now reaches Game 130.

Wanting to find out where Our Washington Nationals stand as this long season nears its end--we reached out to Team President Stan Kasten to see if he might be available to chat about the 2008 Season. As always, he readily agreed. Originally, we were scheduled to meet around The All-Star Break, but conflicting schedules made that meet not possible until this past Wednesday, August 20th at 10AM. Sohna and I met with Mr. Kasten in his office at 1500 South Capitol Street, SE. The Team Offices adjacent to New Nationals Park.

For nearly one hour--Sohna and I sat and discussed all things Nationals with Our Team President. What was not on the table for discussion were 2009 Lineups, Rosters and Coaching Decisions. "I don't talk about the 2009 Roster while we are still in the middle of the 2008 Season," Mr. Kasten said. And as always, specific details about possible transactions or moves the team might be considering--were also not a part of this conversation.

With those as the ground rules, there were a whole range of other topics open for discussion. So much so, this conversation will be in three parts. Today and tomorrow (in Part Two)--the commentary will surround Our Washington Nationals on the field of play. Monday, in Part Three--this chat will move to off the off field interests: Ballpark changes, Concessions, Advertising, etc--the Customer and Fan Experience at New Nationals Park.

Reminder, this chat took place the morning after Our Washington Nationals had just lost their 11th Game In A Row.

With that, here we go with Our Conversation With Stan Kasten.

Can you describe this season? (SBF)

“Very frustrating. I can tell you, if you have been doing this as long as I have, I have had seasons like this in the past. They are never fun. Again, it’s easier, truly it’s easier for me than it is for fans, because I have been through it and I do understand the bigger picture—which I always focus on. On the other hand, it is also more painful for me than fans because—I NEED TO WIN. I WANT TO WIN—quicker than anybody, quicker than any of our fans do. So, while the big picture gives me a comfort, it does not make any individual day any easier. I have never been able to sleep after a loss, consequently, I have had 11 rough days.”

Has anything gone wrong, or is this just part of the rebuilding process? (SBF)

“Some of it is (rebuilding). But let’s face it. Anyone that observes this will look at some of the lineups we’ve put out there over these last few months and acknowledge that there was no way we were anticipating fielding those kind of lineups. That was not anyone’s plan to field the lineups we’ve seen sometimes this year. And there is no point reviewing why that is—what has happened to us during the year. But again, there is nothing big picture wise that concerns me, but the little picture—the day to day—has just been very painful.”

I ran into you one night here in The Stars & Stripes Club and said “How you doing?” and you responded: “This is the most trying part.” (SBF)

“Well, it is, because as I have said, I have had 100 loss seasons before. I may have one again, this year, maybe not—hope not. I have had tough years in hockey and basketball. I have. And as long as you are on the right course, which I believe we are, to making the right decisions, I do know you get over it quickly once you turn the corner. That is a comfort. But it doesn’t make today any easier.”

Do you feel you have lost any momentum from the fan base? (SBF)

“Actually, that’s kind of the most amazing thing that I have been talking about. All through this (rough season), our attendance keeps rising. It’s an AMAZING PHENOMENON. This past week, we went over the 30,000 average mark in attendance. All through our travails, it re-enforces what I believed when I first got here—the fan base here has the potential to be enormous and steadfast—like we’ve seen with other teams here. And when we get OUR JOB DONE, with respect to the team on the field, this is going to be huge (smiling). I’ve always felt that. I have always told you that when I came and what’s happened this summer has re-enforced my belief in that. The Fans have been Fantastic.”

There has been some talk from season ticket holders of not renewing their tickets. Will there be a concerted effort to retain them? (The African Queen)

“Well, of course there is. There will be. Surely, we want to keep everyone. Every team has a shakeout in year two of anything. It happened in RFK (in 2006). It wouldn’t surprise me if it happened again here (for 2009). It happens in every other market. So, I don’t know exactly what to predict for next year, but I feel very strongly that we get whatever attendance we deserve. I never worry about high attendance levels. We get what we deserve. Fans have shown they will do their job (purchase tickets). They will do their job, if we first do our job (field a competitive team). So, I don’t worry about it. As I’ve said, they (Fans) have responded above and beyond expectations. I am not worried about Fans. They will do their job. I worry about us first getting our job done.”

Sohna and I talk about this a lot, and you are aware of --the folks that dislike a lot of the movement in the team. In your time in professional sports, do you find the criticism here harsher than elsewhere? (SBF)

“No, not at all. I find the criticisms here not harsh. You know we have had this discussion before. I have a couple of things I say about that. I remind everyone the immortal words of Hyman Roth to Michael Corleone (The Godfather) in that hotel in Havana: ‘This is the life we chose, criticism comes with it.’ I also tell people I have been in this exact same spot before. What I have learned from years is that they (critics) have invented no new insults (chuckling). I have been called everything before (Sohna laughing) and there will be times when I am called it again. You know, all I can do is the best job I can. So again, big picture wise, it’s been a very positive year, below Washington, below the Major League Team in our system. Even though we have had some key injuries down there too, it’s no where near as many as we have had up here.”

“So, I don’t like criticism, particularly I am disappointed when it turns personal and you see that from time to time. More so because of the Internet, but not more here than in other cities. I disagree with that premise. The criticism is much milder here than in other cities.”

There was this report out the other day from Ken Rosenthal from Fox Sports and he stated sources claiming that The Nationals always make excuses and therefore are a poorly managed team. (SBF)

“OK, well that again is no new insult. I have heard that before in my career. I have heard that about people in other cities, and in my other cities, and I think the people who said that always wind up looking foolish.”

You mentioned injuries, a whole bunch of them. Have you ever experienced anything like this before in your career? (SBF)

“I have never experienced every single member of your Opening Day Lineup going out for an extended period of time. I don’t think that has ever been done before. HOORAY!! (Joking). No, I never have.”

Then are you worried about the medical staff being questioned for their diagnosis of injuries? (SBF)

“I have heard that question. I have my own questions. We are going to look into all the appropriate questions to find the right answers. But sure, I understand those questions being asked.”

A lot of times, the team has gone a week or two with a player or players injured but not put on the Disabled List—is that not unusual? (SBF)

“It is unusual, it’s never intentional. We always try to rush guys up to fill out the roster, but we have guys that look like they have two or three day injuries—then end up being out a week—and then they linger into an injured list placement. That’s frustrating and we have had more of that than we have seen before. I am not sure why, and I am not happy about it. There is no reason to play short so much. It shouldn’t happen and we need to figure out why that has happened.”

Why is it when someone is hurting we hear Day-To-Day and the next day they are gone for an extended period? (The African Queen)

“Sohna, all I can tell you is that I am told Day-To-Day. I am not hiding anything. I am told the same things and I have the same questions.”

I cringe when I hear Day-To-Day. (The African Queen)

“I know. I hear you. Jesus Flores was Day-To-Day on Sunday and he was back in the lineup last night (Tuesday). I think we have an ethic in all sports about not missing games and going out there and playing hurt. But I think everyone’s first reaction is to minimize the severity and length of an injury—no matter how badly hurt they are. I think we always try, that’s the first instinct, to see how it is in a day or two. Well for that day or two until you are finally figuring out the diagnosis--to be sure. So, that is part of the reason, but still in all, we have had more than our share of those situations which require some answers.”

Which always makes me wonder whether someone, say Chad Cordero, was really hurt and tried to play through it—to his detriment? (SBF)

“I think that happened. Wily Mo (Pena) did the same thing. And in retrospect, I know they were trying to help themselves and the team. It wound up not doing either any good. We can’t tell a guy he is hurt, when he is claiming he is not hurt, that’s the other side of that. But we never tell a guy to go out there to play when we know they are hurt. You just can’t do that.”

Of all the things that have happened this year, the one thing that really bothered me was how Chad Cordero was treated when he was publicly chastised and non-tendered. (SBF)

“Yes, I know. I was actually on vacation when that happened. And I talked to Jim (Bowden) when I saw it. Jim felt bad about the circumstances of how that happened. You know he did apologize. Jim felt bad about that too.”

The Baseball Decision is sound, the way it was announced was not. (SBF)

“I think Jim would agree with you on that and did so by apologizing. And I have since talked to Chad myself. I don’t think there is any lingering issue with Chad. But, I can’t disagree with you on this.”

How is Nick Johnson doing? (The African Queen)

“You would have to talk to Jim on that. Nick is out for the year, obviously, or presumably out for the year. Chad is out for the year. Shawn Hill is going to, I think, attempt to come back around the first of September.”

Wily Mo? (The African Queen)

“Wily Mo I think is gone for this season. Elijah (Dukes) should make a re-hab start within the week, same with (Alberto) Gonzalez. And Dmitri, I think within a week, should be able to start. In fact, I had a good report about Dmitri yesterday, in both his weight and his diabetes. If that has found the appropriate level, and he can get back out on the field--that would be a good thing. For all the criticism he endured, he was still like our most reliable hitter. Even in the 50 Games he played this year, he still gets on base, like 40% of the time. And on this team, this year, that would have been, really valuable.”

Going back to Chad Cordero and the non-tender incident. Does it bother you that an impression might have gone out to other players around the league that if they decided to come here, the team might not take care of them? (SBF)

“It would worry me if that were a constant thing. No one can say that’s the way we treat people. That’s why it was an anomaly. So, I am not worried about that.”

Although you have said you don’t want to talk about the 2009 Roster, what about Free Agency, is this something you might consider this off-season? (SBF)

“I expect to get better and if it’s free agency, trades, or international signings, we just have to get better and I don’t think YOU CARE if the players we get are through free agency, nor should you care. You shouldn’t accept excuses, you shouldn’t care how we do it. You should just demand that we do it (get better on the field). Like what I always say about payroll. You don’t care about what we pay these guys—you just want the team to be good. So, yeah, I am not ever going to rule anything out.”

“Big Free Agents, Small Free Agents, this year we had a need, a short term need we thought. We filled that short-term need with Paul LoDuca who went off and got hurt. The way that was suppose to work was Paul was suppose to be our starter—for at least a half a season—if not the whole season—while we moved Jesus (Flores) in. If he had not gotten hurt, that’s how it would have worked out. So, we did go into the Free Agent Market when we had that particular need. I like building internally, but you can’t get it done by just building internally—I know that. I know that. Mainly, we need to get good and we can’t use any excuses for doing it one way over another way.”

That’s why I don’t buy the argument, by some, that you need to have a high payroll to field a winning team. (SBF)

“Yes, I have heard this before. That’s an odd thing to be saying this year when there may be the lowest correlation between payroll and winning in decades. There are two teams way at the top of the standings (Tampa & Minnesota) with payrolls way below ours. Obviously, there are teams that are way, way at the top of payroll that are not going to make the post-season. So, this is an odd year to still hang on to that claim.”

Does it bother you when Hank Steinbrenner comes out the other day and says he is embarrassed about The Yankees performance this year, so next year, New York will buy up everyone in sight to make things right again in The Bronx. (SBF)

“I didn’t see that (comment), but how it that different from anything they have done in the past. That is their operating philosophy, not ours. That’s not a change to me. That is what they believe in.”

With that answer--Part One with Stan Kasten concludes.

Tomorrow, in Part Two, Sohna and I pick up Our Chat With Our Team President discussing the recent attempt to sign Washington's Number One Draft Pick--Aaron Crow. That discussion and a whole lot more coming tomorrow as Our Conversation With Stan Kasten continues.

Giving Thanks

In a long down season, no one can say that Willie Harris has not been a revelation. Today, Our Number 1 personally lead Our Washington Nationals back from the edge of defeat and put Our Team not only back in this game, but well over the top. Who would have thought, down 4-0 to The Chicago Cubs--The Very Best Team In The National League--Washington would fight back, and flat out club The Cubbies at Wrigley Field.

All thanks to Willie Harris' Two Home Runs--one a Grand Slam. Thanks to Willie Harris perfectly playing a liner over his head off the ivy in left field and throwing out a surprised Mark DeRosa at second base--trying to stretch a sure single into a double in the sixth. And thanks to Willie Harris for making another diving catch off the bat of Aramis Ramirez in the fifth inning.

In some respects, Willie Harris did it all. Is he not Our Most Exciting Player?

But Ronnie Belliard receives a big assist, too. Twice Today, he kept rallies going and set up Our Number 1's Grand Slam in the comeback 6th inning, by doubling home "The Guz" and sending Ryan Zimmerman to third. A game changing play that found The Cubs Manager Lou Piniella replacing his starter, Jason Marquis, with Neal Cotts. A decision that proved decisive when Cotts walked Austin Kearns and Harris struck thunder and hammered his Grand Slam over the famous ivy in right for a 6-4 Washington Lead. An advantage where Washington NEVER LOOKED BACK.

How Stunning Was That Comeback?!

And thanks to Aaron Boone for coming off the bench, pinch hitting in the 8th, and stroking an opposite field--to right liner--that cleared a full set of bases and gave Washington a commanding 10-5 Lead over The Cubbies. A turnabout that found The Cubbies' Fans booing and exiting The Old Ballyard at the corner of Addison and Sheffield in droves. Yet, Our Washington Nationals didn't stop there, as Belliard and Harris both homered in the 9th to clearly put this afternoon's affair--at one of the Greatest Baseball Parks of All Time--truly out of reach.

Final Score from Venerable Wrigley Field--Our Washington Nationals 13 (Yes, A Bakers Dozen) and The Chicago Cubs 5. Thank You Willie Harris for making the last half of 2008 interesting, every single time you are involved in a play. Welcome back, Ronnie Belliard, hot of late, for once again showing you are "The Ball Player". And a Big Thank You to Our Washington Nationals who sure looked like they were destined for another pedestrian loss, until Jason Marquis began to walk everyone in sight--giving Harris the opportunity to turn this game around.

Curly "W" Number 46 once again proves that on any given day--Any Team, no matter how good, or how poor--can beat the other. Very few critics probably gave Our Washington Nationals that chance this afternoon on the North Side of Chicago. Yet Washington Prevailed against Chicago for the third time in four games played this year.

Who Would Have Thought That Possible? All on an afternoon--Sohna and I give thanks to Our Players, Willie Harris especially, for fighting until the very end. A Most Enjoyable Game To Watch.

Game Notes & Highlights

John Lannan received the win today and probably he would also tell you that he did not deserve the credit. But after all he's suffered through this season, quality starts and efforts lost or left with no decisions--Our Number 31 should feel proud that Our Washington Nationals stepped to the plate this afternoon and saved him on the very day Lannan did not have much in the tank. No one should fault John Lannan for Victory Number 7 of 2008. What comes around, goes around.

Working in our edit suite this afternoon at work, I found myself watching the game out of the corner of my eye. But when Harris stepped to the plate with the bases loaded in the top of the 6th, I turned to our producer and said--this guy has been clutch all year--you watch--he is going to knock the ball out of the park. Sure enough, Willie Harris did. Our Producer and I High Fived and continued editing our news story for today. But, it was fun to live in that moment. It really was.

Steven Shell, Saul Rivera and even "The Human Rain Delay" closed out this affair with 2 2/3rds scoreless innings. Our Bullpen has a long way to go to re-establish itself to respectibility, but at least the current core is finding their comfort level. No doubt, Our Relief Corp will have another shakeup come 2009.

Ronnie Belliard had four hits this afternoon, raising his average to .278. Just a short time ago, like August 13th, Our Number 10 was batting .237. Since then, 18 hits in 31 At-Bats, 1 Home Run and 7 RBI. The Man Is SMOKING.

I don't know for sure, but I would imagine that Willie Harris' six RBI today are a Personal Career High for a single game.

Emilio Bonifacio seems to be slowly understanding that his game, at the plate, is small ball. He needs to use his speed to his advantage. Our Number 7 still can't hit an off speed pitch, but he's come a long way since going 0 for 23 recently.

The only real down note was Lastings Milledge misplaying two balls to center. He missed a Derek Lee drive early and then attempted to make a spectacular diving catch on a Jason Marquis looping liner in the 4th. Each time, Our Number 44 should have played the ball in front of him--allowing the single--the least amount of damage. Experience, hopefully learned for later, when Our Games count more.

Finally, I have to honestly say--every single time Alfonso Soriano comes to the plate, I have to turn my head to watch. Like in 2006, during his one fabulous year wearing a uniform for Our Washington Nationals--he was must see. Every At-Bat exciting, every fielding play an adventure. Even wearing a Cubbies Jersey today, I still find him necessary to watch. Even The African Queen called today to tell me how much she misses Her Former Love--estranged but inseparable they are. She has her favorites today, but Our Former Number 12 is, and was, The Only Player for Washington that consistently got her fanny in her customary seat--for EVERY SINGLE BALLGAME at RFK Stadium. We understand the reasons why We Did Not Re-Sign Him--but it doesn't take away from what Could Have Been.

Today's InGame Photos--(AP) Paul Beaty

Hey!! This Is Fun!!

As The Phillies Pat Burrell stepped to the plate in the bottom of the 8th inning tonight at Citizens Bank Park, Our Washington Nationals held a lead. A precarious one run lead and Philadelphia had runners on first and second with one out. This was crunch time. That period is every game of late, when Washington had somehow found a way to lose.

And Our Manager Manny Acta understood that. So, Our Number 14 had pulled out all the stops. He had his Closer--Joel Hanrahan--on the mound. Having lost 12 Games in a row--Manny was holding nothing back. If A Curly "W" was going into the books tonight--Hanrahan was going to attempt a Two Inning Save. Acta wasn't trusting anyone else. Who cared if Washington plays an afternoon game in Chicago tomorrow.

This game was tight and Citizens Bank Park was letting Joel know it. Nothing like Phillie Fans being all over you.

The Philadelphia Faithful were now on their feet, sensing a comeback. Our Number 38, standing on the mound, sensing the moment. For the first time, in some time, a competitive game was at hand. As Charlie Slowes happily announced on 3WT--"Hey, This Is Fun!!" And it was--because Our Washington Nationals were playing in an exciting game. One of those see-saw affairs that have you hanging on every pitch. The games you truly have NO IDEA which way the outcome my fall.

And the next few moments were crucial.

The Phillies Slugger would dig in, knowing Hanrahan was looking to dig himself out of a self made big hole. Throwing nothing but fastballs and sliders, Joel had quickly got himself in trouble by walking Jayson Werth to lead off the 8th and allowing a single by Chase Utley, before fighting back to strike out the always dangerous--Ryan Howard. A situation continuing now as Burrell quickly found himself down 0-2 in the count.

Phillie Fans are some of the loudest and roughest in the game, and as Burrell took ball one on the third pitch of this At-Bat, they cheered wlldly, looking for the game changing stroke. No doubt, they believed Philadelphia was playing Washington. The Last Place Nationals and there was no way Their Phillies were going to lose now.

Joel Hanrahan had other ideas.

Looking to extinguish a fire set by himself, Our Number 38 threw in the 4th and most important pitch of this At-Bat, and this Game, with an off speed slider that fooled Burrell. The Phillies Leftfielder swung and grounded to "The Guz" at shortstop. Cristian Guzman (starting his first game in over one week) swiftly scooped up the rolling ball, threw to his new Double Play Combination Partner, Anderson Hernandez, at second, who over pivoted and threw an IN THE DIRT TOSS to Ronnie Belliard at first base. A sure run scoring error for Anderson that Our Number 10 SAVED--by catching the bouncing baseball in his belly and holding on for the inning ending double play.

Just like that, unexpectedly, Joel Hanrahan, with the assist of his infield--had shouldered the storm and survived. The Philadelphia Fans immediately turning their rapt attention from Washington's to Philadelphia's and shouldering all their dismay down on their very own Phillies. Disgust that rained down on The Philadelphia Phillies for the remainder of the evening. Giving Our Washington Nationals a break from the cruelest fans in sport.

Joel Hanrahan would survive a lead off single by Shane Victorino in the bottom of the 9th; survive two full innings on the mound; survive the angst of The Phillie Fans, and when all was said and down--revive Our Washington Nationals from a potential 13th straight defeat. A Baker's Dozen. Our Number 38 literally survived tonight, for a well deserved two inning save--The First By A Washington Pitcher all Season. And in doing so--ended a miserable 12 Game Losing Streak.

What A RELIEF!!

Final Score from the always loud and partisan Citizens Bank Park--Our Washington Nationals 4 and The Philadelphia Phillies 3. Hey, Curly "W" Number 45 really WAS FUN and enjoyable to watch!! Charlie was right about that. Yeah, Washington made some silly errors and mental mistakes. What else is new. And The Phillies certainly didn't play their best. But at the end day--all that matters is that Washington ended their losing streak with a good victory against a rival--I lOVE TO SEE THEM BEAT.

Nothing like beating Philadelphia--even if we still are a distant last place team.

Game Notes & Highlights

By forcing an off balance throw attempting to throw out the speedy Victorino in the bottom of the 8th on an infield grounder, Ryan Zimmerman set off a series of plays that directly led to two Philadelphia Runs. A three base error that set Saul Rivera as the potential loser this evening--especially after Pinch Hitter Greg Dobbs knocked Victorino in on an infield groundout and Phillies Catcher Carlos Ruiz flat out hammered a Rivera Fastball over the left centerfield wall for a Philadelphia 3-2 lead.

At that point, all looked lost again, at least until Zimmerman made up for his mistake and led off with a single on the third base bag in the top of the 8th that directly led to the final rally of this closely played game. Lastings Milledge would follow with a broken bat looper down the right field line for a single. Ronnie Belliard sacrificed (yes, that is right--BUNTED SUCCESSFULLY) "Z" and Our Number 44 up one base apiece; and Jesus Flores followed again in the clutch with a seeing eye infield single up the middle that scored Zimmerman with the game tying run at three. Then Austin Kearns followed by ripping a Ryan Madson fastball right up the middle for the eventual game winning run--plated by Milledge.

Over the past few weeks, Ryan Zimmerman's play in the field concerns me a little. Where as before his shoulder injury--Our Number 11 would attack most every baseball hit at him. Of late--although not necessarily tonight-- "Z" seems to want to attempt the 'OLE" style snare of a hard hit baseball to either side. Defensive fielding off to the side, appearing to shy away from a hard smash. Just a thought after seeing him play the hot corner for nearly three years now. I don't recall Ryan Zimmerman NOT ATTACKING the ball, ever. But now, he appears less prone to go after hard hits ball as aggressively--as before.

I am not the only person who has noticed this.

Although Anderson Hernandez made a run scoring error last night on the very first defensive play he handled as a Washington National--Our New Number 6 looks pretty adept in the field. He made a nice backhand toss to Ronnie Belliard at first base in the 8th on Dobbs RBI Groundout. And more interestingly, every single time the cameras pick Anderson up on TV--I swear--if they put Hernandez and Odalis Perez side to side--they could pass for brothers--especially when they are wearing their batting helmets.

Hernandez had two more hits tonight, to add to his three last night. But, nothing was overly stroked hard. Our Number 6 doesn't have much power. "The Guz" returned to the starting lineup and scratched out two infield hits.

Rivera got the win. One of those victories he didn't deserve, but balance out over the course of any season. Hanrahan notched his 4th save and first since he garnered his last two, on the same day. The Doubleheader Sweep of The Rockies in Denver on August 7th. The very last time Our Washington Nationals won in the past 14 days.

How many players have worn Number 6 in the history of Our Washington Nationals? Like Number 7--Six seems to be a revolving number. Emilio Bonifacio wore it the first week he was with Our Team. Jose Guillen wore it for 2005 & 2006. I believe D'angelo Jimenez wore that number as well. Off the top of my head, I believe Brad Wilkerson, Wiki Gonzalez, FLop, Nook Logan and Roger Bernadina have all worn the number 7. Bonifacio is Number 7 now. Anybody else?

Finally, I was very disappointed to read that Major League Baseball has decided NOT to allow Our Washington Nationals to open The 2009 Major League Season at home. I don't understand Baseball not seeing this important tradition, first started in The Nation's Capital--years ago--when President Taft threw out The Presidential First Pitch. Sure, The President could throw out the first pitch at the first home game anyway. But, it would have more significance if Our Washington Nationals played at home on Opening Day--not one week later.

Tonight's InGame Photo--(AP) Tom Mihalek

The Taylor Hooton Foundation

Just over five years ago, on July 15th 2003, Taylor Hooton took his own life.

He's was just 17 Years Old.

Young Hooton was depressed, attempting to recover from his usage of anabolic steroids. Drugs taken on the words of his High School Coach "to get bigger" so Taylor could more effectively compete in athletics during his senior year at his Plano, Texas school.

Don Hooton--Taylor's Father, and his family--did not know of his son's drug usage--until the very end.

Unfortunately, it was too late to understand the ramifications and help their own son recover. The drugs had changed Taylor's body. Now off "The Juice", lethargy and hopelessness set in. His mental makeup--confused. Sadly, Taylor committed suicide. He hung himself. And Don Hooton vowed not let his son die a useless death. Mr. Hooton decided to do something about it. Get the word out, help other youngsters and their families to not go through a similar tragedy. What he found out was that he and his family were not alone. Other young athletes had suffered the same fate.


So,The Taylor Hooton Foundation was formed "dedicated to fighting the abuse of steroids and other performance enhancing drugs among America's Youth."

This story, like many others involving anabolic steroids and youths are heartbreaking. For four years now, Don Hooton has been speaking up, and with the assistance of Major League Baseball, The Commissioner's Office, and in cooperation with the Professional Baseball Trainers Society (PBATS) and The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation--Mr. Hooten travels the country preaching and teaching to youths and their coaches about the serious and dangerous side affects of anabolic steroids. How to train properly, through diet, exercise and a proper regimen.

Last week, this public awareness campaign known as PLAY (Promoting a Lifetime of Activity for Youth) made a stop at New Nationals Park to instruct District kids on avoiding Steroids in their training.



Mr. Hooton was on hand to give one of his well known "Hoot's Chalk Talks"--straight talk with the kids on what to avoid, the dangers, and why their health is far more important than their game. Also on hand, were Lee Kuntz--Head Athletic Trainer for Our Washington Nationals, Assistant Trainer--Mike McGowan and Strength and Conditioning Coach Kazu Tomooka to instruct on proper training techniques. And two players from Our Washington Nationals--Saul Rivera and Wil Nieves--posted up to hammer home the importance of health, nutrition and doing it right.





For two hours, these kids from The DC Dynasty Baseball Program, listened intently and were instructed by these six special coaches. A worthwhile event, that quite frankly, I was surprised few main stream media outlets showed up to cover.



Don Hooton was very generous with his time and chatted with me by sharing his thoughts about his beloved Son, The Taylor Hooton Foundation and what needs to be done to help the thousands of youths in America--feeling the peer pressure to take a short cut to improve their physical structure. A perilous road not worth taking--for risk of your very own life.

With that, here we go with My Conversation With Mr. Don Hooton.

“What we found is that even with all the publicity that’s gone on with steroids over the last number of years, 85% of the kids, teenagers, still have not had a coach, a parent, a teacher—talk to them about the dangers of these drugs. And these kids are unfortunately starting as early as 13 or 14 years old with this stuff.”

“Somebody has got to be talking to them!!”

Its pressure, isn’t it, from many different sources? (SBF)

“It’s peer pressure primarily, but it’s pressure to make the team, coaches applying pressure, kids are applying pressure to themselves. There is pressure to get the scholarship. There is pressure in everything these kids do. They see their heroes, in whatever sport they are in. They are not dumb. They know how the guys and the gals have achieved their objectives. They have a substantial portion of their buddies fooling around with this stuff—so (they think), why not? No one is talking to them about why they shouldn’t.”

You see these young kids, sometimes 12 and 13 years old—attempting to throw the ball as fast as they can, or even worse—a curve ball without a developed elbow and…(SBF)

“It’s RIDICULOUS!”

Yes, it’s ridiculous. What percentage of that comes from the pressure of not only trying to be as good as you can be, but from steroids? (SBF)

“You do have the youngsters that might be out in front of the rest of them, because of their growth cycle. And you do have some kids that are throwing hard, and the rest of them think they have to catch up with that. That’s were the problem arises. Physically, they can’t and a lot of them resort to drugs to try to bridge the gap.”

“It’s stupid, but then you have coaches that, and I grew up with a family of pitchers, with kids 12 & 13 years old trying to get their kids to throw curve balls, sliders. I am just not sure if they know any better or not—but they (the coaches) are ruining these kids’ pitching career. But, beyond the pitching, it is the drugs that the kids are getting into that we are concerned about.”

I have said for a long time, kids today do not have the proper coaching that you or I may have had growing up and many times, as you said, is where this problem starts because the coaches may only care about their personal gratification of winning for that particular youth team. (SBF)

“A lot of cases are like that. I talk to coaches and they claim not to know about this steroids problem. They somehow know that their kids are not doing steroids, but they don’t know the basics about the drugs. So, I get confused. If you don’t know, you need to be trained and an understanding that your kids are not doing drugs. These coaches are not properly equipped to train. One of the things we are arguing for—in a broader picture—is that a lot of the high school and sandlot coaches need to be certified. You have got to go to school and pass a test in order to cut someone’s hair, or to do a lady’s nails. But, we got coaches turned loose with a 13, 14 & 15 year old kids that haven’t had to pass anything, other than tell someone they played football, basketball or baseball in high school. It’s crazy, it really is and something has got to be done about it.”

“My youngest son, Taylor, died from anabolic steroids and we (his family) decided to do something about it. We didn’t know anything about these drugs. We had no idea how prevalent it was, nor how dangerous. And as a result, knew there were a lot of other parents that did not know that either. So, our whole purpose in life now is education, raising awareness and to raise the warning flags. We need to let people know that this stuff is going on.”

Did you know that your son was on steroids? (SBF)

“Not until right at the very end. Taylor quit doing steroids and, of course, what we learned is that the most dangerous time for a young kid—at least emotionally—is when they stop (doing steroids). Your body has stopped producing testosterone. And every reader who will be reading this story will know what testosterone does to a young boy normally, when he is 13 or 14 years old. Just imagine pulling the plug on that and you got a kid running around with ZERO Male Hormones. Just severe depression and it wound up getting to him.”

There is this other well-known story about The Garibali family from Petaluma, California. (SBF)

“The Garibaldi’s. Yes, I know them well. He was a starting right fielder for the USC Trojans and was being scouted by Major League Teams. One of the scouts told him—‘Son, you have all five tools that it takes to play Major League Baseball. You are just missing one thing. You need to gain 20 or 25 pounds.' And he went to a trainer at his college and a few days later they lined him up with anabolic steroids. He gained the weight and about one year later—he took a gun and shot himself. Very, very sad, and totally avoidable if educated and well meaning folks had been involved.”

“Taylor died five years and one month ago and we started The Foundation about four years ago. Major League Baseball has been our biggest supporter, and in this case, for three summers—this being the first—we are working with the athletic trainers to put on education programs for kids in all 30 (Big League) Parks.”

When the kids come today, what is going to happen? (SBF)




“Like a traditional baseball clinic, they are going to rotate through stations. At my station, I am going to talk to them about the dangers of performance enhancing drugs and why not to fool with this stuff. At the other stations, the athletic trainers, strength coaches and some of the Big League Players will be showing these kids how to achieve their objectives. The right way, the proper way, through diet, exercise and hard work. A lot of these kids don’t want to hear the words: ‘hard work’. So, they will get a multiple message. Not just why not to do drugs, but something a lot of coaches are not trained to do, to properly show the kid how to get bigger. You tell a kid to get bigger, and then the coach, having not been trained in diet and exercise, can’t show the kids how to do it properly. So, you end up with a 16 year old turned loose on his own devices—half of his buds are doing steroids. What do you think he is inclined to do?”

He is going to do what it takes to get ahead. (SBF)

“Yes, sadly.”

You are a grass roots effort, moving forward. Do you believe you are having an impact? (SBF)

“We are making some impact, not nearly what we like. Our objective as a Foundation, which we are trying to kick off now, is an effort to try to reach 10,000 High Schools in the country—which is the overwhelming majority of the kids. In fact, we have a couple of meetings with a couple of Federal Government Agencies while here in Washington. We are out trying to raise private money so we can field the team that can instruct in these clinics—not 75 to 100 kids at a time (as here in DC)—but hopefully an auditorium full--in every single high school in America.”

“And fully understanding, that is quite the task, but somebody has got to do it. And it’s not happening now.”

As large of a task as it is, are you confident your Foundation can have a deep reach? (SBF)

“I think we have made a difference already. Between ourselves, The Garibaldi’s, The Marrero’s and several other families that have been through this great tragedy, we have been to Congress to share the needs. We have been in the newspapers. We are working with The Commissioner Of Baseball. We have raised awareness quite a bit, but it’s just scary that even with all of that progress—you still have got 85% of the kids not reached out to. Nobody has delivered the message. So we have a lot of work to do and I am confident we get this important job done.”

You seem to be handling all this OK? (SBF)

"It's not been easy, we have our moments (as a family). But knowing I am out here trying to make a difference from a personal tragedy. And knowing many others are living through the same pain--if The Taylor Hooton Foundation can stop other youngsters from going down this same tragic road--then all is not lost."


With that final answer, Mr. Don Hooton turned to chat and answer the many questions from the gathered youths of The DC Dynasty Baseball Program at New Nationals Park. Knowing, his Son, Taylor, had sent him down a new life's quest of his own--Keeping America's Youth's off Anabolic Steroids.

If you wish to donate to The Taylor Hooton Foundation--you can contact the Foundation at this link. I can't tell you how honored I was to meet this wonderful man.

PS--And if you were wondering, Taylor Hooton is a cousin of Former Major League Pitcher Burt Hooton.

Our Conversation With Charlie Slowes

"Bang!! Zoom!! Go The Fireworks!!" and "Another Curly 'W" Is In The Books!! The Two Signature Phrases which both represent Our Washington Nationals. Both originally presented On Air--by Radio Broadcaster Charlie Slowes. Since The Inaugural Season Of Major League Baseball's Return to The Nation's Capital--Charlie has broadcast each and every game in Team History. Very funny, very popular and with the ability to raise the level of his voice to the excitement of the game at hand--Mr. Slowes is quite impressive. Since those first days of Our Washington Nationals--Charlie Slowes had The African Queen and I hooked. We always have enjoyed his broadcasts and now with the equally as pleasing Dave Jageler by his side for the third season--few would doubt--they have combined to form one of the best Major League Radio Broadcast Teams in the Game.

We are very fortunate to have them. We really are.

Yesterday, Sohna and I presented Our Conversation With Dave Jageler--Dave Batting Leadoff. Today, Charlie Bats Cleanup.

This is Charlie Slowes second tour of duty in Washington, DC. From 1986 through 1997,11 Seasons, Charlie was the Play-By-Play Voice of The Washington Bullets--including two years of Radio/TV Simulcasts. In 1998, he left The Nation's Capital for the Year-Round Sun of Tampa--to become an Original Voice of The Tampa Bay Devil Rays Baseball Club. A position he held until joining Our Washington Nationals for The Inaugural Season of 2005. A Fordham University in New York Product--Charlie graduated from the very same school as Legendary Brooklyn & Los Angeles Dodgers Great Broadcaster--Vin Scully. Before joining The Bullets, Slowes worked at the famous KMOX in St. Louis, working on a variety of assignments covering Cardinals Baseball, Cardinals Football (before they moved to Arizona), Blues Hockey, and St. Louis University Basketball. He has also called games for The Baltimore Orioles and The New York Mets.

This New York Native now lives in Florida with his wife of 20 years--Christina--and their two boys--ages 13 & 10.

With that, here we go with Our Conversation With Charlie Slowes. He is always interesting to talk to--because you sometimes don't know whether Charlie is being sarcastic or not. He is quite the funny man. Sohna and I talked with Charlie during last Friday Night's Game at New Nationals Park. The evening we visited Charlie and Dave in their broadcast booth.

Just like with Dave Jageler, lets start with your preparation? (SBF)

“My preparation starts even before I leave from home to go to the ballpark. By routine, I keep a Day-By-Day on every player. So, I update it daily—adding all the information from the previous game. During the first game of every series, I spend a lot of time working on making sure we are up to date on players of the other team—especially the first time we play any team during the year. When we play a western team that we only see twice, or American League, only once—we need to be prepared. We just don’t make this stuff up (chuckling.) But, it’s a lot of work, and it must be done. We need to be up to speed on what guys have done lately, what the trends are, read the papers from the other cities and their websites. You want to think you know a lot or as much about that team, as you do your own team.”

How about your scorecard—it’s very detailed. (SBF)

I include all the pertinent information about each player on my scorecard. Batting Average, Hits, HRs, things like that. For Pitchers, Wins, Losses, ERA, etc. And even up here (upper right corner of his scorecard), I place the umpire names and their hometowns, their years umpiring in The Majors. This allows me to glance down at my scorecard at a moment’s notice and pick up the information I want or verify that information before I say it. We need to react quickly, at times, and this allows me to do my job better.”

Also, I notice you have a series of promos in a binder that you are reading from. How do you know when to read them?

“Each is suppose to be read a certain number of times during the game. Jack (Hicks) keeps a count. And if we have not done say, The IHOP ad enough times, he will remind me late in the game to get that one in. So, we do.”

We were chatting with Dave about talking with the out of town team broadcasters. (SBF)

“Oh yeah, everybody will trade information. What’s new with your guys? We might want to ask about a specific player that’s just been called up. A guy that hasn’t played and is hurt—that kind of thing. Everybody’s preparation is different. A lot of things you find out on your own, but a lot of times you can find out—if you don’t know the opposing manager too well for that team—you can go and ask the broadcasters the inside on what has been going on and why certain decisions have been made. So, we all rely on each other. The other teams broadcasters are a great resource for us to get up to speed.”

“But The Big Market Teams are sometimes hard to deal with. Their P.R. (Public Relations) People try to shield their players. Fortunately, in our job, you end up developing so many relationships with the players, you just bypass that (P.R,) Guy and do it yourself.”

Speaking of Big Markets—how different is The New York Media? You are a New York Guy. (SBF)

“Well, it’s different than when I grew up. I asked Joe Torre about this when he was managing The Yankees and I was doing The Tampa Bay Games. When he was managing The Yankees, there were 150 to 200 people standing around him before a game to get his group interview. And understand, his first job as a manager—was as a Player/Manager for The Mets. How big a deal was that—back then!! Or what it should have been to what it is now—as just a manager. Big Difference is what is considered important.”

Listening to you two on the radio—everything seems to come so easily. Where does the camaraderie come from? How was it developed? You seem to like each other? (The African Queen)

“It’s all those rehearsals!! (Chuckling) But, it helps to like each other—which we do. It’s fun when you like each other and you get along. You know that before the punch line comes—you are going to be carried by your partner. We are going to laugh. We truly can finish each other’s sentences—even if we don’t think exactly alike. We can think like the other person and KNOW WHAT HE IS THINKING. That’s important and really what makes us better.”

“I have been in a situation where chemistry was not there and it did not click. So what we have developed here between myself and Dave is special.”

So, when we listen to you guys for road games, is it as much fun as what comes across on the radio? (The African Queen)

“It’s more fun than on the radio, because you guys don’t get to hear the stuff that we are laughing at during the commercial breaks (chuckling). We really care about what we do. We come prepared to do a good job—but we also come to have fun.”

Speaking of preparation, does anything prepare you for a bad season? (SBF)

“Nothing prepares you for a bad season. I have been through them before (with Tampa Bay). People like to remind me of the combined Won/Loss Records of all the teams I have broadcast in The NBA and Major League Baseball. I try not to think about it.’

“Everyday is a new day. We COULD WIN TODAY!! RIGHT? But, seriously, you have got to prepare for this particular game we are doing today as if it was The Game Of The Week. There is no other way to feel about it. Fans are out there listening, and they want to hear about the game. They want to be entertained. That’s our job. No two ways about it.”

Has the team not doing well, hindered your efforts to talk to players and coaches within the team? (The African Queen)

“Well, you pick your spots to talk to them. And when you don’t (shrugging shoulders), you don’t—like after tough losses. There is a time for everyone. You just have to realize when that time comes. But, we have pretty good relationships with the players as they know what we do and we are around them so often, every single day. And we have had a pretty good group of guys to deal with.”

But obviously, the struggles of the team have not taken away from the fun of it all? (SBF)

“No, there is so much about the game to like. The first half of 2005 (Inaugural Season Of Our Washington Nationals) was the most fun I have ever had ANYWHERE in my broadcasting career. The run that team got on during that month of June, when they won 20 Games, 10 in a Row. “The Chief” saved 15 of them. The way they won all those games. And the interest in the club was astronomical. RFK Stadium was crazy every single night. That was one terrific ride.”

“Something really good has going to have to happen to top that—right now (chuckling—maybe they will win their last 40 games of the season-SBF) Yeah, right. But, when they do win here, it will be just as exciting, if not better than 2005. 2005 was the first year of the team (in Washington)—it was different and probably there will never be anything exactly like that again. Everything was so fresh. A very unique situation. I don’t think I will ever forget that year.”

“The nucleus of the fans that come each night, right now, are terrific. There is a fan base. I think they want to see the team win. Our job is easy when they (The Nationals) win. It’s not easy when the games are not good and the pitching staff is struggling. You are trying to keep things interesting, entertaining—that’s why we kind of tease each other and make fun of Jack Hicks (The Jack Of All Things)—or anybody that walks into the booth during a bad game. They become material. If you have a reason to be here (in the booth), good. If you don’t, we are going to use it. (Busting out laughing)”

Does Jack Hicks like being the Star of The Broadcast? (SBF)

“We go places and people ask Jack what he does. He tells them he engineers The Nationals Radio Broadcasts. ‘What’s your name?’ they ask. He says: ‘Jack’. Immediately comes the response—‘Are you The Jack of All Things!!’ He loves it. So, every now and then I will credit him by saying: ‘Wow! He’s famous. He’s Jack Hicks. The Jack of All Things!!’”

Really, how different is it here at Nationals Park than at RFK Stadium? (The African Queen)

“Here comes a height question. The biggest difference is what we call ‘7th Heaven’ (The Upper Press Box is located on the 7th Floor of New Nationals Park). I came up with that on the spot. You have to push the number 7 in the elevator, and the only thing above us is heaven. (Chuckling). Seriously, we have adjusted to it. (It’s pretty high up here—TAQ) It’s the highest spot in The Major Leagues. It’s a different angle; you are definitely not as close. You don’t see movement on the pitches the same way as you do most elsewhere.”

“We have a little bit of help with the monitor. Both Dave and I believe you cannot call a game off the monitor. YOU HAVE TO WATCH THE GAME. Now the monitor can help when, say Dave is doing play-by-play. I can look at the monitor and watch ball movement and things like that. Because when the ball is hit, I don’t have to be the person describing that ball leaving the bat. In that way—we help each other out.”

“We usually can tell what pitcher is warming up, especially when it’s (Jesus) Colome because his delivery is so slow. When (Big Jon) Rauch was here, because he was so tall. Although, on Opening Night, when everyone was bundled up in the parkas and it was cold—Rauch was sitting down and we couldn’t tell if he was even out there. We couldn’t find him—as hard as that may seem to believe. They were huddled under blankets and everything. I needed stronger binoculars to see Jon Rauch. There is something wrong with that.”

“Also, at RFK Stadium, we sat so close to the field, almost as if we were sitting right over top of home plate. That has made this change here (at New Nationals Park) so different.”

“The other big adjustment up here is to make sure we don’t knock anything over the edge, because it will drop like a scud missile going down. If we drop a cup of coffee—the people in The Gallery Level are going to get wet. In the Visiting Broadcast Booth, they have knocked a couple of drinks out. So, we have been very careful here.” (There is a protective ledge outside the booth window—about 12 Inches in width to stop any objects that might fall out)

Dave mentioned that being on the road is tough on his family? (The African Queen)

“Unquestionably, that is the hardest part of this job. Being away with the family living in Florida is difficult. This time of year, the family has gone home because school is starting. I am actually sneaking out on Sunday Night, after the last home game, for one day, before catching up with the team for Tuesday Night’s Game in Philadelphia. Which quite honestly, is something I haven’t done enough of. But, I just had to do it. We have an off day. So, I get to see them (his family) for Sunday Night and Monday—then fly out on Tuesday Morning.”

What do you do during the off-season? (The African Queen)

“I am up with the kids in the morning, getting them off to school. I attend all their programs. The beginning of the off-season starts out with a few days of 100% nothing. Once I get there, I need to go from the bed, to the refrigerator, to the couch, to the pool. And then some sequence like that for about two days. You have to, for nearly 8 months you have basically been going no stop. There are very few off days during any season and I need it just to unwind. The rigors of the schedule, seemingly, have us with most of the days off in April & May. Then in August, when you are dying for a day off, there isn’t one. We’ve got this crazy stretch coming up next week where we play in Philadelphia on a Thursday Night and then Friday Afternoon in Chicago.”

What about some of the other stadiums? Are some of those broadcast booths tough on you because the location or setup is not the best for you? (SBF)

At Wrigley Field (in Chicago), you have a bar in the your back in the booth. You have a railing and the booth is so small—it was designed for one person. The width of the booth (for two people there) is a little bit more than the width of one person here at Nationals Park. You can’t really put any of your stuff out. There is just enough room to fold your scorebook in half and that’s it.”

What is your favorite park—outside of Nationals Park? (The African Queen)

“I do like Wrigley Field because the atmosphere is great, maybe the best in the game. I love SAFCO Field in Seattle—that’s one of the best parks. Dodger Stadium is still phenomenal. I like The Big ‘A’ in Anaheim. Those parks have just been kept up so well and they are so clean.”

Since you have worked in both leagues—is there a Major League Stadium you have not called a game in? (SBF)

(Thinking—for about 15 seconds—counting) “I have done them all!!”

And probably some that do not exist anymore? (SBF)

“Astrodome, Old Busch Stadium, Tiger Stadium—where the foul balls come right into your face. And of course—RFK.”

How about Dave? (SBF)

“Nope, in fact, SAFCO was first for him this year. But, I have been in every park.”


Are you surprised at the popularity of your work here in DC? (SBF)

“I am glad that people like us. If we are popular, I don’t know what the term might mean in number. How people might measure that. But, we come to the park prepared to do our jobs. We enjoy broadcasting the games and we have a good time doing it. If that has made us popular—then we are happy to be recognized.”

With that answer, Charlie Slowes needed to get back to broadcasting that night's ball game. Hopefully, these two interviews with Charlie & Dave have given Our Fans insight into the personalities behind the Voices of Our Radio Broadcasters. We can only wish that Fans of Our Washington Nationals will have both Charlie Slowes and Dave Jageler calling games in New Nationals Park for Our Team, for years and years to come. Coming up soon--The Broadcast Gamer--the funny stuff from Our Night Visiting With Charlie and Dave in their Broadcast Booth.

167 Pints Of Blood Collected

Officially, Our Washington Nationals announced late this morning that 167 pints of blood were collected this past weekend at New Nationals Park during The Save-A-Life Saturday Blood Drive. The useable amount collected is the largest in the event's history.


Here is the Official Release from The Team.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS COLLECT 167 PINTS OF BLOOD DURING SAVE-A-LIFE SATURDAY BLOOD DRIVE
The Washington Nationals, in partnership with WTTG-TV FOX 5, WDCA-TV My20 and the American Red Cross, collected 167 pints of blood during their Save-A-Life Saturday Blood Drive at Nationals Park. The blood drive took place on Saturday, August 16 from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, prior to the Nationals home game vs. the Colorado Rockies. This was the fourth time that the ballclub has partnered with WTTG-TV FOX 5, WDCA-TV My20 and the American Red Cross with great success. The 167 pints collected surpassed the 2007 total and was the largest amount collected in the history of the event.

Washington Nationals Manager Manny Acta and third baseman Ryan Zimmerman met with blood donors during the drive, signing autographs and thanking them for their participation. Nationals Mascot “Screech” and WTTG-TV anchor Will Thomas also interacted with donors. Fans who donated blood received two tickets to the Washington Nationals game in September vs. the Florida Marlins, a t-shirt from the American Red Cross and the knowledge that they helped save a life.

Our Conversation With Dave Jageler

Since joining Charlie Slowes in The Radio Broadcast Booth for Our Washington Nationals in 2006--Dave Jageler has made a name for himself broadcasting Major League Baseball in The Nation's Capital. Together these two provide some of best Baseball Play-By-Play in the business and without a doubt--provide some of the best fun ever heard in the game. Charlie Slowes and Dave Jageler are not only Professional--but down right funny. Sohna and I enjoy listening to them for a majority of the away games on the radio. Whether at home or in the car running errands--we make every effort to listen to these two broadcast a Nats Away Game. The banter, the give and take between them can really be enlightening sometimes. After just three years together--Charlie and Dave can virtually finish off each other's sentences. They are that good.

A Connecticut Native--Dave Jageler arrived in Washington after broadcasting AAA Baseball Games for The Pawtucket PawSox in 2005. But, his experience has not been just baseball. Mr. Jageler has a vast background in many sports--including working in various capacities covering The Boston Celtics, Radio Voice of UNC-Charlotte Basketball, Virginia Tech Basketball Network Host, Charlotte Knights (AAA) Baseball Play-By-Play and and some work doing Play-By-Play for Florida State and Texas Longhorns Football--two of the biggest powers in Collegiate Sports.

This Syracuse University Newhouse School of Public Communications Graduate is married to his wife--Jennifer and they have two children--one son and one daughter--ages 8 and 4.

When Sohna and I visited with Charlie & Dave this past Friday Night at New Nationals Park--we interviewed both of them about their broadcasting careers here in Washington, covering Our Nationals. Today, Dave Jageler gets to bat leadoff. Charlie Slowes to follow in a separate post. As the pre-taped portion of The Pre-Game Show was airing--Dave took some time to speak with us for this post in their broadcast booth in The Shirley Povich Media Center. Notice how during the chat--even Charlie can't stay out of the conversation--adding in comments--funny ones at that. They are quite the pair.

With that--here we go with Our Conversation with Dave Jageler.

How does your day begin here at the park? (SBF)

“For a 7’O Clock Game I am usually here between 2:30PM and 3PM. I go down to the clubhouse, get our lineup. We (Charlie Slowes & Dave) alternate the pre-game interviews. That is always the stressful part of the job. Who are you going to interview, track that person down, set it up and get that done. Then, I will come upstairs, start filling out my scorebook, filling in some stats about the lineup.”

About 4PM, Manny Acta will address the media—three hours before the game. So, I listen in on that. Then, go hang out at the batting cage, watch BP (Batting Practice) for about 30 or 40 minutes—talk to whoever I need to talk to—come up here—finish filling out the scorebook—AND THEN EAT!! And eating is really the most important part of the day. I carve out about 30 minutes. If I don’t get those 30 Minutes to eat, I am not a happy guy (chuckling).”

“So, we get those 30 minutes to eat. In that time, we pre-record a couple of pre-game segments. The starting pitching matchups and feed the pre-game interview back to the station—then one half hour before the game—WE ARE ON!!”

Knowing how well you two get along and how both you and Charlie can many times complete each others sentences—how difficult is it to find something interesting to talk about every single day in a 162 game season? (SBF)

“Tough question to answer. I think the game just kind of takes care of itself. Every game is different. Depending on who the starting pitcher is—we might follow him and see how John Lannan is doing that night, or how Collin Balester is doing, or tonight—how Tim Redding is doing. There is a different storyline in every game. Even if The Nationals are not fighting for a playoff spot—you will find a storyline.”

Then Charlie leans over to break into the conversation saying—“Right about now he usually does his sing-a-long portion of the show.”

Whereupon Dave puts on his headset immediately and starts singing: “I am crazy about The Nationals, I am NUTS ABOUT THE NAAAATS!!! Let’s GO NATS!!!!!” (Dave thrusting his right fist in the air in appreciation of the "Nuts About The Nats" Theme Song played before every home game).

Charlie Slowes busting out laughing along with Engineer Jack Hicks, Sohna and myself.

Deadpan—Dave states: “I’ll take that song over ‘Hail To The Redskins!!’ Any Day!!”

We were just rolling over laughing.

“Nuts About The Nats is the number one fight song in DC!!”

Now we return to the regular portion of this interview.

“You guys travel with the team all the time. How more convenient is that when approaching the players, coaches and manager and getting them to talk—as compared to an out of town reporter? (SBF)

“Like the pre-game interviews we were talking about before. It’s much easier to do an interview in our clubhouse --because you know the guys and they know you. And hopefully, they have developed a level of trust with you. It’s always harder if you go and try to interview a visiting player. They may not know you and it’s easier for them to try to blow you off—or put you off. I think I have developed a good relationship with the players in the locker room. I feel comfortable going up to them and asking them for an interview—or just to talk. There are certain guys you go and talk to about other things than baseball. They are just good people to talk to.”

How tough has it been to broadcast this year when the team struggles? (SBF)

“I actually don’t think it is tough at all. My wife (Jen) puts it in real good perspective. My first year (in Washington, 2006), I was talking about a long flight we had to San Diego or somewhere and she said: ‘you could be on a bus to Ottawa! Right now!’ (All of us busting out laughing) So, I always remember that, if I ever have any complaints—which I don’t—because I could be on a bus to Ottawa. I am in The Major Leagues—doing what I love to do—and just because the team is out of contention—I treat every game as if it is the most important game I am going to broadcast—today’s. That way, I give my best effort and try to provide the best broadcast of the game, that I am doing that day. I am not worried about how many games they have lost, or how many games they have won. Today is the game we are going to talk about.”

Why is it so fun? (SBF)

“Because you really never know what is going to happen? And I get caught up in the emotion of the game. When the ball hits the bat, the crowd comes to its feet and senses the ball that maybe (Ryan) Zimmerman connected to a ball that is going to go out. If you listen closely, you can sense a surge in emotion in my voice in trying to describe what happens. So, I get caught up almost as if I was involved as a player, which obviously I am not saying I am, but it’s just a fun place to be.”

You are a baseball fan—first? (SBF)

“Sure, you have to be. If you are going to watch 162 games over 182 days, or whatever it is—you better like the game. If you don’t like baseball, you should not be here (in the booth).”

When you first were hired by The Nationals to come here, what was that feeling like—knowing you would be broadcasting Major League Baseball? (SBF)

“By myself, I might have done a little dance in the room with no one witnessing it. I worked hard. I went to college for this and dreamed about being an announcer in the professional ranks. I was in the business for nearly 15 years, paying a lot of dues, in different areas. I didn’t come up just through the Minor Leagues—like many announcers do in baseball. But, whether I was doing a talk show, or doing college basketball, or working one job and ‘Moonlighting’ at three other places—I really worked hard to get where I am. So, I felt a tremendous sense of accomplishment to reach this level—which is something I aspired to for a long, long time.”

If I recall right, you two did not meet each other before you got the job here? (SBF)

“We met each other on the Winter Caravan (2006). It might have been when I also first met you? (SBF—which is true). I did that Winter Caravan with (Brian) Schneider, (Brandon) Watson, Ryan Zimmerman was on that Caravan--and Jose Guillen.”

Charlie steps into the conversation again: “He called me up after he got hired to introduce himself to me over the phone—which is kind of bizarre—would you say? (Looking at The African Queen and I). To some degree. So, he (Dave) got hired and before I had the chance to call him—he got my number from Kevin Ullich and called me. We talked on the phone and I think we met two weeks later.”

Dave: “I knew about him. I knew his name from doing The (Washington) Bullets. When you aspire to get to this level, you know the people who have the jobs. You know the names. It’s much easier to listen to people now with XM Radio. I had never really heard him (Charlie) prior to working with him. But, I certainly knew who he was.”

Did you guys hit it off right away? (The African Queen)

“Yeah, right away!!—I am Nuts About The Nats!!” Charlie (laughing)

Dave: “Yeah, we all are.” (Deadpan)

How is the new ballpark to work—compared to RFK? (The African Queen)

“I think this is a great ballpark. It’s great for The Nationals to call this their home. You know they are going to be here for a very long time. I am very excited that The Nationals have found a new home.”

Except for the very place where you have to work? (SBF)

“We’ve gotten use to it. It’s a hard spot to accurately describe pitches. But, we have gotten use to how the ball carries off the bat. You just wait to see the play unfold—rather than anticipate—because if you try to anticipate what is going to happen—you have just a good a chance of being wrong. It is very hard to judge where the ball is going to go when it is hit.”

Since you have been around the leagues a few times now—you obviously know all the other broadcasters. Do you find them helpful also to you and your work—whether on the road or here at home? (SBF)

“Oh yes. Whenever we play a first day of any series—I always talk to the other teams broadcasters. You can’t always use all the information, but they will tell you what is going on with their team and why a guy is playing over another—who is pitching well—or playing well. That is a very useful resource to be up on the other team, because when you are filling three hours (on the air)—you are not going to talk exclusively about The Nationals—you are going to talk about the other team. So, I always talk to the other broadcasters and I try to offer analysis on our team to the other guys as well.”

Is it odd for you to see someone like Brian Schneider come back here after you have spent so much time with him here? (SBF)

“As you are around the game more—you have friends that you’ve met. There are guys when I was broadcasting games in Pawtucket (for the PawSox) that are now in The Big Leagues. And I always enjoy catching up with them—it’s a lot of fun—kind of a reunion to see. I know a lot of guys in The Mets Clubhouse from different times in my career. So, I enjoy getting to catch up with those guys. It’s not awkward in any way—it’s fun to go see them and, quite honestly, it’s another resource. You can ask them honest questions about why he is not playing against left-handed pitching and he (Schneider) will give you an honest answer. Maybe, you would not go up and ask that same question from the opposing team—if you did not know them.”

When the season is over—what do you do—go home—be with family? (The African Queen)

“When you are on the road for 81 games plus travel days—that’s basically three months of the year that you are away from your family. I try to be a full-time Dad (one son and one daughter). I do all the school bus meets. (You are Mr. Mom? —The African Queen) Yes, I am Mr. Mom. I take the kids off to the bus. I am there when the bus gets home. I do swim lessons, fall little league, soccer practice. I try to cram in everything that I missed in the five months from the time the (baseball) season ends and spring training begins.”

Is that the toughest part of the job—since your kids are so young? (The African Queen)

“Yes, it is hard. My oldest one understands what I do. My youngest, she knows what I do, but she doesn’t understand—‘I will see you in a week.’ I could see you tomorrow or see you in a week—can mean the same thing. So, it hard to say goodbye to them, when you are going away for an extended period.”

Finally—how special is it working here with Charlie?

“We have a really good thing going on here. Working with Charlie, I would like to develop something here that a generation of Nats Fans can associate listening to the radio with us. That is the true testament of an announcer when people associate you with the team that you are with—and that takes time to develop. We have been together a short time, but I think we have developed a tremendous following with the fans. And I think part of the reason we have the popularity is that so many people enjoy the camaraderie, the back and forth we have. (You guys have great chemistry—Sohna). Separately, we are not as strong as one unit.”

With that--Our Conversation With Dave Jageler needed to end. The Boys needed to begin their Game Broadcast for last Friday Nights game against The Colorado Rockies. Our Conversation With Charlie Slowes is next. Then, the "Broadcast Gamer" later on this week. Charlie Slowes and Dave Jageler put on quite the show for The African Queen (Agent 99--to Charlie) and I during our special visit with them.

Ladies Night--The Second Go Round

This Party, already pumping, went into overdrive when Lastings Milledge and Willie Harris strutted out on the dance floor. Unexpectedly, and without fanfare, they started grooving to the music playing. And many of the women on hand cheered on the spectacle. These two players for Our Washington Nationals were under the red party tent in Garage B at New Nationals Park. The Reason, Ladies Night. The Pre-Game Party set up for Women, who are Fans, or have an interest, In Major League Baseball and Our Washington Nationals. The second such get together this year. This was last Thursday Night, August 14th.



The opportunity for like minded women to get together and share their passion for the game. Our Numbers 44 and 1 were on hand to sign autographs and take pictures with the many attendees--nearly 1000 strong. And their dance moves just before leaving--added to the festive mood.




From 5PM until just after Game Time this past Thursday Night against The New York Mets--The Women enjoyed Wine, Beer and Tea Tastings.





An assortment of foods from various vendors--including Hard Times Cafe with their well liked Chili Nachos; Morton's of Chicago serving Filet Mignon; finger foods and--of course ---Dwayne Herndon and his staff at Noah's Pretzels were on hand, as always--offering hot Curly "W" Pretzels in Cinnamon or Salt varieties





Food, drink, dance and autographs were not the only offerings. Nail Manicures and Massages were also available for free. And the ladies from Slumber Parties were back with their assortment of goodies, as well as, The Savvy Girls of Summer with their well known book--"It Takes More Than Balls". A Baseball Book from a woman's perspective.





Sohna enjoys attending this event and she has found many other women who believe Ladies Nights at New Nationals Park is a Big Hit. Hopefully, Our Washington Nationals will continue this gathering for years to come. Obviously, there is a following. Just look at at the pictures. They perfectly describe the fun many are having at Ladies Night.





Ladies Night is a good time and that's what this party was all about.

Of Course

"It's almost comical," stated The African Queen. Our Washington Nationals were moments away from defeat--their 10th in row. A loss that would mathematically eliminate any chance for Our Team to field a winning record in 2008--with 37 games to go in The Inaugural Season of New Nationals Park.

Every single time of late--when Washington has a chance to actually turn any game around--a setback occurs. Impetus which takes away all the momentum earned and sets up that "Of Course" Moment.

Today's Favorites:

Ryan Langerhans gets thrown out at the plate on a very close play in the bottom of the second inning. To the naked eye--it sure looked like Our Number 29 got his hooked foot under the tag of The Colorado Rockies Catcher Chris Iannetta. Langerhans made a perfect slide. But, Home Plate Umpire Mike Estabrook emphatically gave the out call. A signal that got Our Fans up out of their seats in protest and Our Manager Manny Acta up and out of his seat on the bench to complain about the ruling. Not seeing the replay from Our Seats in Section 218--it sure looked like Langerhans was safe. And Of Course--Estabrook was not going to reverse his call. Ryan's score would have been Our Washington Nationals second of the game--if ruled safe--giving Washington a cushion advantage. Of Course, as it turned out--this signal at the plate just hurried up the inning--as Our Starter Odalis Perez was next up and struck out to finally kill the rally.

Then, The Rox Chris Iannetta grounds a fairly routine ball to Pete Orr--today's shortstop for Our Washington Nationals. A sure easy out as Our Number 4 ranges to his left--at least until the baseball glances off Our Number 4's glove for an error. A frustrated and already not pitching well Perez, then issues a full count walk to Troy Tulowitzki and, OF COURSE, the very impressive young slugger for The Colorado Rockies, Ian Stewart, steps up next and FLAT OUT HAMMERS A THREE RUN SHOT over the right centerfield wall to give Colorado their first lead of the game. An advantage not anticipated just three batters previously.

With Washington now Down 3-1 in the bottom of the 5th--Lastings Milledge (FLAT OUT HAMMERING THE BALL--HIMSELF-- ALL DAY AND OVER THE PAST WEEK) drills an Aaron Cook fastball DEEP to left centerfield. The Rockies Outfielders, Matt Holliday and Wily Taveres, have NO CHANCE to get to the ball. A sure bases clearing double with both the speedy Emilio Bonifacio and Willie Harris running ahead of him. A possible triple to tie this game at three. Of Course--the baseball bounces on the warning track, at the wall, AND LANDS OVER THE FENCE for a Ground Rule Double. Harris must retreat to third. Milledge to second. A third run in this ballgame for Washington--cheated out by an unlucky bounce.

And Of Course--Aaron Boone would follow and strike out poorly, then Ronnie Belliard would walk to load the bases and eventually Our Fans were left simmering again--when Langerhans flied out to right--to kill another game changing rally.

These Game Changing Moments that again came Washington's Way in the bottom of the 6th. Pete Orr and Wil Nieves had greeted Colorado Reliever Matt Herges with back to back singles. Two on, nobody out, and Our Washington Nationals down just one run. And Manny made the right move. He brought the resting Ryan Zimmerman off the bench to Pinch Hit for Odalis Perez. Using Our Number 11 as the game changer--sensing this might be Washington's Final Chance to turn this game around. Our Number 14 was right.

And Colorado Manager Clint Hurdle sensed this turning tide as well, and IMMEDIATELY moved to the mound to replace Herges with hard throwing and sometimes deceptive Manuel Corpos. Neither Manager wanting to give in. And "ZIMMY" looking to hammer the baseball out of the park--for the first time since May 15th.

As it turned out, fate would settle in again. Ryan Zimmerman got the exact pitch he wanted, a fastball right over the middle of the plate--and OF COURSE--he popped out to Holliday in left. A Home Run Pitch Missed. A deflating moment, because Our Number 11 KNEW HE GOT THE PITCH HE WANTED--AND HE KNEW HE HAD FAILED. Emilio Bonifacio following with The Rally Killing Double Play.

Signaling, Of Course, that every single move this afternoon, would fail for Washington. Sadly.

Like when Our Manager Manny Acta sends out Lefty Charlie Manning to face Lefty Swinging Brad Hawpe to lead off the top of the 8th. The Perfect Match Up.

Hawpe Homers to right. Score now 4-2 Colorado.

Then, Our Number 14 immediately moves to the mound and replaces Manning with "The Human Rain Delay". Of Course, Jesus Colome hits Iannetta on the first pitch he throws, walks Stewart, then allows Pinch Hitter Seth Smith to FLAT OUT CLUB a fastball from Our Number 43--DEEP--over the right centerfield wall for the DECISIVE three run homer.

Of course--just like that this game was over. And the sight of THOUSANDS IMMEDIATELY getting up to leave--quite noticeable. Obviously, because Our Fans had realized this game was, Of Course, finished as well--even though the final out had yet to be recorded two innings from this point.

As has been the case for nearly two weeks, Our Washington Nationals continue to fail in the clutch and every single miscue comes back to haunt them. Of Course--that all means--Our Washington Nationals have now lost 10 STRAIGHT GAMES--the most in a row all season--in year of many lows. How badly do we miss Charlie Slowes SCREAMING "Another Curly 'W' Is In The Books!!".

Final Score from Gorgeous and Beautifully Sunny New Nationals Park--The Colorado Rockies 7 and Our Washington Nationals 2. Swept Again by their third straight opponent. Virtually impossible now to NOT LOSE 100 Games this season.

And Of Course--being the Fans that we are--Sohna and I stayed UNTIL THE FINAL OUT--as always. All 27 of them for Washington. We are not going to miss out on anything--no matter how good, Or Bad, Our Washington Nationals play. Because one of these days, The Team that calls The Nation's Capital its very home--will be a Good Team--A Possible Championship Team--and we want to always remember--We Stuck by Our Washington Nationals when the times were not as good. Just like today and throughout this just completed miserable 0-6 Home Stand.

Of Course those Winning Days--will be MEMORABLE DAYS--just like the poor ones The African Queen and I are experiencing right now during these most trying of times. Yeah, we know, it's comical, but Our Washington Nationals failures have yet to take away from all our fun. No--that's not going to happen--any time soon.

Game Notes & Highlights

If I could have gone out to the mound today, I would have told Odalis Perez--"THROW A STRIKE!!" Dibbling around the corners--Our Number 45 was frustrating to watch. There was this fellow sitting to the left of me in Section 218 that was a Big Baseball Fan. And an educated one. He was just exasperated with Perez. Just like myself, The African Queen, Our Manager, and just about every single one of Our Fans. I am sorry, there is no personal ill will toward Odalis Perez. I just don't see any further reason to have him on this particular poorly performing team.

The same for Jesus Colome. "The Human Rain Delay" adds little to our team these days. Everything he throws is the same speed. Every single hitter facing him, knows that. Remember, early in 2007, Colome couldn't throw 100% and he learned how to mix up his pitches. He finally understood, for the first time in his career--how control and off setting velocities can HELP HIM. There was this one night at RFK STADIUM where Colome struck out Chipper Jones on arguably the greatest looping, sinker, off speed pitch, he had EVER THROWN IN HIS LIFE. Jones swung and missed so badly that after he struck out--Chipper stood at home plate staring at Colome--IN DISBELIEF!! At that point in time, there was a revelation--that Jesus Colome might have finally become A REAL PITCHER. A GREAT MOMENT--never to be forgotten by me. Colome was a Phenomenon at that time--nearly Our All Star Selection in 2007. He was so deserving. Then, an unexpected surgery to his rear end--changed his season and ultimately his career changing year--became a disappointment. He's never been the same since. Our Number 43 has now lost all of his learned knowledge of early 2007. How sad, but true. Because for three months last year--Jesus Colome was A GREAT FIND--A Keeper for Our Future. But, no longer.

I have no problem seeing as many of Our Youngsters as possible getting their opportunities come September, if not this coming Tuesday. Far more interesting seeing YOUTH hustling and wanting to be there, instead of Veterans just taking home a paycheck.

Enthusiasm which Lastings Milledge is bringing to the park every day of late. Our Number 44 a far different player in performance and attitude since the early days of April & May, 2008. Still, Milledge SHOULD BE A CORNER OUTFIELDER, and he has his moments of despair--but Lastings has slowly changed my opinion of his skills. He seems to care now and less about his Off Field and Behavior Puffery. That pleases us--TREMENDOUSLY. Good for him. At least Lastings Milledge is making the effort.

Caring--which Willie Harris bring to the ballpark every single day. Has there been a better Veteran Influence on Our Youth more than Our Number 1? Harris comes prepared, today two more hits. He runs out everything and NEVER GIVES UP. Willie Harris may never have a prosperous career with Our Washington Nationals, but hopefully, some other Winning Major League Team will see his effort and reward him with the opportunity to succeed on a grand scale. That man is a late bloomer. Sohna loved him since day one. And she was right. Harris can play.



Again to honor The 2008 Summer Olympics--Our Racing Presidents ran a HURDLE Relay Race. Now, having personally run the race twice in 2006 and 2007 as ABE and GW, you have to give THESE ATHLETES serious credit for jumping the hurdles set up today by Race Coordinator Tom Davis on the outfield warning track. Those heads are HEAVY, HUGE, and quite UNBALANCED. The very fact that all four Rushmores completed the race without falling was mighty impressive. Of course--ABE WON AGAIN, Teddy Finished Second. Nice adaptation of a current event.

There is a very interesting promotion coming to New Nationals Park on August 31st when Our Washington Nationals play The Atlanta Braves. Any Adult purchasing ANY TICKET VALUED AT $33 or ABOVE can bring along two kids (12 Years of Age or Younger) for just $1 A Piece. We are talking $35 for three good seats to that Sunday Game against The Bravos. That's a good deal.

Finally--I was not surprised to see Luis Ayala traded. He had never been the same since foolishly pitching in The World Baseball Classic for his home country Mexico in 2006, and seriously hurting himself, just a few short months after elbow surgery for Washington. Thanks to pressure from Former Washington Nationals Vinny Castilla and Esteban Loiza, Our Former Number 56 made the incorrect decision--and sadly--it transformed his career for the worse. Before late 2005--Luis Ayala was one of the best setup men in the game. A terrific slider, at times, untouchable. A perfect compliment to Chad Cordero.

I have always liked Luis Ayala and I always will. He has always been kind and gracious to The African Queen. Ayala really digged her--enjoyed talking with her. Our Now Former Number 56 stopped and talked with her--every single time he ran into Sohna. And I always appreciated that. We only wish he could have had continued his success in a uniform representing Our Washington Nationals. Today, not surprisingly, he was traded to The New York Mets for infielder Anderson Hernandez. Being a betting man, Our Former Starting Catcher, Brian Schneider, will find a way to harness some good out of Luis Ayala in New York. They were quite the pairing in Montreal and Washington.

No--we did not know him well, but he was always Our Friend. Sohna and I can only wish him the best. Luis Ayala is a fine young man. We always enjoyed his efforts for Our Washington Nationals. He cared, but as of late, just could not do the job. Good Luck, Luis--may your career resurrect itself.

Today's InGame Photos--(AP) Nick Wass
Luis Ayala Photo--(AP) John Rauox
All Other Photos--Nats320--All Rights Reserved

Save-A-Life Saturday Blood Drive

Saturday August 16th, 2008 was Save-A-Life Saturday Blood Drive Day at New Nationals Park. From 8AM until 2PM Our Washington Nationals provided the facility and teamed up with The American Red Cross so this well known Service Organization could receive blood donations from many willing participants in Washington, DC and the surrounding Metro Area. From 8AM until 2PM--patrons could enter New Nationals Park from the Third Base Entrance on South Capitol Street. From there, American Red Cross Representatives would escort the volunteers to Conference Room 3--just outside The Stars & Stripes Club on the Party Suite Level of the new ballpark.



Not only could donors schedule their times in advance of showing up, but any walk ups were welcome as well. As an added bonus--those willing to give blood for Save-A-Life Saturday were given a White American Red Cross Tee-Shirt and Two Free Tickets to an upcoming September Home Game of Our Washington Nationals.




Our Manager Manny Acta was on hand for nearly one hour--greeting and speaking to donors, thanking them for their patronage. Our Number 14 always understanding that Our Baseball Team can provide more to the community than just the action on the field. And Our Washington Nationals can play a leading role to get people involved. As always--"The Most Charismatic Of Men" was happy to be in attendance and made every effort to speak with all the donors on hand during the time he was there. In fact, Manny Acta was terrific with--everyone.





Later Ryan Zimmerman followed Manny in setting the right example. For nearly another hour, Our Number 11 greeted the many donors, signed autographs and provided even more fun for the many Kids, Donors and American Red Cross Members at this well received and necessary event.


All Donors gave one pint of blood. Last season, during a similar drive at RFK Stadium, The 2007 Save-A-Life Saturday Blood Drive with Our Washington Nationals received 140 Pints of Useable Blood. When the 2008 Numbers are finalized, I will report the tally.



Also, My Best Friend!! Screech!!! posted up to thank everyone as well. Of course, Screech always there for the kids--even the adult ones.




As stated many times here on Nats320, Our Washington Nationals are more than just a Major League Baseball Team. Through Community Service Involvement, they can help provide assistance for so much more. Thankfully, Our Team seems to understand that, and the uses their name and their resources to help out--throughout the Washington, DC Area.

Good for them--for their continuing support in Our Communities.

Another Nine Straight--Lost

On a night, you had to figure that Our Washington Nationals would be able to get to Livan Hernandez, open up some scoring, and put a Curly "W" In The Books--for the first time in 9 games--they failed even more miserably than before. Our Starter John Lannan had nothing in the tank. He got absolutely pounded. So badly, by the time The Colorado Rockies got their 11 runs on the board--only then did Washington FINALLY get to Old Number 61--for a total of six runs. The Rox Cushion so large, even the Xtra Large Hernandez had enough wiggle room.

And by the time LIVO was taken from this latest of defeats by Colorado--Our Washington Nationals were already out of this ball game.

Poor Pitching, and some pretty bad fielding (three errors) led to yet another blowout, and for the third time in 2008, Washington has now lost 9 straight games--again. This affair was decided early.

Good Notes: Lastings Milledge and Ronnie Belliard both had three hits. In fact, Our Number 10 also added three more RBI's. And Willie Harris made two outstanding catches--the first--on an opposite field liner slapped by The Rockies Ian Stewart in the top of the 2nd. A baseball drifting toward the leftfield corner. A baseball nicely retrieved by Our Number 1 racing all the way to the corner--near the 336FT Sign on the Green Wall--and grabbing the baseball on the full run and nearly knocking himself over by being off balance. An excellent effort that Harris magnified significantly on in the top of the 9th when he deftly moved to his left on a sinking liner off the bat of Brad Hawpe and scooped the baseball in his glove hand, diving to his left, moments before the baseball landed on the grass. Our Washington Nationals may well have been down 7 runs at that point--but once again--Willie Harris continues to play the game right. He cared enough to make The Defensive Play Of This Game.

Effort, which Our Washington Nationals have continually failed over--the past few months.

Honestly, when this game got out of hand so early, The African Queen and I spent the final three innings chatting with some of our colleagues and friends. Still hoping Washington would fight back, we hadn't given up. But, Sohna and I really just didn't expect a rally. No, not tonight on one of the crispest and coolest August Summer Nights in many years. It was gorgeous outside, although the game played before us, was not.

Really not much more to state about Loss Number 80 of 2008. Another Nine Straight Lost. Final Score before 28,909--The Colorado Rockies 13 and Our Washington Nationals 6.

Game Notes & Highlights

Although he pitched into the 5th--John Lannan's line score for this evening--pretty bad. It's a good thing Our Number 31 has pitched so well through most of the 2008. This evening--he had a bad night and 8 Earned Runs scored against him in 4 complete innings--tells it all.

Garrett Mock might have been worse. When he replaced Lannan in the middle of the 5th--Our Number 50 could get NO ONE OUT until the sixth batter he faced in the inning. By that time--whatever chance Washington had to win--was over. Mock charged with three earned runs.

TEDDY!! WON!! The Presidents Race in the middle of the 4th inning. And The Crowd ROARED ITS APPROVAL--maybe the biggest cheer all night. Then actually started booing, when Teddy was disqualified for RUNNING THE RACE. You see, Olympic Race WALKING RULES were in effect. As Abe, GW & Tom walked around the chosen path--TEDDY sprinted to the finish. My Best Friend!! Screech!! reversed the Win by Our Lovable Loser. Tom was declared the winner.

Finally, after the game, Sohna and I spent some time with Our Friend Bill Hall--Baseball Chairman for The D.C. Sports & Entertainment Commission. Mr. Hall negotiated the deal to bring The Montreal Expos to Washington, DC. This evening, Bill was hosting the New York City (Manhattan) side of his family at New Nationals Park. After we all watched Michael Phelps win his 8th Gold Medal at the Oval Bar in Presidents Club--Bill Hall asked me to snap this picture of his family--to remember the moment.

Front Row--Benjamin Arno, Spencer Hall and James Arno
Second Row--Ben Arno, Missy Hall, Bill Hall, Nancy (Hall) Arno

All of us just having some fun--attempting to take the sting out of another loss by Our Washington Nationals.

One Mistake, One Miscue, One Mental Error

For nearly five innings tonight Our Washington Nationals played a fairly tight game. They were in the lead, up one run against The Colorado Rockies, and Tim Redding was putting up a representative outing on the mound. As Our Starter, he was even on the receiving end of some keys hits from his teammates. Our Offense was scoring a few runs--early. And for the first time in over one week--Washington was possibly closing in on a win.




All on the night--Sohna and I spent the entire game visiting with Charlie Slowes and Dave Jageler in their Broadcast Booth--WAY UP TOP and Nearly OVER TOP--New Nationals Park. Man!! Those Boys Sit HIGH ABOVE THE PLAYING FIELD!! A get together that has been in the planning stages for some time. We had a blast!!

Then--just like that--One Big Mistake, Miscue, Mental Error, by Washington unraveled this game. No, it never fails. When things are going bad, one little slip up can prove costly. With Two Outs and one runner on base in the top of the 5th inning at New Nationals Park--that moment came. Quickly, and decisively.

Our Number 17 held a 2-1 lead before allowing a two out single up the middle to The Rockies--Seth Smith. Still, Redding needed just one more out to get out of this frame unscathed. Unfortunately, he had to face perennial All Star Left Fielder Matt Holliday. A tough task that Tim seemed to have under his control, at least, until Holliday uncorked on the 4th pitch of this game changing At-Bat--and sent a screaming liner to dead centerfield--right at Lastings Milledge. A hard stroked ball--but playable.

Easily caught--until Our Number 44 misplayed his read on the ball. Instead of backing up a few steps to catch the stroked baseball--Lastings misjudged the arc and ran in. Big Mistake, and he knew it--right away. Attempting to readjust and use his athletic talents to his best ability--even Milledge could see--he could not overcome this misplay. As Lastings Milledge leaped as high as his back running legs would take him--in an attempt snare the hit--the baseball sailed Right Over His Glove. An eventual ruled double that scored Smith all the way from first with the game tying run. And had many in the Home Faithful Crowd of 27,965 Moaning and Groaning over whether Our Washington Nationals were about to throw away another winnable game.

One batter later--that belief came true.

Brad Hawpe would UNLOAD on a Tim Redding fastball just over the centerfield wall for a two run homer. In a mere matter of minutes--a one time one run lead, was now a one run deficit in favor of Colorado. Our Washington Nationals had found a way to fall behind again--by not helping themselves make the routine plays. Lastings Milledge had make the first gaffe and Tim Redding made the second. Washington should have been out of the inning--easily. Instead--they had put themselves out of this game.

How quickly things changed. How fast Our Offense shut down for the remainder of the night. Washington would add one more run to the tally board in the bottom of the 6th by manufacturing their third score--but they never really threatened again. Hope had turned to dismay when Lastings Milledge did not catch Matt Holliday's drive. And all was lost when Tim Redding gave up the game winning home run. All three runs for The Rockies Scoring--after Washington SHOULD HAVE BEEN OUT OF THE INNING--sitting in their dugout--heading to home plate--to bat. Not still standing in the field, wondering, what should have been.

Since it was raining when The Colorado Rockies began this Two Out Rally--maybe The Baseball Gods were also crying--upset over whether Our Washington Nationals can pull themselves back together again in 2008. This loss was sad--because it did not have to be. Now losers of 8 Straight and 18 out of 24, Loss Number 79 came on a cool wet evening when Washington proved that when things are not going well--something always seemingly happens--to take even the slightest chance of winning away.

One Mistake, One Miscue, One Mental Error--proved costly.

Final score from a disappointed New Nationals Park--The Colorado Rockies 4 and Our Washington Nationals 3. Just 39 Games Remaining In This Season--can Washington possibly avoid 100 loses?

No--we didn't get to hear Charlie Slowes BELLOW OUT "Bang!! Zoom!! Go The Fireworks!!" or "Another Curly 'W' is in the BOOKS!!" As badly as we wanted to hear him shout those two FAMOUS CALLS OUT IN PERSON--LIVE!! But it did not take the fun away from one terrific night hanging out with two of the best Baseball Broadcasters in the business. Really, we love those guys. And of Course the now Infamous--The Jack Of All Things--Jack Hicks. No Nats Radio Broadcast is ever the same without Charlie and Dave's Chief Engineer on the scene--making everything work--and adding to their hilarity.

There will be MUCH, MUCH MORE on Our Special Night with Charlie Slowes and Dave Jageler at New Nationals Park coming up in a later posting. Interviews, a little play by play action, and some comedy--some really funny stuff. Along with Jack Hicks, they are as professional as can be, and hilarious beyond belief in person--just like on the radio. They let it all hang out tonight--for our benefit. They were great hosts.

Game Notes & Highlights

Tim Redding became noticeably bothered after Lastings Milledge's miscue in centerfield on Matt Holliday's drive. Our Number 44 made a mental mistake, something he will hopefully learn from. But Redding should have known better--pitching to a dangerous and powerful lefthanded slugger in Hawpe. In the top of the 3rd, The Rockies shortstop, Troy Tulowitzki also took Redding deep to left for a homer--Colorado's first run of this game.

Two pitches into the game--Our Washington Nationals had a one run lead. Emilio Bonifacio slashed the first pitch he saw from Jorge De La Rosa and ripped it down the left field line. Ronnie Belliard followed with another first pitch drive to right field scoring Bonifacio easily. But with Colorado Rightfielder Brad Hawpe playing the baseball well--Our Number 10 attempted to stretch his RBI Single into a Double. HUGE MISTAKE. Hawpe easily threw out Belliard at second base. Ryan Zimmerman followed with a two pitch At-Bat before grounding out and Milledge followed with a first pitch flyout to center. Five minutes into the bottom of the 1st--and after only five pitches total were thrown--Washington led 1-0.

Washington scored their second run when Belliard walked, moved to second on a Wild Pitch and scored when Ryan Zimmerman ripped an opposite field drive to right for his 32nd RBI of his injury shortened season. Hitting well of late for average--Our Number 11 still not hitting for much power.

Austin Kearns was hit by pitch to lead off the bottom of the sixth--advanced to second on a wild pitch by De La Rosa and moved to third on a Jesus Flores flyout to center. Eventually, Our Number 25 would score Washington's final run of this affair on a ground out to shortstop by Aaron Boone. Routine, except for the fine defensive play made by Tulowitzki. Boone would hit a sharply hit grounder to The Rox's Shortstop--to his right side. Ranging over, Tulowitzki backhanded the baseball into his glove hand, then LEAPED off his front foot and threw a terrific toss to Garrett Atkins at first base. As Charlie and Dave praised the effort on the air--Dave concluded, even Derek Jeter doesn't make that play and throw--maybe ever in his career. And Jeter is one of the best Yankee Shortstops Ever--possible Hall of Famer. Troy Tulowitzki shows some terrific range and arm to retire Our Number 8.

But Aaron Boone got the last laugh. With Colorado runners on 1st and 3rd with two outs in the top of the 7th, "The Human Rain Delay" on the mound for Washington and the very dangerous Matt Holliday at the plate--Jesus Colome forced Holliday to pop a foul fly near the first base stands, and the camera well next to Our Washington Nationals Dugout. Aaron did not give up on the play and made a fabulous over the railing catch to retire Holliday, The Rockies and keep Washington into a one run game. Aaron Boone with The Defensive Play Of This Game.

Emilio Bonifacio may well have slammed the very first pitch of the night from Jorge De La Rosa for a double down the left field line. Our Number 7 may well have scored Washington's first run of the evening, as well. But, for the remainder of this game, Bonifacio was not a factor--offensively. Striking out four times, The Golden Sombrero, including once with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 4th to quell a rally. And finally, to end this ball game on the final out. Emilio has shown little patience at the plate--like none whatsoever.

As Charlie mentioned on the radio--Aaron Boone might have given Washington some hope to get back into this game with his Defensive Play Of This Game. But, what his effort also proved was that for the first time, in some time, Our Washington Nationals actually have a player that can man first base and play the position well. Kory Casto and Ronnie Belliard have had their moments--but they don't have the skills to play first base. Both are exposed on a regular basis.

There was a very odd moment around 10:10PM tonight at New Nationals Park. While the game was progressing, nothing particular was actually happening at that time. But, out of nowhere came this HUGE CHEER RISING UP FROM BELOW. Sitting next to Dave Jageler while Charlie Slowes was doing play by play--Dave looked at me shrugging his shoulders in the "What's Up?" signal. Looking up at a TV Monitor above our heads--I pointed to what was on the television. Michael Phelps had just won his 7th Gold Medal at the 2008 Bejing Olympic Games in the Butterfly--but just barely. As Dave mentioned on air--apparently the cheering came from the many Suite Holders watching the event while at the baseball game. Funny and odd at the same time. The Noise Was Loud. You had to wonder what the players thought of the interruption?

Finally, from high above in the Radio Broadcast Booth, you have got to give Charlie & Dave some serious credit for their play by play calling. Every fly ball looks like it is going out of the park. Every hard hit grounder or liner in the infield--is difficult to determine. You really can't tell, until you see the movement of the players. Jokingly--Dave Jageler asked The African Queen and I if we would mind switching our seats in Row A of Section 218 with them--so they can broadcast a ball game and see the action up close. Call the game right. On second thought, Dave might have been serious. Those guys need to be closer to the field. They really do.


Charlie and Dave both did interviews with Sohna and I this evening. And, we have the entire broadcast, with all fun and excitement they provided for us to write about. Much more coming later on Our Evening With "The Jack Of All Things!!"

Sorry Charlie--I just couldn't help myself on that one.

Effort & Execution

Playing short rightfield, Emilio Bonifacio raced over to his left to retrieve a hard hit grounder by Carlos Delgado. The New York Mets supposed pull hitter had whacked this latest Joel Hanrahan pitch with two outs and bases loaded in a mostly already decided ball game. Our Number 7's hustle, his effort, was there. He picked up the ball without any problems. But, as it turned out--his execution had failed.

Down 7-3 at this point in the top of the 9th inning at New Nationals Park--Emilio deftly moved over and scooped up the baseball with his glove and calmly threw to Aaron Boone at First Base--BUT MISSED OUR NUMBER 8 by a good foot. It wasn't even close. The ball sailing to Boone's left. An error of simple execution that had The African Queen and I dropping our heads in dismay.

Two more New York Mets runs scored bringing The New York Faithful up on their feet, standing and cheering over the latest mistake by Our Washington Nationals this evening at New Nationals Park. And Our Fans, at least those still remaining on South Capitol Street, trying to salvage something out of what was sure to be another discouraging defeat.

Washington's 7th in a row. August, which began so brightly with a revamped squad--now seen struggling as much as the past months of this 2008 Season.

All night long--Our Team, The one that calls DC's it's very home--made the physical effort on the field of play. What they continually failed to do--was execute.

Emilio Bonifacio's gaffe had just put the icing on the cake.

Inexperience always shows itself--under pressure. And Our Washington Nationals displayed plenty of that tonight.

Our Starter Collin Balester--all of 22 Years Old--could not get past The New York Mets--the second time around he faced them in the batting order. He couldn't locate most every pitch in his arsenal. And a good hitting team, which The Mets are, are going to take advantage of every mistake. Even Brian Schneider--Our Former Captain--who flat out HAMMERED a fastball by Our Number 40 to deep centerfield for a two run shot in the top of the 5th inning. A Home Run by Our Former Number 23 that went along way, not only in distance, but in explaining how much farther Collin Balester must come to be a quality Major League Starter.

Schneider has handled Balester before--behind the plate. And Brian knows what Collin can do. Our Former Starting Catcher realized Our Number 40 has yet to learn how to survive in The Big Leagues. That takes time and more setbacks, like the very one Balester experienced tonight. For three innings--he did well. But once The New York Mets batted around the first time--Collin had no answer for their adjustments.

A key double given up to the very good David Wright directly led to two runs for New York in the 4th. Schneider's blast in the 5th added two more. And Carlos Delgado--he of the ultimate pull hitting swing--LAUNCHED an opposite field blast over the left field wall in the top of the 6th off Balester. A drive that Willie Harris make A GREAT ATTEMPT to catch. Our Number 1 CLIMBING THE WALL--his spikes taking him above the Double "XX's" in The EXXON MOBIL SIGN. But Harris' effort could not overcome Collin's Pitch Performance.

One again--effort was there--but the execution had failed.

A theory played out all night long.

When Our Washington Nationals finally fought back into this game--with a three run 7th--they did so by getting the job done. A single here, a walk there and a pinch hit triple by Pinch Hitter Pete Orr. An unexpected blast off the right field wall scoreboard that brought New Nationals Park alive for the first real time tonight. And had the 31,058, some of whom were actually cheering for Our Washington Nationals--on their feet in great surprise and joy. Applause that turned to hope when Bonifacio laid down a pretty good bunt toward the slow moving and poor fielding Delgado manning first base for New York. An eventual infield single executed perfectly--scoring Orr with Our Washington Nationals 3rd run of the game. And putting The Mets on notice that this game was not over yet.

At least not until Our Team placed runners on 1st and 2nd with one out in the bottom of the 8th. Already, Washington had ran The Mets Starter-lefthander Oliver Perez from the game in the previous frame. Now, side arm throwing Joe Smith was on the mound. The same Joe Smith who had made Lastings Milledge look silly, batting against him just two nights ago. This evening, Our Number 44 learned from his clueless strike out swings of Tuesday against this pitcher--and professionally walked on seven pitches. An good effort that Austin Kearns followed by doing the same.

The New York Mets were in trouble. Our Washington Nationals had understood how to bat against a side arm/under hand throwing pitcher. And The Mets Manager Jerry Manuel rightfully decided he needed a fresh face to confuse Our Batting Order--once again. He chose wisely by calling for one time hard throwing, but now junk ball pitching (thanks to injury) Duaner Sanchez. A few years back, Sanchez was one of the hottest young pitchers in the game. A rising star with The Los Angeles Dodgers--but eventually traded to The Mets--where he threw out his shoulder and has never been the same power pitcher since.

Throwing mostly off speed and nothing reaching more than the low 90's, Sanchez was able to get kill Our Washington Nationals rally. Thanks to the very fact Our Batters did not adjust to the pitcher or his pitches at hand. Aaron Boone would strike out--awfully--on a change up so slow--Boone could have possibly swung twice at the offering. And Wil Nieves would ground out to David Wright at third base to end, what just two batters previously, was Washington's Final Chance to get back into this game.

Instead--once again--the execution had failed and Our Washington Nationals were going down to defeat. Yes, the top of the 9th Inning was nothing more than frustrating to watch. Joel Hanrahan trotted out in a 5-3 ball game and looked lost on the mound. Eventually giving up four more runs--thanks to Bonifacio's mental throwing mistake. But showing--that The Team That Calls The Nation's Capital it's home--has so many inexperienced players on the field--nothing short of a PERFECTLY PLAYED BALLGAME will bring a victory home.

Final Score after a disappointing three game home sweep at the hands of The Boys From Queens--The New York Mets 9 and Our Washington Nationals 3. Our Team had again made the effort, but time after time--they could not execute--successfully. Loss Number 78 of 2008 looked a whole lot like many of the previous defeats this season--sadly.

Game Notes & Highlights

He may well have lasted six innings, but Collin Balester really couldn't find the plate. Giving up more walks (5) to hits (4), he might have been a little lucky. But then again--he might well have learned something too--about pitching from behind, without your best command.

As rough of a start that Our Number 40 experienced this evening--Joel Hanrahan was much worse. From the moment he threw his first pitch, in basically a mop up role in the 9th, Our Number 38 DID NOT HAVE IT. Thanks to Bonifacio's late miscue--Hanrahan would record the 3rd out of the inning--but not before giving up 4 additional runs on 4 hits and that key error. Joel Hanrahan looked lost. Which made The African Queen ponder how much we miss "The Chief". Chad Cordero certainly had his moments in a Washington Uniform late in games--but at least "The Most Thrilling Closer In The Game" delivered most of the time. Our Number 38 does not give off such a good vibe--at least not yet--his pitches are all over the place.

In the top of the 8th inning--David Wright would lace a fast dropping liner to right centerfield. Lastings Milledge would get a good jump on the baseball, run to his left, slightly in on the grass, then dive at the very last moment, his left glove hand extended to catch the baseball--a split second before it hit the ground. 2B Umpire Rob Drake with the flamboyant "OUT" call for Our Number 44's nice catch. The Defensive Play of This Game.

Returning from The Disabled List--Aaron Boone also made a nice play on a smash down the right field line by Brian Schneider in the top of the 6th. With the hit baseball about to go past him, Our Number 8 dove to his left and caught the ball in his glove--DIRECTLY ON TOP OF FIRST BASE--to record the final out the frame. A nice effort--worth mentioning.

The Funny Moment Of The Night. When The New York Mets sent Aaron Heilman to the mound for mop up duty in the bottom of the 9th inning, the majority of New York Fans still in attendance ACTUALLY BOOED HIM--pretty unmercifully. You had to laugh how New Yorker's are just unforgiving. What a tough market to play sports.

Nick Johnson was in the house tonight. Sitting in Our Washington Nationals Dugout--in uniform. Must be here for a checkup on his surgically repaired wrist.

Presidents Club looked like a Sellout Tonight. Not many empty seats throughout the first seven innings of the game. I don't recall seeing so many on hand there all year.

Teddy lost again tonight in The Presidents Race. Leading early, ABE, now winner of 35 races this season--came from behind to win handily. It was not much of a competition.

The Taxi Stand at New Nationals Park has moved again--for the third time this year. Now--patrons wishing to hail a taxi for a ride home after any game--must exit the Center Field Gate, turn left and take your first right turn onto Van Street. Van Street runs north and south, between N Street, SE and M Street, SE.




Thursday Night was Party Night at New Nationals Park--In the Stars and Stripes Club. The Patron Tequila Folks were on hand near The Homestead Grays Bar (perfectly located by Our Seats in Section 218) with Four Tequila Samples and Pyrat Rum. Good Stuff, and quite the atmosphere. Included was a special drawing. Drop your business card into the fish bowl and enter to receive a Manny Acta Autographed Jersey. Pyrat Rum--HIGHLY RECOMMENDED--by just about anyone that sampled it. This was the third tasting this year. Earlier, there was a wine tasting and also a rum tasting.





Finally--The African Queen got the evening started by attending the second and last Ladies Night of 2008. Nearly 1000 women signed up and attended a special party on the Roof Top Party Deck of Garage B. Included in your price of admission to the ball game, was Wine Tastings, Beer Samplings, Tons of Food, Dancing, Plenty of Vendors selling their wares and a special appearance by Lastings Milledge and Willie Harris from Our Washington Nationals--who both brought the house down with an impromptu dance on the dance floor. THIS WAS TERRIFIC!!

Much more coming later on this very nice event. For $30 Bucks Ladies Night is a terrific deal. Three times Our Washington Nationals have now hosted this evening get together. And each time it gets better and better.

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

John Lannan ESPN Zone

The fourth ESPN Zone "Meet & Greet" with a player from Our Washington Nationals was special. John Lannan was called on to "Pinch Hit" as Radio Broadcaster and Lunch Time Host Charlie Slowes mentioned yesterday afternoon. Aaron Boone was originally scheduled to attend. But, with Our Number 8 still rehabbing from injury at AAA Columbus--Our Number 31 was happy to fill in.

John Lannan didn't disappoint. He was poised, ready to talk and share about his budding Major League Career. For nearly 30 Minutes, he took questions from Charlie and the audience--then signed autographs and took pictures with anyone wanting at The ESPN Zone.

Here are most of the questions, answers and comments from August 13th, 2008 at The ESPN Zone in Downtown, Washington, DC. And you must read Charlie's comments about Philly Fans. Did he EVER get on a roll about their attitude.

With that--Here we go:

Charlie: What are you doing on your days off between starts?

“Normal routine. Just hanging out, working out, running and enjoying good baseball.”

Charlie: Tough one last night, good ballgame, good crowd, right there with the chants to the very end.

“Definitely looked like that ball (pitched to Damian Easley) hit his bat, but it hit him in the helmet. That was definitely a game changer, but it was a good game to the very end.”

Charlie: Also, the play earlier, I thought, and replays indicated that (Cristian) Guzman beat out the throw to first base from Jose Reyes at shortstop and on that play, The Nationals would have scored a third run.

“I was right there (watching from The Dugout). He was definitely safe. It was a tough break, what more can I say.”

Charlie: Your thoughts on how you have been pitching? You’ve had some really good starts. I know it’s been a tough year. Walking in here today, we were talking about the Quality Start Rule—six innings, three runs or less—considered a Quality Start. But, John does not consider that a Quality Start. In fact, if he had pitched every single game, six innings, three runs or less, most likely he would lose because he needs to pitch at least seven innings and no runs given up to win.”

“Based on Quality Starts standards, six innings and three runs do not always get the job done. So, I am always going out there to go nine innings. I am trying to learn each time I go out there and keep the team in the ball game.”

Question: The start you had against Barry Bonds, your second or third start I believe. You were thrown from Minor League Ball to this amazing situation that very few pitchers have ever been in—what was your mindset? What was going through your head? How did you go about preparing? I was impressed with the way you attacked Barry Bonds, you didn’t look like you were going to pitch around him?

“Last year was definitely a whirlwind. The whole season was—especially coming up in that situation. Those first three starts were really different, I guess you could say. I got ejected (against The Phillies for hitting Chase Utley), then I got my first win, then I got to face Barry Bonds and The Giants—when he was going for that (Home Run) record. It is something I will never forget and it was just a great experience. I didn’t want to give it up (The Record Home Run), but I also did not want to pitch around him. So, I thought of him as just a regular batter, and I am not saying Barry Bonds is a regular batter. I just tried to keep it in the back of my mind—not think too much of it that he was going for the record.”

Charlie: Even before that and now it’s sort of a distant memory. You had all the researchers, all the baseball people having to dig when you were ejected from your first game for hitting (Ryan) Howard and Utley back to back (in Philadelphia). In your wildest dreams, in your roller coaster ride from A Ball to The Big Leagues, did you have to call people or get calls from people to say: “Yeah, I got ejected from my first Big League Game.”

“I am pretty sure everybody who was a friend with me knew that I got ejected.”

Charlie: It was kind of a lead story on SportsCenter, wasn’t it?

“Yeah, and I can have some friends tell you too, they weren’t too happy.” (Laughing)

Question: Tell us about your background. How you got started in Baseball? How you developed to where you are now?


“My Dad has been a big influence on my life, especially baseball. He’s been my coach since I started playing, when I was six (years old). Basically, I have been a late bloomer, you might say. In High School, I did not get my feet wet until by junior or senior year. Then, I really didn’t get scouted that much for college. So, I went to Siena College up in Albany, New York—a small D-1 School. My Freshman and Sophomore years I went through my growing pains. Then, my junior year, I had my breakout year—and I broke a couple of school records.”

“I got noticed by a couple of teams and The Nationals picked me up in their first year. So, once again, when I came up with The Nationals my first professional season—I was getting my feet wet in ’05 & ’06. Definitely, it was a humbling experience. I am starting to get a little comfortable right now and having a lot more fun.”

Question: What’s it like to be a Nationals Pitcher?

“It feels great. To be a Big League Pitcher has been a dream probably since I was your age. (A young child asked the question). It’s a dream come true and I feel blessed every single day.”

Charlie: How old are you? (To the kid)

Kid: “Eight”

Charlie: Do you want to pitch or play in The Big Leagues?

Kid: “Yes”

Charlie: Alright John, tell him what he’s got to do?

“Listen to your parents, stay in school and do a lot of hard work.”

Question: John, since you grew up in New York, which teams do you like more—Mets or Yankees?

“The Yankees. Definitely, The Yankees, although I went to some Mets Games when I was younger. The Yankees were definitely the team I liked the most, ever since ’96. That is the team I really started to go to baseball heaven with.”

Charlie: “Well, they were pretty good. (Four straight World Series Championships)

“They were pretty good, it’s probably why I liked them so much.”

Charlie: Who is or was your pitcher role model? Your favorite pitcher?

“Andy Pettite. And I loved Don Mattingly. But he left by then (1996). ’95 was his last year. That whole team. I loved Bernie Williams. All those guys definitely paved the way for my baseball career.”

Charlie: John, being a Native New Yorker—you asked him which team he liked. And I knew he wasn’t going to say—“I like both teams.” Because you can’t do that in New York. That’s a good why to get beaten up in New York by saying you like both teams.

“Yes, it’s either the Yankees or the Mets, or Jets or Giants, or Islander or Rangers—then you have The Knicks. But, they are struggling right now.”

Charlie: Also being from New York, I know that people have no respect for you if you can’t pick a team. And that is your team—you can’t like both.

“You can be a baseball fan and in The Subway Series—you definitely have to follow one. But, if The Mets were in the playoffs—you have to have some New York Pride.”

Charlie: So, were you Jets or Giants? Give us the whole lineup (of favorite teams)?

“I didn’t want to be a front runner when the (Football) Giants won, because I would watch football during the season and they were not playing too well. But, I am a Giants Fan and I am a Rangers Fan. One of my friends has season tickets, so I went to a lot of Rangers Games.”

Charlie: So figure that. You grew up on Long Island. The Islanders had won their four Stanley Cups probably before you started watching hockey seriously. And you live on Long Island, but you are a Rangers Fan. I guess that is the case with a lot of folks.

“When The Rangers won (The Stanley Cup) in ’94, that’s when I started to become a huge Rangers Fan. But, I have kind of dwindled off. Lately, I have started to get back into it, during the off season.”

Question: How does it feel to play in really cool parks like Wrigley Field and Busch Stadium—your first time?

“My first start this year was at Busch Stadium. The Fans there are great, not as great as you guys, but they really have baseball knowledge. That place is unbelievable. I am going to Wrigley Field (on an upcoming road trip) and I am really excited. I get to miss Philly, because of the rainout in Colorado and now I get Wrigley. And I am glad to miss Philly because I won’t have to get booed. (Chuckling). And I get to pitch at Wrigley which is one of the best baseball parks—I think.”

Charlie: Do you feel like a target in Philadelphia because of what happened there last year when Chase Utley had his hand broken?

“I hope not, but I don’t think those fans forget.”

Charlie: They (Philly Fans) are mean—aren’t they? Philly Fans are downright nasty and mean. (Clapping at ESPN ZONE) They are not only mean to players, but they find out where the players families sit and then they go and be mean to them.

“I have no problem with them being mean to mean, because they love their Phillies. But, being mean to my family—that is just not right. And they were definitely mean to my family in my debut.”

Charlie: A couple of years ago my wife —Mike O’Connor’s family was sitting with her. How they know, and who is apart of what family, it’s just not nice. They can be meaner than any fans in sports—even at their own players—on their own teams when things are not going well.

“But, they just want to win and they know what they want. I can’t blame them for that.”

Question: What team do you have a rivalry with—is it New York? The Mets? Or The Phillies? What team have you developed a rivalry with? And I think Phillie Fans are mean too.

“Well, we had The Battle of The Beltways—so I think that is building a little by little. Any NL East Team that’s competing, I think is considered a rival.”

Charlie: Now since I talked about it and it’s going to be written about online and in blogs—I might be a target for Philly Fans. They might be spitting at the (broadcast) booth.

“I have nothing against Philly Fans.”

Charlie: You guys got my back. You going to stand up for me? (Yeah, is the reply)? All right!! (Clapping) I need all the help I can get. (Laughing)

“Yeah” (also chuckling)

Question: Who is it in the clubhouse that makes The Nationals, The Nationals?

“I think it is a mix of everybody, everybody brings something to the table. Right now, Willie Harris is definitely gives a lot of life. Ronnie Belliard also does. All those veteran guys that have been around for some time—they mold us young people, young players. And it’s great to have those types of guys in the clubhouse. I think we have a great clubhouse because everyone seriously gets along. It’s just a great clubhouse.”

Charlie: Is Willie Harris a fun guy to watch?

“That play he made (Tuesday Night) was unbelievable. It was awesome to watch.”

Charlie: And then to get the double play!!

“Exactly".

Charlie: He’s been like that. We were doing the broadcast and I would say that most every day he plays; he does something that stands out to help his team win. And, as hard as runs the bases, as hard as he goes trying to run out grounders, seemingly, he never makes a mistake in the outfield. Wherever you play him, he like makes a good play for you.

“Yes, he is dedicated to going out there and getting the job done. You can see it when he plays. It’s just great to watch.

Charlie: When you see a guy like that, and I always see him in the clubhouse early, he always watches video. He always has a mindset and an approach to how he’s going to go against the starting pitcher that night. He is a great example for the young players. He’s prepared to play every day.”


“Exactly, and you really have to watch him to learn. There are a bunch of guys like that. They all get there early and work hard—no matter what—whether they are struggling or not. They go out there and know what they have to do and keep on battling.”

Charlie: One of the things I love about watching you, going back to a start earlier this year, where you didn’t have a good one at home. You were knocked out early; most guys would sit there through the end of the inning and then go inside the clubhouse. The trainer is going to get them iced down and may come back to the clubhouse later. But, you didn’t leave the dugout. You weren’t gone for very long. And when you did go inside, you made sure you were right back out there sitting next to Tim Redding, sitting next to the veterans. And you told me after, when I asked you about this—you were talking about what went wrong that day. A lot of guys would just brood about it, be inside, maybe even watch TV or tape of what happened. You felt it was more valuable to be in the dugout and talking with your fellow pitchers.

“There is only so much TV you can watch. You learn the most in your losses. You learn some things from your wins, but you learn the most from when you lose. Definitely, you want to be around guys that have been in that same spot—and you watch the game. I was out in the third or fourth inning (that day) and I just didn’t feel like being in the clubhouse. I just wanted to still be out there cheering the team on. Hopefully, we can come back. But, I definitely learn more from sitting there (on the bench) taking in everything.”

Charlie: As Pitchers, Starting Pitchers especially, if you are not charting for the next day—now since that is done inside in the video room because of the technology—and you might get to listen to us (on the radio with Dave Jageler) botch whatever pitch call we make that day (chuckling). But, you can sit next to Tim Redding and say, “Hey, I know I was off. What did you see?” You can pick his brain about what he might have saw that was different about what might have been different about you that day than in other starts?

“Not really. It’s just based on what he has gone through. We are such different pitchers. He is more of a power guy. I have to work on my command. But, it’s just based on how I react after a start and how to forget about what just happened—move on. And that is the toughest part—not to dwell on bad things—but to improve and just get better. (Tim Redding) has really helped me out with that.”

Charlie: Part of your success has been that back door slider that you started to throw at a game in New York—earlier—with Wil Nieves catching you. You had never thrown that pitch, that way before.

“Yeah, that was the first game I ever threw like that. I just woke up that morning and said (to himself) that looks like a good idea against these guys. I went out there and threw it. I kind of got away from it in the last couple of games. But, I still got that slider working. So, I am continuing to move forward with what works.”

Charlie: It’s interesting. If you watch a pitcher change an approach and do something they have not done and the hitter is so locked in on what they saw in video of previous games—if you do something different—you see a lot of guys just stand there and take the pitch.

“That’s just adapting. That’s just something you need to do because these hitters are good.”

Question: Since you pitched and played with just about everyone throughout virtually the entire organization last year—is there one particular teammate that stands out to you that is not currently on the Major League Roster?

“There is a ton. But, one of my good friends, Craig Stammen, he’s climbing the ladder too. He started at Potomac (Single A) and now he is in Columbus (AAA). He’s a hard worker, great kid. There are a lot of different guys. Marco Estrada is another pitcher. And Corey Van Allen. I have never played with him, but he’s one of my best friends too. He is definitely a great lefty pitcher coming up through the ranks. There are a lot of guys and I need a couple of minutes to really think about it.”

Question: Who are the toughest batters for you to face? Who do you really not want to see standing in the batters box?

“The usual guys. The great guys of the game. Albert Pujols—although I have not faced him in situation yet. Lance Berkman is tough. Ian Stewart is tough, recently (chuckling). Chipper Jones—all those big name guys. They are tough and that’s what they get paid for because that is what they do. They have been doing it for years.”

Charlie: How hard was that start in Colorado? You are having a great start, one pitch changes it there and the game got out of hand in the next inning?

“Yes, that start was a little tough to take. That one pitch and he (Stewart) hit it a long way (game tying home run). You have to give credit to the hitter, but it’s tough when you have one of your very last pitches be a home run.”

Charlie: Some guys have the type of year you are having. You pitch well, but you don’t get the run support and you can’t win those games. Then, there was one time this year where you got a win when you thought you were horrible—you threw more balls than strikes and I remember you telling me “I was terrible”.

“Yeah, you can have those start and still get the win. That’s why I don’t really concentrate on wins and losses because it doesn’t really say how you did that game. But wins are great. I’ll take a couple more wins.”

Charlie: I know it’s tough to have double-digit losses. I am sure have said to you—a couple of really good pitchers lost a lot of games their first year or two in the Big Leagues—Tom Glavine, who you have been compared to the way you pitch; Greg Maddux, even John Smoltz lost a lot of games early in his career.

“It’s too early to say (about me). Those guys are just great. 300 Wins is unbelievable. 3000 Strikeouts is unbelievable. Those guys are what I strive to be—some day.”

Charlie: When you get to see these guys who you saw growing up, now sitting in the opposing dugout—is that a little bit of a mind blow?

“Yes, definitely. To pitch against John Smoltz when he was going for his 3000th Strikeout was definitely cool. Then, I met Tom Glavine and he even signed an autograph for me. Those guys are just great in games and its fun to watch them pitch.”

Charlie: What was it like to pitch in New York for the first time?

“I love it just because my family was there—people who had not had the chance to see me in DC. They all came out and it was great for them. I just happy for them to be there and see me pitch.”

Question: What is your best pitch?

“My best pitch is a strike!! (Everyone laughing) But that is the best pitch in the game (seriously). A strike is the best pitch in the game. But a fastball is definitely what I live by.”

Final Question from Charlie: You are pitching at Potomac last year—lights out. They tell you that you are going up to the next level. Then, you are not there very long at Double A and on you go to AAA and by late July—it’s The Big Leagues. Were you shocked each time they told you, you were moving up?

“I was most shocked moving up to Double A. I was most nervous moving up to Double A. Just because I had never been above Single A ball. That was definitely the most nerve racking. I was the most nervous then.”

“Don’t get me wrong that I was not nervous getting the call to The Big Leagues. (AAA Manager) John Stearns called me into his office and told me I was going to pitch in Philly—I was definitely very nervous. But, there was talk about me going up, so I was mentally building myself up. But when I got called up to Double A, I had no clue. And they (The Organization) just threw it on me and I said—Wow!”


With that answer the Q & A Session of The ESPN Zone "Meet & Greet" with John Lannan came to an end. Our Number 31 then signed autographs and took pictures with those attending. There will be one more Lunch Time "Meet and Greet" in September--date and player to be announced.

Save-A-Life Blood Drive

This Saturday, August 16th, Our Washington Nationals and The American Red Cross are teaming up for their Annual "Saturday Save-A-Life Blood Drive. WTTG-TV 5 and WDCA-TV 20 are also participating. From 8AM to 2PM, anyone wishing to donate blood to The American Red Cross may do so at New Nationals Park inside The Conference Center.

Our Manager Manny Acta and Our Third Baseman Ryan Zimmerman will be on hand to greet donors from 12:30PM until 1:30PM that day. Anyone participating in the Blood Drive will also receive two free tickets to an upcoming September Home Game.

Complete Details in The Press Release:

Washington Nationals, WTTG-TV Fox 5 and WDCA-TV My20 Host Fourth Annual Save-A-Life Saturday Blood Drive to Benefit the American Red Cross

WHAT: The Washington Nationals, WTTG-TV FOX 5 and WDCA-TV My20 are teaming up with the American Red Cross for the Fourth Annual “Save-A-Life Saturday” to save lives through blood donation. All participants will receive two tickets to a Washington Nationals home game in September, an American Red Cross T-shirt and the knowledge that they’ve helped save a life. The 2007 Save-A-Life Saturday drive collected 140 pints of useable blood.

WHO: Washington Nationals second-year Manager Manny Acta, and WTTG-TV anchors Sue Palka and Tony Perkins taped television and in-stadium Public Service Announcements (PSA’s) to promote “Save-A-Life Saturday.”

Nationals Manager Manny Acta and Third Baseman Ryan Zimmerman will greet donors from 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm to thank them for their contribution. WTTG-TV anchor Will Thomas will be on-site from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm to promote the event. Nationals Mascot “Screech” will also make an appearance.

WHEN: Saturday, August 16, 2008

8:00 am – 2:00 pm

Washington Nationals vs. Colorado Rockies

First Pitch – 7:10 pm

WHERE: Nationals Park

Conference Center 1500 South Capitol St, SE

Blood donors may enter Nationals Park through the Third Base Gate, located on South Capitol Street in between N St & Potomac Ave, SE .

For more information and/or to schedule your donation appointment, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE.

Junior Nationals Club

“I just know from personal experience as a young kid, having my first interaction with a professional sports team or a specific player is something I have remembered forever," stated Sydney Golden, Marketing and Promotions Assistant for Our Washington Nationals. "And it’s something I have remembered for my life. So, that is our main goal. We want to make sure we reach out to our younger fans, get them involved and let them know they are important to Our Organization.”

Recently, Ms. Golden and I were discussing The Junior Nats Club, a program sponsored by Our Washington Nationals, Harris Teeter Grocery Stores and Dasani Water (A Coca Cola Product). Open to children 12 Years Old and Under, membership has already reached nearly 2000 kids in number. This topic came up for discussion after Sohna and I noticed a Father with his Daughter carrying a special Junior Nationals Club Lunchbox at a recent home game at New Nationals Park.

As it turns out--The Jr. Nats Club has two memberships. One is complimentary and includes a Membership Card, an Autographed Photo of Screech, and a few special email invitations to a Meet & Greet with The Racing Presidents and Screech during the season.

And then there is the more exclusive MVP Membership.

Sydney Golden explains: "The MVP Membership for $15 gives you a whole bunch of options and great benefits. One of which is that great Lunch Box you saw. And inside the Lunch Box is a Membership Card, Autographed Photo of Screech, Stickers and best of all—a ticket booklet for Buy One/Get One Free Tickets for ALL SUNDAY HOME GAMES and 10% off at The Team Store (at New Nationals Park) on any sort of merchandise. Plus, all Kids in this particular Membership Program get a special MVP Line for ‘Kids Run The Bases’ Sundays after the Nationals play their scheduled game. This exclusive line goes onto the field first—before everyone else. So, these MVP Kids do not have to wait as long.”

“Also, these kids receive a special invitation to participate in a special (baseball) clinic on the field and all their names are included in special drawings throughout the season to be a part of ‘The Starting 9’ (When kids take the field with players for Our Washington Nationals right before a home game begins) and another to say ‘Play Ball!!’ before the start of selected games.”

Parents can sign their children up online at Nationals.com,--at New Nationals Park during every Sunday Home Game throughout the season--or by filling out and mailing in registration forms available at Harris Teeter Grocery Stores in the DC Area. The MVP Membership, including The Lunch Box, can be picked up at any Sunday Home Game at the specially marked table set up near The Kids Strike Zone. Our Washington Nationals can make special arrangements for parents who might not be able to attend an upcoming Sunday Game to pick up the Membership Kit from the team at other home games.

And just because the 2008 Baseball Season is winding down does not mean the MVP benefits of any kid joining The Junior Nationals Club are not as worthwhile for signing up right now.


“No, definitely not," says Ms. Golden. " We still have a few more on field activities planned, and the lunch box itself is something the kids really enjoy as it can be used year round. Remember, you still get the stickers and the autographed photos, the special line for Kids Run The Bases. So no, it’s not a waste of $15 and I really believe it’s a small fee for the benefits received in return. The Lunch Box by itself is a great gift. A very nice item. Obviously, the ticket discounts still are in effect for the remainder of the Sunday Home Games and ‘Kids Run The Bases’ will occur for three more home dates.”

There is one more date scheduled for Junior Nats Club Members to take the field as The Starting 9 and call out 'Play Ball'. The Buy One/Get One Coupons for Sunday Home Games are available for any price range ticket at New Nationals Park, except for Premium Seats--Presidents Club and Diamond Club.

"We are actually quite proud of that 2000 number (of Jr. Nats Members) and it’s growing all the time," concluded Ms. Golden. "We definitely make the effort to get our younger fans involved and The Nationals believe the great fan experience, especially for kids, comes from giving them the opportunity, to maybe do a Meet & Greet, have that special fan experience they will remember. This is really beneficial for them and helps The Nationals build a relationship with younger fans.”

Once a child enrolls in the Junior Nats Program, parents are encouraged to leave an email address for contact. Our Washington Nationals send out a mass email to all upcoming events, or in rare case a Meet & Greet or Kids Run The Bases Event is cancelled or the date moved. Parents can be notified. And Sydney Golden says Our Team does not use the email addresses to solicit more spam in your inbox--all email addresses for The Jr. Nats Club are only used to inform about planned activities. Membership runs on a Yearly Basis, so if you join now--your child's membership will expire on December 31st of 2008. But, Ms. Golden says Our Washington Nationals are looking into having a few events this fall for members after the conclusion of the 2008 Baseball Schedule.

2009 Membership in The Junior Nationals Club will be available around the beginning of Spring Training next February or March.

Here is the link for further information to The Junior Nationals Club.

Squandered

Manny had never been so agitated in his two years as Our Manager. Yes, that's right, Manny Acta was giving Home Plate Umpire Rob Drake the business. Raising his left arm HIGH ABOVE his head. A motion to signal that he well believed that Saul Rivera's just thrown high pitch HAD NOT glanced off The New York Mets' Damian Easley's Helmet, but instead had bounced off his bat.

Important for one very good reason.

Because when Umpire Drake ruled Hit By Pitch-David Wright came trotting home from third base with the go ahead run in the top of the 8th inning for New York. A crucial error. A set back that sent Manny into a Tizzy. Was Our Number 14 ever pissed!! Yelling and screaming into Drake's Face. Something NEVER WITNESSED BEFORE by Our Fans. Yet, incredibly, Acta did not get tossed. Not even after continuing his argument with First Base Umpire--Mike Reilly--The Crew Chief.

Manny wasn't giving in. And he wasn't letting up. And everyone on hand watching--was getting into this spectacle.

A moment never seen before at New Nationals Park. Maybe--it was about time Acta got mad.

Of course--The Umpires weren't giving in as well, and they weren't letting Our Manager's words change their opinions.

As the announced crowd of 32,186 rose to their feet watching, The Washington Fans were cheering on Manny's unexpected outburst. New York Fans were cheering The Mets Good Fortune. And every single TV monitor in the entire viewing area for fans--went blank. This expected for a controversial call. But what was strange to see was the blackout that took place inside Andrew's Suite on the 3rd Base Side of New Nationals Park. Visiting with Our Friend Tonight, we were all sort of stunned that The MASN Broadcast was taken away even there. Usually, in the suites--all the plays are shown--even the controversial ones.

So, The African Queen, Andrew, all his invited guests and I had no real idea whether Our Number 14's complaints rang true. But, what was clear as Manny Acta slowly walked off the field--STILL YELLING AT CREW CHIEF REILLY (so much so, for the briefest of instances it appeared The First Base Umpire was THAT CLOSE to tossing him from the game)--was that Our Washington Nationals were in hole--of their own doing--and no turning of an arbiters decision was going to help them tonight.

This top of the 8th inning had started as a tie game--three apeice, but Saul Rivera had quickly gotten himself in a big hole--when he allowed consecutive singles to David Wright and Carlos Beltran with no outs, then walked Fernando Tatis after striking out Carlos Delgado. Our Number 52 was struggling again, with the game on the line and it was about time to get someone up in Our Bullpen to bail him out.

No One from Our Washington Nationals came to Saul's Assistance.

And The Umpires were not going to assist Rivera either. The Hit-By-Pitch Stood and, as it turned out became The Game Winning Run.

Once again, Our Washington Nationals had tormented themselves. Lost another winnable ball game because when most all the crucial moments came tonight--they squandered their chances.

More cases in point.

In the top of the 3rd--with Wright on 2nd base with a two out double--the switch hitting and dangerous Carlos Beltran was stepping to the plate to bat righthanded against lefthanded throwing Odalis Perez, Our Starter this evening. With the lefty swinging Carlos Delgado scheduled next for The Mets--why pitch to Beltran, especially after falling behind 3-0 in the count? Beltran was looking for something to drive. Delgado would have been a better choice to pitch to--under the circumstances. As it turned out--Carlos Betran would smack a double down the leftfield line scoring Wright with New York's third run of the evening. An avoidable score--if Washington had pitched to the percentages--played the odds. There were two outs. Why not pitch to our advantage, not theirs?

Later, in the bottom of the 6th, Lastings Milledge bunted for a base hit just down the first base line from home plate. The Mets Catcher Ramon Castro pounced on the ball--and with Our Number 44 running directly toward first and slightly in on the dirt path--Castro rushed his throw and threw down the right field line--past a diving Delgado covering. A ruled single and error that sent Milledge to second base with NO BODY OUT. Then, inexplicably, Our Washington Nationals TOP RBI MAN--Jesus Flores--BUNTED. Yes, BUNTED!! with a fast runner in scoring position against Johan Santana--New York's Ace.

Why in the world did Our Number 3 attempt a bunt? A bad one as it turned out. The hit ball dribbling right back to Santana on the mound--who quickly threw Flores out at first base--giving Lastings no chance to scurry to third base. A waste of an out. A giving up of Our Top RBI Guy. If that signal to bunt came from Our Dugout--there is something wrong. There is no excuse for Jesus Flores to be bunting in that situation with the tying run already in scoring position with Washington down one run.

None, whatsoever. Johan Santana was in trouble--why make it easier for him?

And finally, down 4-3 to The Mets after Damian Easley was hit to score Wright in the controversial call of this game--Milledge and Flores stepped to the plate against side arm throwing Joe Smith in the bottom of the 8th and proceeded to swing at every single off speed pitch thrown by the big righthander. With Austin Kearns on first with no one out--Our Numbers 44 and 3 waved at Smith's slop. They had no chance to get a hit, because they had no idea how to face Smith's natural upshoot on all his pitches.

Just like that--any last momentum was wasted, and Our Washington Nationals had absorbed another loss--their fifth in a row--and 76th of 2008.

Final Score on one of the nicest August Summer Nights (Weather wise) you may ever spend at New Nationals Park--The New York Mets 4 and Our Washington Nationals 3. A close game lost--because Washington squandered every good chance. Even after Our Manager Manny Acta SHOCKED EVERYONE with an emotional display, so rare, you HAD TO BELIEVE he was right in his argument. Whether he was or not--I have no idea. But, his blowup was good to see.

Game Notes & Highlights

Odalis Perez just sort of hung in there tonight. But he did give up all three of his earned runs with two outs. New York scoring their first two runs in the 1st when Beltran doubled down the line scoring Nick Evans (who had singled) and Delgado flared one to center scoring Beltran. Perez would allow his third run of the evening on Beltran's Two Out Double in the 3rd, when Odalis should have intentionally walked Their Number 15 to reach Delgado.

Of course Our Number 45 was saved BIG TIME in the top of the third--moments before Beltran knocked in David Wright with that third run. Jose Reyes had led off the top of the 3rd with an infield single. A dribbler that Odalis poorly played and rushed a backhand toss to first. A play where Perez had more time than he believed to complete the play. Safe, nonetheless, New York's Leftfielder Nick Evans would then step to the plate and DRILL A DEEP LINER over the head of Willie Harris in leftfield. Running hard toward the warning track, near The EXXON MOBIL Sign on the green padded wall--Our Number 1 leaped at the very last possible second with his left hand, his glove hand, and SNARED THE BASEBALL just inside the padded portion of his mitt. While stumbling, but not falling down, Willie Harris had the moxie to quickly turn and throw a good toss to Emilio Bonifacio cutting the baseball off just behind second base in the outfield grass. Jose Reyes was running on the play and despite his speed, had no chance to return safely to first base. A Willie Harris to Emilio Bonifacio to Ronnie Belliard combination had produced a miraculous Double Play and easily The Defensive Play of The Game. In fact, one of the best of this season. And for Our Number 1, once again, this effort made him a DEFENSIVE STAR.

You have to appreciate the hustle Willie Harris brings to the ballpark Every Single Game. Every Single Day.

Jose Reyes would also be robbed on a sure double by Ryan Zimmerman in the top of the 9th--when he slapped a laser down the leftfield line. Our Number 11, showing his catlike reflexes--quickly down to his right and caught the baseball, moments before it hit the ground and scooted past him--for the out.

Washington would score their first two runs of the evening in the bottom of the 1st when "The Guz" doubled down the leftfield line, Zimmerman followed with a liner to center for a single--scoring Cristian Guzman. Austin Kearns followed with a single of his own and Jesus Flores--one out later--would produce his 52nd RBI of the year with his own single to center, scoring The "Z" Man.

Ryan Langerhans tied this game up in the bottom of the 7th in unexpected fashion. Facing the hard throwing and lefthanded Santana, Lefthanded swinging Langerhans JACKED OUT his first home run of 2008 in style with a shot over the rightfield scoreboard wall that set off the fireworks, and at least temporarily, got Washington's Fans back into this game. New York Mets Faithful providing the majority of the noise tonight on South Capitol Street.

Since leaving Denver last Thursday, Emilio Bonifacio has gone Hitless in every game since. As talented as he is, Our New Number 7 (And he changed his number tonight from Number 6) needs to work on hitting the off speed stuff. Emilio chases too many pitches out of the strike zone--getting himself out--on the pitcher's pitch.

As The Relievers for Our Washington Nationals walked to the bullpen before tonight's game--Rookie Steven Shell was sporting a very nifty PINK BACKPACK. He may have been wearing this for some time, but I have never noticed it before. Must be some sort of Rookie Hazing by The Pitchers.



On Teddy Tee-Shirt Tuesday, The African Queen and I stopped by to greet Our Lovable Loser before the game and share race tactics with him. Chatting "Let Teddy Win!!" to spur Teddy on--we apparently had no effect on Our 26th President. During tonight's 4th Inning Presidents Race, Teddy came out--storming into the lead--had the race won--but first got distracted by fans waving his tee-shirts, then turned around and noticed that Large Cat had returned, once again, from previous engagements this year. When Teddy saw The Cat take out Tom at the right field corner--Teddy backtracked and barreled into the cat--losing the race--to Abe.

Teddy 0 for 177 Lifetime in The Presidents Race.


Finally, it was quite the night in Andrew's Suite at New Nationals Park. Always the gracious host, not only was "Doc" Walker in attendance in a Full House, but so were some young ladies from The Washington Glory.


Four Players from Washington's Professional Softball Team. The Defending League Champs. On hand--Team Manager Lauren Person, Pitcher Desiree Serrano 2007 NPF Pitcher of The Year, Infielder Jessica Dignon and Pitcher Taryne Mowatt--Former All American and Most Outstanding Player, 2007 ESPY Award Winner for Best Female Athlete and Best Female College Athlete.

And of course--Sohna and I can't forget Marc--who just moved into the area from Sarasota, Florida. He and The African Queen hit it off well.

Tonight's InGame Photos--(AP) Luis M. Alvarez
All Other Photos--Nats320

Nats Express To Use Lot 7 Twice This Week

As has been the case all season--when DC United plays at RFK Stadium on the same days as Our Washington Nationals, the Free Nats Express Shuttle Service will move from Lot 8 to Lot 7 at the Old Ballyard of East Capitol Street.

Plan Accordingly--if you use The Nats Express Service to New Nationals Park on a regular basis. Games to be affected are Tonight's (Tuesday Night) August 12th affair, as well as, Thursday August 14th. Both weeknight games versus The New York Mets.

Here is the complete press release:

Nats Express to Operate Out of RFK Lot 7 on Tuesday, August 12, 2008 and Thursday, August 14, 2008

WHAT: Washington Nationals fans choosing to park for free at RFK Stadium and take the Nats Express to Nationals Park may park in Lot 7 on Tuesday, August 12 and Thursday, August 14, 2008. Due to D.C. United games, RFK Stadium Lot 8 will not be available to Nationals fans. Lot 7 may be accessed off the Whitney Young Bridge (East Capitol Street) or off of Oklahoma Avenue. The Nats Express begins ninety minutes prior to Nationals home games.

WHO: Washington Nationals Fans choosing to take the free Nats Express

WHEN: Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Thursday, August 14, 2008

WHERE: RFK Memorial Stadium Lot 7
Oklahoma Ave & East Capitol Streets, SE

Two More Signed. #1 To Go

Late this afternoon, Our Washington Nationals announced the signing of their 3rd and 4th Round Draft Picks from the 2008 entry draft. Shortstop Daniel Espinosa and Left-handed Pitcher Graham Hicks. Now, Washington just need to sign their Number 1 Pick Aaron Crow. Four more days get him under contract.

Another Good Sign (or signings--depending on how you read it).

NATIONALS AGREE TO TERMS WITH SHORTSTOP DANIEL ESPINOSA & LEFT-HANDED PITCHER GRAHAM HICKS

The Washington Nationals agreed to terms with shortstop Daniel Espinosa and left-handed pitcher Graham Hicks, their third and fourth-round selections in this year’s First-Year Player Draft. Nationals Senior Vice President and General Manager Jim Bowden, Vice President of Baseball Operations and Assistant General Manager Mike Rizzo, and Director of Scouting Dana Brown made this joint announcement.

The 21-year-old Espinosa is a plus defensive infielder who hit .309 with 13 doubles, six triples, four home runs and 37 RBI as a junior this season at Long Beach State (CA), while compiling a .392 on-base percentage and earning an honorable mention nod on the Easton Big West All-Conference Team. Prior to his junior campaign, Espinosa was the starting shortstop and won a silver medal for Team USA in the 2007 Pan American Games.

A two-time All-Big West honoree, he was named the conference’s Freshman of the Year after batting .281 with 19 extra-base hits, 31 runs scored and 23 RBI as a college rookie. He batted .319 with a team-best seven home runs, 44 runs scored, 13 doubles, four triples and 40 RBI as a sophomore. The switch hitter graduated from Mater Dei High School (CA), where he lettered all four years and was twice recognized as an All-League selection. As a high school junior, he was a starter and batted .483 for the 2003 US Youth National Team that won a gold medal in Taiwan.

Hicks, 18, is coming off a spectacular career at George Jenkins High School (FL), which included a 15-2 record and 0.41 ERA with 155 strikeouts in 119.0 innings over his final two seasons. The 6-foot-5 southpaw dominated his competition as a senior, going 8-1 with a 0.24 ERA and earning a spot as a FACA Senior All-Star. He received an All-State honorable mention as a junior, compiling a 9-1 mark with a 0.53 ERA en route to a district title. Hicks led his AAU team to a 2007 national championship in the World Wood Bat Association’s 18-and-under division.

To date, the Nationals have agreed to terms with 28 players selected in this year’s Draft:

Ladies Night--Part Two

For the second time this season--Our Washington Nationals will hold Ladies Night. The opportunity for women to meet and greet with like minded ladies having an interest about Baseball in Washington. Thursday, August 14th is the next scheduled date on the Rooftop of Garage B located just beyond the leftfield wall of New Nationals Park--near The Center Field Gate Entrance off N Street, SE.

Sohna attended the first event earlier this year and is making a return engagement for Part Two. She enjoyed spending time with the many whom attended back on June 5th. Included in your $30 Ticket and admission to that night's ballgame versus The New York Mets are a host of activities--to go along with food, drink, dancing and exhibitors.

All The Details In The Press Release:

Washington Nationals Host Ladies Night Out and Home Run Happy Hour on Thursday, August 14, 2008

WHAT: The Washington Nationals will host Ladies Night Out and Home Run Happy Hour on Thursday, August 14 when the Nationals take on the New York Mets at 7:10pm. The happy hour will take place at 5:00pm on the Rooftop of Garage B overlooking Nationals Park. Guest may enjoy live entertainment, happy hour drink specials, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, wine tasting, massages, manicures and have the opportunity to meet select Nationals players. Demonstrations and product samples will be offered by more than 20 exhibitors and the first 500 women to arrive will receive a complimentary Ladies Night tote bag. The Savvy Girls of Summer will present and sign copies of their new book, It Takes More Than Balls, a female’s guide to understanding and enjoying the game of baseball. Comedienne Erin Jackson, a semi-finalist on the television show Last Comic Standing will make a special appearance.

Tickets may be purchased for $30 by visiting nationals.com/ladiesnight. A ticket to the event includes admission to the Home Run Happy Hour as well as a Scoreboard Pavilion game ticket for the evening’s game. Scoreboard Pavilion Seats are located on the Mezzanine Level in Sections 240 through 243 and are valued at $27 apiece.


WHO: Exhibitors Include:

Anheuser Busch Nail Taxi Manicures

DJ Chris Styles Noah’s Pretzels

EGlam Partylite Candles

Even The Score Perfume Village

Hard Times Café Potomac Massage Training Institute

Herb Gordon Mercedes Queen Bee Designs

Honest Tea Sarah of Hot 99.5’s Kane Show

Kysela Pere et Fils, Ltd w/ The Curious Grape Slumber Parties by Kris

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Taylor Made Designs

Live Life Cleaner Trousseau

Mimi’s Vanity Washington Sports Clubs

Minx

Morton’s The Steakhouse

Monument Realty


WHEN: Thursday, August 14

5:00pm Pre-game Home Run Happy Hour

7:10pm Washington Nationals vs. New York Mets


WHERE: Nationals Park

Rooftop Garage B

Half & N Streets, SE

Washington, DC 20003

Back To School Drive--Final Tally

Our Washington Nationals announced this morning that The Player's Wives and Girlfriends, along with The UPS Store received over $6500 and collected 8 Bins of School Supplies during the last weekend homestand against The Cincinnati Reds--August 2nd and 3rd..

This was the second of a--to be scheduled annual event involving Our Washington Nationals. The United States Marine Corp Reserves also participated for their Toys For Tots Literacy Program.

Here is the Teams Official Release.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS FIRST LADIES & THE UPS STORE COLLECT OVER EIGHT BINS OF SCHOOL SUPPLIES AND $6,500 DURING BACK-TO-SCHOOL DRIVE

The Washington Nationals, in partnership with The UPS Store® and the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, collected over eight bins of school supplies and $6,500 at Nationals Park during their second annual Back-to-School Drive. The First Ladies – Nationals players’ wives and girlfriends -- and volunteers from The UPS Store and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve were located outside the Center Field Gates during the weekend games against the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday, August 2 and Sunday, August 3. Collection began when the gates opened to the public and lasted through the bottom of the 4th inning. The Back-to-School Drive is one of the signature programs of the Nationals First Ladies.

The Nationals and The UPS Store will give the school supplies and books collected during the drive to a District school in September. The Toys for Tots Literacy Program, an initiative of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation and The UPS Store, will purchase over 3,000 books for the designated school with the money collected. 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.

One Frustrating Afternoon

Just like watching your children grow up at times, this Sunday was a frustrating afternoon to watch Our Washington Nationals. You may well love them no matter what, but sometimes they just get on your nerves.

Two Defensive Misplays directly led to the end of John Lannan's No Hit Bid and attempted shutout this afternoon at Miller Park.

Then, Ryan Zimmerman produced a fabulous 12 pitch At-Bat against Eric Gagne in a game tied at one apiece. Down 0-2 in the count--Our Number 11 fought off pitch after pitch, so successfully--Gagne started laughing after his 11th toss--fouled off by "Z". An emotion signaling defeat, when Ryan drilled pitch number 12 from Eric, a liner down the left field line with two outs in the top of the 8th. A game changing moment that found Austin Kearns following with a Home Run to left and Lastings Milledge BLASTING AGAIN (Is that man ever Hot!!)--with a downright CLOUT over the left centerfield wall for his 12th Homer. Also off Gagne. Back to Back Home Runs.

A now 4-1 Lead with just six outs to go for the victory. Our Washington Nationals were destined to win.

Only to see Saul Rivera lose command and Joel Hanrahan lose control in the bottom of the 8th. One Single, Two Walks and one exasperating two strike, two out bases loaded lost slider later--The Brewers had tied this ball game at 4. Hardly used backup catcher Mike Rivera had laced Joel's errant pitch deep into the leftfield corner. A bases clearing double that had Milwaukee's 15th Straight Sellout on its feet--roaring in delight.

And Washington heading down that lonely road of defeat--in exasperating fashion again. They weren't coming back from that deflating moment--no matter how hard they tried--though they did give the effort.

Just when you thought Our Washington Nationals were going to get a refreshing and enlightening win--they had found a way to lose the lead. And eventually this game, when Luis Ayala trotted to the mound and IMMEDIATELY gave up the game winning homer--a lead off shot to Gabe Kapler--in the bottom of the 13th. A no doubt homer off the facing of the left field pavilion at Miller Park that found Our Washington Nationals quickly walking off the field--and Our Number 56 seriously wondering whether his days are numbered in a Washington Uniform?

As much as I personally like Luis Ayala--he is simply not getting the job done. Now 1-8 on the season with a 6.05 ERA. Hard to believe--how good he was in 2005. One of the best setup men in the game, with a wicked silder. Now--one bad elbow surgery later--all Our Number 56's pitches tend to roll in over the middle of the plate. Sad really, how quickly Ayala has fallen.

A bad ending to a tormenting day as A Fan of Our Washington Nationals. They had their chances and failed. Even Milwaukee received a gift 13 bases on balls, yet couldn't take advantage of most of the situations. The Brewers were there for the taking--and Our Team did not close the door.

A winnable game lost against a good opponent.

Yes, this was one Frustrating Day For Our Washington Nationals and Their Fans. Some of Our Children produced, others didn't--and then some of the Veterans gave up the affair.

Now losers of three straight after playing so well over the first 7 days of August. Maybe its a part of watching a young team trying to find themselves--but it doesn't make it any more enjoyable. One of the hardest losses of the year. Washington should have won--and didn't.

How does Manny stay so patient and positive? Days like today have to eat at him.

Final Score in 13 baffling innings--The Milwaukee Brewers 5 and Our Washington Nationals 4.

Game Notes & Highlights

For a time I was wondering who would put up the first "One" on the board. Would Our Washington Nationals finally score a run in three game? Or would John Lannan keep The Milwaukee Brewers Hit Less for Nine Innings? For five innings, Our Number 31 fought through four walks to keep The Brewers under wraps. Then, a fielding error by Ronnie Belliard at 1st base missing on a Ryan Zimmerman toss started the downturn for Lannan in the 6th. Add a fifth walk and a blooper into short centerfield by Corey Hart and Milwaukee had tied this game up at one. Thanks to neither "The Guz" or Emilio Bonifacio calling for the ball defiantly. Eventually, Cristian Guzman would tail away from the pop and Our Number 6 appeared afraid--feared of running into the much larger Guzman. The Baseball glancing off Bonifacio's glove for an RBI Single with two outs. Just like that, No Hitter and Shutout Over. The Ball should have been caught. No question--if they were communicating in the field.

Not sure how much longer Our Manager Manny Acta would have left John Lannan in the game--but once again--he pitched well enough to win and only received a No Decision--not the No Hitter. Sadly.

And as much as I love Ronnie Belliard--"The Ballplayer" is not a first baseman. Yeah, I understand that Our Number 10 is playing out of position due to countless injuries--but you would think his footwork around the bag--waiting for throws would be more proficient. Ronnie looks out of place at times attempting to take any throw. How could he not understand the basics? It's not that difficult? Really, it's not. Ronnie Belliard struggled today playing first base.

Lastings Milledge is ON FIRE!! Three more hits today. RBI Single in the 6th to break Washington's 27 Consecutive Innings Scoreless string. And that Colossal BLAST!! into the left centerfield area of Miller Park. Like every hitter, when you are more patient and ahead in the count--you can do some damage. Our Number 44 doing plenty of that lately.

Ryan Zimmerman slowly raising his batting average--not hitting much for power--but standing at the plate with more confidence now. His 12 Pitch At-Bat against Eric Gagne was The Story Of This Game--until Our Bullpen gave up the lead late. In the field--Our Number 11 returning to the fine grace we have all come to expect. Three times this afternoon, Ryan went to his backhand side to snare a liner down the line. How many times can you say it--but Zimmerman is the finest fielding third baseman in the game. He just needs to start producing more at the plate.

The 13 Walks given up today by Our Pitchers were ludicrous. How many times do you have to tell someone--throw some first pitch strikes!! Pitching from ahead in the count is how you succeed. Not by luck--only because The Milwaukee Brewers could not take advantage this afternoon of the Bakers Dozen free passes provided by Washington.

Joel Hanrahan had no reason to throw anything in over the middle of the plate to Mike Rivera with the bases loaded with two outs in the bottom of the 8th. Washington was up by three--there was a fudge factor. Our Number 31 could have attempted to nip the corner and force Rivera to swing at something he would otherwise not. Rivera had two strikes, The Brewers Catcher was going to go for anything close. A bad pitch decision by Joel Hanrahan. Hopefully, he will learn from this mistake.

Saul Rivera had an even stranger day. Our Number 56 recorded five outs, struck out three, but still managed to give up two walks, two hits and eventually the game tying runs (thanks to Hanrahan). Usually effective--Saul was inconsistent for 1.2 innings today in Milwaukee. And his performance set the table for Washington's downfall.

Finally--Has Garrett Mock learned anything from his two previous Major League Starts for Washington June? Tomorrow--Our Number 50 gets the starting nod in this series finale with The Brewers. Time to find out whether Mock has the stuff to perform on The Major League Level. He needs some confidence that comes from a Successful Start.

Today's InGame Photos--(AP) Darren Hauck

Playing Poker

The Business Side Of Baseball is also a game. A Game Of Poker. Posturing, bluffing, sometimes leading others into a direction you well know is not yours.

When it comes to The Entry Draft in Major League Baseball--Our Washington Nationals seem to play it well. Despite all the worry, the cries of shame, without even knowing the truth by many on the outside looking in--again today Washington with a good signing.

Our Washington Nationals have inked Fifth Round Pick, Catcher Adrian Nieto to a contract. Reportedly money well spent and delivered to this 18 Year Old--above slot. The Bonus Money given--above recommendations of Major League Baseball.

You might be able to dicker with The Selections made by Our Washington Nationals--if you fully understood the athletic talent available each and every time Washington has chosen in The Draft over the past two seasons, but you sure can't argue with the fact, so far, Ownership is stepping up and getting their youngsters under contract--building the long term future of Our Franchise.

Good For Them for continuing to make this effort. Now Mr. Lerner, Team President Stan Kasten and Our General Manager Jim Bowden--Let's Add Some More Of Our Youths. Professional Poker can last for days. And Our Washington Nationals have Five More Of Them to get First Round Pick Aaron Crow under contract.

Sunday, August 10th--was good day. Our Farm System continues to be stocked with young talent.

Here is The Official Press Release

NATIONALS AGREE TO TERMS WITH FIFTH-ROUND SELECTION, CATCHER ADRIAN NIETO

The Washington Nationals agreed to terms with catcher Adrian Nieto, the club's fifth-round selection in this year's First-Year Player Draft. He is slated to report to the Nationals' Gulf Coast League affiliate on Tuesday. Nationals Senior Vice President and General Manager Jim Bowden, Vice President of Baseball Operations and Assistant General Manager Mike Rizzo, and Director of Scouting Dana Brown made this joint announcement.
The 18-year-old is considered to have one of the best bats among catching prospects selected in this season's Draft. Nieto led his high school to a state championship as a senior, batting .372 with 16 doubles, five home runs and 38 RBI for American Heritage High School (FL). The switch hitter compiled a .361 batting average with four homers and 17 RBI during an injury-plagued junior campaign, earning him spots in the AFLAC All-American Classic and USA Baseball Tournament of Stars. He entered the national spotlight after hitting .381 with four home runs and 27 RBI during a breakout sophomore season, when he was cited as an AFLAC All-American and was named All-County and Third-Team All-State.

Nieto was born in Havana, Cuba, and emigrated to the United States with his family at the age of four.

To date, the Nationals have agreed to terms with 26 players selected in this year's Draft.



PS--Nieto and Chris Marrero could pass for brothers. They look so alike.

Shutdown Offense

No one took a walk.

No one could figure out another Milwaukee Brewers Starting Pitcher.

And for the second straight night--Our Washington Nationals were shutout.

Big Righthander Ben Sheets getting the honors on Saturday. Like his Lefty Teammate C.C. Sabathia last evening--Sheets would go the distance, and was never threatened.

If fact, this game was never in doubt at Miller Park.

Ben Sheets would pitch nine shutout innings and throw 113 Pitches.

Our Washington Nationals Tim Redding lasted just five innings and threw 105 Pitches--three of which landed over the outfield walls for Milwaukee Home Runs. Ray Durham, J.J. Hardy and Corey Hart all taking Our Number 17 Deep.

That was the difference. And that was This Ball Game.

Final Score from still hopping and Sold Out Miller Park--where Playoff Fever Is Ramping Up--The Milwaukee Brewers 6 and Our Washington Nationals Zero--Zip--Nada. A Shutdown Offense--having now gone 18 Straight Scoreless Innings in Wisconsin.

The 17th Time in 2008 that Washington has been shutout. Easily, the most in The Major Leagues.

No one getting on base, everyone swinging--sometimes seemingly again--without a game plan.

Time to Re-Group and come back against Brewers Lefthander Manny Parra Sunday Afternoon. Parra may be good, but he is no where near the quality of talent that Sabathia and Sheets both possess. Maybe, with John Lannan on the mound, Our Washington Nationals will have a better chance.

Not much more to say about Loss Number 73 of 2008.

Except for the very fact that Lastings Milledge made a terrific catch off the left centerfield wall in the bottom of the 2nd inning. A clubbed shot by The Brewers Corey Hart that found Our Number 44 running hard to his right toward the jutted and odd corner of the ballpark and running nearly face first into the padded outcropping. But still MAKING THE CATCH!! J.J. Hardy would score from third base on a sacrifice fly, but Lastings Milledge had produced The Defensive Play of This Game and hard to believe, he didn't hurt himself in the process. It was a very fine catch.

Tonight's InGame Photo--(AP) Ben Smidt

PS--Charlie Slowes & Dave Jageler on the radio got into this hilarious discussion involving IHOP's Louisiana Banana Foster Pancakes. A regular sponsor on 3WT for Our Washington Nationals--Charlie had just finished reading the IHOP 15 Second Ad Spot live on the air--so quickly and smoothly--that Dave openly praised him for the effort. One remark led to another between these two--the conversation getting so animated that finally an attempt was made to see how quickly Charlie could repeat Louisiana Banana Fosters Pancakes over and over again. They were laughing so hard--it was downright funny. Those guys are great. Even when the game is boring or out of hand--Slowes and Jageler make listening to baseball on the radio--ENJOYABLE. Charlie kept chuckling about the incident for another full inning.

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Buzz Saw

Sellout Crowd, Playoff Implications, Hot Pitcher!! When Our Washington Nationals reach that day in the schedule I will will mighty happy-whether they win or lose. Tonight, The Milwaukee Brewers continued riding the hot Pitching Hand of C.C. Sabathia. Now, 6-0 with four complete games in seven starts in Cheeseland. Yeah, Brett Favre may be Wisconsin's Native Son--now lost--but if C.C. leads The Brewers deep into the playoffs--Old Number 4 for The Green Bay Packers may well be slowly replaced by New Number 52. At least Sabathia can help relieve the pain of Favre now being a New York Jet. That Man Is Pitching Lights Out. And the Brewers better lock him up now--before Sabathia walks after the season. Is he ever impressive!! Old School--wanting to go the distance in every game. Give him the baseball--let him shine. How Great Is That!!

There is a time in The Great Game where you just have to appreciate the desire you just witnessed from your opponent. The effort put forth by this Big Lefthander this evening and his Milwaukee teammates-- Fighting for the Division Title, Fighting for A Wild Card Spot--not wanting to give in to The Cubs, The Cardinals, The Marlins, The Mets, or maybe even The Phillies. Winning was the only object, and that yearning for victory, nothing short of spectacular by The Brewers.

With each and every game, ever more important in the standings--C.C. Sabathia has been Light Outs. For 9 Complete Innings he was The Buzz Saw. As long as his Brewer Teammates were able to score one run tonight--Big Number 52 was going to win. When you can shutout a team early on off speed and breaking stuff--then, just when your opposition believes you might be faltering and you start throwing the gas--effectively--THIS GAME WAS OVER!! What an impressive performance. Sabathia was tossing his heater into the 90's in the final frame. Washington had no chance.

9 Strong Innings from Sabathia. 9 Strikeouts from Their Number 52. Just five hits allowed from Our Youthful Lineup--attempting to adjust, but never able to make the change.

Simply, Our Washington Nationals got beat tonight by A BUZZ SAW. C.C. Sabathia is the hottest pitcher in the game. And as much a disappointment it is to watch Our Team Lose--it's very hard to root against The Milwaukee Brewers. Another Franchise, down on their luck for so long with only one World Series Appearance Ever--1982--and that was one Great Year. Ask Don Sutton. For many years, the so called experts proclaimed that Milwaukee was a Bad Baseball Town. Just like many obsess over Washington, DC being just as putrid.

I have never believed Milwaukee was a bad baseball city. Just like I will never believe Washington, DC is a bad baseball town either. No way--not possible. The interest is just too great.

Everybody just wants to see a winner.

2008 is hopefully The Brewers Time. 2009 and beyond will hopefully be Our Washington Nationals Time. Yeah, we lost tonight, against a hot opponent, but the world hasn't come to an end and there are three more games to play over this extended weekend against Commissioner Bud Selig's Former Team.

At least for one night--I don't feel so bad about a loss. Another Ball Club, long wanting for success--had beaten us.

Final Score from Sold Out and Hopping Miller Park--The Milwaukee Brewers 5 and Our Washington Nationals 0. Washington didn't play bad-they just couldn't get runners on base against that Buzz Saw--C.C. Sabathia.

Game Notes & Highlights

Since Our Washington Nationals couldn't score any runs off C.C, it didn't really matter that Collin Balester only lasted five innings. You could argue that a bad call by Third Base Umpire Marty Foster allowed an unexpected run for Milwaukee in the bottom of the 1st inning. But even if Foster HAD CALLED OUT Rickie Weeks on a grounder to Ryan Zimmerman at Third Base--a play that replays showed "Z" tagged out Weeks on a grounder by Ryan Braun--there was no excuse for Balester losing control over the missed call and delivering an easy over the plate toss to Prince Fielder on the very next pitch to score Weeks for the first run of the game. That was a learning experience for Our 22 Year Old. Not every call will go your way in any game, but you can't get flustered. You have to be professional and a stand up guy--to survive.

No, he wasn't great tonight--but Our Number 40 was educated on pitching in a Playoff Atmosphere, on giving your best, when you obviously don't have it. Down by 4 Runs (three earned) after 5 Frames, Our Washington Nationals could not solve C.C. Sabathia for a comeback.

A quiet offense tonight for Washington. Just five hits, two apiece from Lastings Milledge and Jesus Flores. Another hard thrower tossing tomorrow evening for Milwaukee--Ben Sheets. Can our Washington Nationals solve him? And did Our Young Lineup Learn anything from tonight at Miller Park?

Finally--Why in the world do The Milwaukee Brewers NOT WEAR THOSE GORGEOUS Retro Pinstripe Power Blue Uniforms at each and every home game? The Blue with Gold Trim is CLASSIC. The Glove "MB" Logo" on the cap maybe the most ingenious of my lifetime. For years and years and years, I honestly thought The Brewers Emblem was just a Glove. Only years later, after reaching Adulthood, did I realize their logo was not only a Glove, but their Signature--"MB"

This evening on the radio broadcast, Charlie Slowes highlighted how this classic emblem came about. Apparently, a Milwaukee School Kid in the 1970's produced it and, in his love over His Milwaukee Brewers--submitted the design to the team.

History was made. A Great Story Found. Thank you for telling it--Charlie Slowes.

Tonight's InGame Photos--(AP) Ben Smidt

10,000 Tickets Donated To Kids In The Region

In their latest press release, Our Washington Nationals claim to have distributed over 10,000 Tickets to August Ball Games at New Nationals Park. The effort providing the opportunity for youngsters to experience A Major League Game in The District of Columbia. One of the many community oriented projects in which Washington's Baseball Team is involved.

Here is the entire team press release.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS DISTRIBUTE OVER 10,000 TICKETS IN SUPPORT OF MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL’S COMMISSIONER’S INITIATIVE FOR KIDS

The Washington Nationals today announced they have distributed over 10,000tickets to community and civic groups in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area for games at Nationals Park from August 1 through August 30. The ticket distribution is a part of the 2008 Commissioner’s Initiative for Kids Program, developed in 2004 as a way to provide tickets to children who may not otherwise have an opportunity to attend a Major League Baseball game. The Nationals donated tickets to a variety of community groups, including Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington and DC Parks & Recreation -- King Greenleaf Recreation Center. Most Valuable Kids, a partner of the Nationals which offers children’s groups access to professional and collegiate sports and entertainment events through an online ticket donation and reward system, helped to distribute hundreds of tickets to underserved youth.

The Washington Nationals are committed to providing programs that enhance education, increase participation in youth baseball and softball, while improving the quality of life in the local communities of the District of Columbia, Northern Virginia, and Maryland.

Recipient Organizations

Allow God Ministries, Alternative House, ANC 6D, Arlandia Health Center, Baden Aquasco Little League, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, Catholic Youth Organizations, Center City Consortium/Catholic Charter Schools, Center for Adoption Education and Support, Children’s National Medical Center, Community of Hope Freedom School, Compel Them Outreach, Covenant House, DC Department of Mental Health: Parent and Development Program and Child and Family Services Center, DC Dynasty Youth Baseball, DC Parks & Recreation – King Greenleaf Recreation Center, DC Youth Advisory Council, Dewitt Warrior Transition Program, DMB Sports Camp, Early Childhood Academy Public Charter School, Educating Youth Through Employment Program, Evangel Assembly of God Youth Ministries, Exodus Treatment Center Youth Department, Fourth District Metropolitan Police Department, Friendship Baptist Church, Friendship House, Girl Scouts of the Nation’s Capital, Green County Little League, Helping Young People Express, Hillcrest T-Ball/Baseball, Hope for Henry, KIPP DC Charter School, Latin American Youth Center, Liberian United Methodist Church, Lifestyles of Maryland, Maryland Sheriff’s Youth Ranch, Metropolitan Baptist Church, MS Society KidVenture, Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, Most Valuable Kids, Nations Capital Young Marines, One Economy Corporation, Rape Abuse & Incest National Network , RecPac, Roots Activity Learning Center, Sasha Bruce Youthwork, Second Baptist Church Southwest, Shaw Middle School, So Others Might Eat: SOME Place For Kids, St. Joe’s School, Starlight Mid-Atlantic, TSN Ministries, Visitors’ Service Center, Youth Entrepreneurial Services

A Fresh Attitude

Last Friday Night the fun began when Our Washington Nationals stepped onto the field to play The Cincinnati Reds. Six Days Later, the merriment has yet to end. Today, a doubleheader sweep of The Colorado Rockies in Denver gave DC's Team their sixth win in 7 games. Our Washington Nationals looking more and more like a Real Major League Squad.

Thanks to a new willingness to practice what you preach.

Thanks to a new effort to play hard.

Thanks to newly rejuvenated teammates apparently happy to be playing together again.

And Thanks to a Fresh New Attitude.

As Our Washington Nationals were walking off the field congratulating each other this afternoon after taking Game One, the sight of "The Guz" turning around and HUGGING Lastings Milledge was quite revealing. At a time a Youth Moment is making an impact on The Major League Level, and at the very time Veterans have limited space on Our Roster--one of Washington's most senior players thanked his far younger teammate. Happy to be a part of the future.

Unlike the excess baggage tossed aside last Thursday Night, Cristian Guzman apparently cares. A proud player who understands the current forward movement of Our Washington Nationals. Our Number 15 has embraced the positives. Enthusiasm Paul LoDuca, Felipe Lopez and Johnny Estrada lost over season's past.

Not much negative coming out of Coors Field this Thursday Afternoon and Early Evening.

Jason Bergmann pitched one fabulous Game 1. Throwing first pitch strikes, not giving in to a good Colorado Rockies Lineup, I actually thought, he was also going to go the distance and produce a shutout. The same feelings which crossed my mind two nights ago--when John Lannan was pitching into the 7th. Of course, the very moment I had convinced myself Our Number 57 was going all the way--Matt Holliday took him deep for a Home Run, killing the shutout. And when Our Manager Manny Acta came out of the dugout to replace him--that killed any chance of a Complete Game for Our Number 57. But, that one solo shot did not take away from Bergmann's Outstanding Performance. Gaining his first Victory since May 15th at Shea Stadium, you better believe this win was a HUGE RELIEF for Jason. He deserved it. Bergmann had suffered for far too long.

And he had Lastings Milledge to thank in big way for his second win of 2008. Our Number 44 Blasting Out with his finest game of the season and combining that with his Game Two Effort--maybe his finest Day In The Major Leagues--EVER. Two Home Runs, 4 RBI's in Game One. Two Hits and an RBI in the nightcap. And just to prove this was Lastings' Day, Milledge with a very athletic dive and sprawled out catch on a liner to his right, running in, during the bottom of the 9th of Game Two. The Defensive Play Of This Day on a drive by Colorado Pinch Hitter Seth Smith. Nicely Done By Lastings. Even I have to give him credit for that play. Lastings Milledge had it all the way.

In fact, Milledge made such a fine catch I thought Charlie Slowes was going to have a conniption on the radio. Dave Jageler was probably searching for the oxygen tank to assist Charlie through the play-by-play. Was he ever excited!!

A good feeling shared by many this afternoon.

In Game One, Emilio Bonifacio was again a spark plug. Ryan Zimmerman, Ronnie Belliard and Willie Harris providing some key hits and scores. And Joel Hanrahan stepped to mound in the bottom of the 9th to record his 2nd Save of his Major League Career. An effort repeated in Game Two, when Our Number 38 blew away The Rockies in the bottom of the 9th, for the second time in less than 4 hours--to record his Third Save as Our Closer. Did you see Joel's SMILE while shaking hands with his Game Two Catcher Wil Nieves? Priceless--the sign of a very happy ball club.

Bonifacio, Harris, Milledge, Ryan Langerhans and Wil Nieves providing the sparks in Game Two--helped along by another fine effort from Veteran Starter--Odalis Perez. Seemingly working from the stretch all afternoon, Our Number 45 survived through six innings and received some solid offensive support. Since the Re-Structuring Of Our Washington Nationals on August 1st, Odalis Perez has pitched better baseball. Good Defensive work behind him hasn't hurt him either.

Both Bergmann and Perez combining to assist Our Manager Manny Acta from destroying his bullpen from overuse during the doubleheader. A break the relievers truly needed with an overnight flight upcoming and 10 more ball games scheduled ahead, before their next full day off.

As Our Washington Nationals move deeper into the August Schedule they are quickly becoming a better ball club, comfortable with each other, trusting of each other's abilities. Everyone knows, winning is always more fun, but with Victory comes The Confidence. That assured feeling that you can compete with anyone. Yeah, Our Washington Nationals have only beaten two lesser teams since the calendar moved out of July, 2008--but you better believe when Our Team steps off that plane early tomorrow morning in Milwaukee--they will be walking with that undoubting belief--the self assurance--that comes from competing hard. Our Washington Nationals knowing they CAN NOW BEAT one of The National Leagues better teams--The Brewers in a four game set.

No one would have thought that possible, just 8 Days ago.

The Final Scores from Coors Field, A Twin Killing in Double Take Style. Our Washington Nationals 6 And The Colorado Rockies 3 in both affairs. Curly 'W's Numbers 43 & 44 proving that practicing together, playing together, WANTING TO BE A TEAM TOGETHER has opened up a whole new atmosphere for Washington. As The African Queen stated: How Fitting, Our Number 44 played such a key role in Victory Number 44.

A Fresh Attitude among Our Players. A perception finally perceived by Our Coaches that these young men, Our Players, may well take instruction after all. If that doesn't get me up and cheering, I don't know what will.

PS--Nothing pleased me more than reading this article in The Washington Post this morning concerning Our Players praising the very fact that Manny wants them out on the field, taking batting practice, fielding practice, not just sitting in the clubhouse playing cards and watching TV before every game. Our Number 14 is apparently getting his Clubhouse back and it is nice to know that Our Players are responding--positively. A GREAT SIGN!! for Our Near and Long Term Future.

Hard to believe--Our Washington Nationals won two games in one day this Thursday Afternoon and have won 6 of 7 played so far in August. A far cry from July--when DC's Team was only victorious 5 TIMES ALL MONTH!--Along with 19 Losses. What A Difference in play.

Today's InGame Photos--(AP) David Zalubowski

This Running Joke

So, how is it that Our Manager Manny Acta states to the media yesterday that Elijah Dukes will be ready to play in the next day or two.

That comment coming yesterday, Tuesday August 5th, 2008.

Then, On Wednesday August 6th, Our Washington Nationals announce that Our Number 34 is gone for 4-6 Weeks, basically ending his 2008 Season.

This topic of Our Medical Staff's competence has come up, time after time after time.

And it continues on--rightfully so questioned. A never ceasing theme of discussion. Truly, a debatable issue.

Why is it that, seemingly, each and every time most every player for Our Washington Nationals gets injured--"Day To Day" turns out to be "A Week to 10 Days" to "Out 4 to 6 Weeks", and then--"Out For The Season"?

Sorry, but there is something wrong here with the determination of injuries to Our Players? You have to seriously ponder whether The Washington Doctors are not doing their jobs properly. Really, this is a LEGITIMATE Question. Almost a running joke. For far too long and for too many seasons now--this problem has persisted in The Nation's Capital.

Not only that, but the very fact that Our Washington Nationals continue to play shorthanded in a majority of their games, because Medical Staff does not give clearance to our injured players--is a problem as well. Talent is not available for stretches of time, yet no one is placed on The Disabled List, until a week or more has past. Sorry, from my vantage point, Medical Staff is not doing enough in deciding how severe players are hurt--limiting Our Team from recalling help from The Minors and putting a full 25 Man Roster on the field for each game. Don't you think that Manny deserves to compete with a full roster of players? I do.

Our Washington Nationals have available to them, each and every day, the latest and greatest in medical technology. But, that knowledge and expertise does not appear to be used to it's greatest advantage--finding out what is wrong, medically, with our players.

Dukes was disabled today. How many of you feel that Cristian Guzman should have been placed on The Disabled List the very moment Washington arrived in Los Angeles nearly two weeks ago? Instead, except for token appearances as a pinch runner or defensive fill in, "The Guz" has not been available--due to a sore thumb--taking up a valuable roster space.

Sorry, once again, I don't understand these decisions. And once again, Our Washington Nationals have me confused over how they deal with player injuries and their active roster.

This Sad Saga is continuing and I am getting a little tired of This Running Joke.

Honestly, it's not funny anymore--which makes me fear for Alberto Gonzalez and the described "contusion" of his glute.

Manny Acta/Ryan Zimmerman Photo--Getty Images--Greg Fiume

Our Youth Is Our Future

If Our Washington Nationals are going to build from the bottom up, they need to sign their Number 1 Draft Pick of 2008. No question about it. For Our Team's Future and for Our Fans sake, inking Aaron Crow to a contract is important to baseball in Washington, DC. A positive movement in an otherwise down year.

From Day One, Management has stated that Our Washington Nationals need to rebuild their Farm System. I believe Ownership is still committed to that direction and I have faith in their negotiating efforts. Despite what some have stated, Washington has consistently ponied up the money. Look how some complained last month that NOT ONE TOP Draft Pick was going to be signed for 2008. Destin Hood wrote his name on his contract last month.

So, I am not too worried about the comments made by Team President Stan Kasten at Nationals.com concerning Washington not signing all their picks in this past June's Draft. Rarely, does anyone sign all their top choices. As it happened last year, Washington landed all their top 20 choices.

Clearly, Mr. Kasten is letting everyone know that Our Washington Nationals are not an Open Checkbook to unproven youngsters. I am OK with that. And just because Washington paid above slot for Jack McGeary last season , at the last possible moment, before inking him to a unique deal involving his college education at Stanford--they are not going to be doing the same each and every year. (And remember--few thought Washington would get McGeary under team control also).

Overpaying each and every year can only lead to further signing problems down the road. Remember, how so many agents for NFL Players used to throw out Washington Redskins Owner Daniel Snyder's name in Free Agency just to ramp up contract negotiations with other teams for their clients? They knew Mr.Snyder was Mr. MoneyBags.

Our Washington Nationals should not put themselves in a similar position.

You get what you pay for.

Nothing is guaranteed.

But, there is a time for spending your money wisely.

This coming off-season, Our Washington Nationals will remove nearly $20 Million dollars off their Major League Payroll, more than enough money to sign Aaron Crow, shortstop Daniel Espinosa (3rd Round Pick), left-hander Graham Hicks (4th Round) and catcher Adrian Nieto (5th Round Pick)--that is--if these youngsters and their agents want to play ball with Our Washington Nationals.

Negotiations are a two way street, none of which I am privy to, but here's wishing that Our Washington Nationals can get Crow and at least one additional pick signed by The August 15th Deadline.

We still need an influx of young talent in Our System. Our Washington Nationals have a long way to go. And if Our Youth Is Our Future--no better time than the present to get some of these talented players under team control--for years to come. Being a patient man, I am going to let these negotiations play out. There are still nine full days to go to strike a deal and welcome these new players home.

Command Performance Lost

102 Pitches into tonight's game at Coors Field, John Lannan was pitching the Major League Game of his life. A Shutout, a Two Hitter, A Masterpiece inside, arguably, the most difficult ballpark in America to throw a shutout. Our Number 31 had The Colorado Rockies totally under control, leading 2-0. Three pitches later, this game was INCREDIBLY TIED.

One Inning later, this game was over--For Washington.

Clint Barmes would fight off an off speed pitch with two outs--and single to right. Then pinch hitter Ian Stewart would DRILL Lannan's second offering DEEP and OUT of Coors Field--hammering a fastball into the right centerfield stands. Just like that, Lead Lost, Fine Outing Lost and as it turned out--this game lost.

After receiving a Command Performance from John Lannan through Six and 2/3rds innings--Our Number 31 Lost Command, and so did Our Entire Bullpen--Losing Command of this game.

You talk about falling about. After Lannan was able to retire The Rockies Wily Taveres to end the 7th, Luis Ayala, Charlie Manning and Saul Rivera flat out gave the game away. Not one of these three relievers had ANY COMMAND of their arsenals, giving Colorado command of this affair. The Rockies scoring six runs after one out was recorded in the 8th--when Our Number 56 gave up a bloop double, walk and hit by pitch. Manning followed Luis by allowing a single, walk and another walk scoring two more Rockies Runs. Finally, with two outs, Rivera hit the first batter he faced, then proceeded to give up another walk and a single allowing Colorado to put this game away in miserable fashion. Six runs scored in one terrible bottom of the eighth inning. Playing their worst pitched frame of 2008, Washington lost total control of this game.

All four pitchers for Our Washington Nationals had lost their command this evening--when this game was on the line. Each had faltered dramatically. Pretty hard to believe, shutting out The Rockies, up by two, with just seven outs to win this game--Colorado had fought back, with a great assist from Our Bullpen, to run away with an easy victory for The Rockies. Anyone just seeing the line score from this affair must believe it was not even close. One of the most depressing defeats to watch all season.

No, I was not expecting Our Washington Nationals to go undefeated in August, but it sure looked very likely, Washington would begin this month by winning their first five games. They should have, at least until John Lannan lost his command and Our Washington Nationals lost total command of this ball game. Yeah, it's just another loss, but Our Number 31 deserved a whole lot better this evening in The Mile High City.

Final Score from always interesting Coors Field--The Colorado Rockies 8 and Our Washington Nationals 2. This game, so close to being A GEM, quickly became truly FORGETTABLE.

Game Notes & Highlights

Lannan really threw well. He had a tremendous outing. Until Stewart slammed the game tying home run, there was a distinct possibility that Our Number 31 might go the distance. His curveball was terrific all night. His command of his off speed stuff was setting up his fastball well. The Rockies were flailing at him all evening, even Matt Holliday, couldn't touch him. John Lannan struck out 8 and was mighty solid this evening at Coors Field.

Lastings Milledge made a huge baserunning blunder in the top of the second. With Austin Kearns on first base, Our Number 44 laid down a bunt for a base hit. A nice one. Colorado 1st Baseman Garrett Atkins threw the baseball away behind first base. For whatever reason, Milledge attempted to run to second base on the overthrow as Austin rightly scooted to third base. Lastings was thrown out easily by The Rockies' Pitcher Jorge De La Rosa backing up the play. A poor mental decision by Our Number 44 that may well have cost Washington another early run after Jesus Flores hit a deep drive to score Kearns on a sacrifice fly and Ronnie Belliard followed with a single to center. At times, Lastings Milledge plays the game on talent alone, not through the taught skills of the game.

Later, Ryan Zimmerman would be caught too far off second base as well, when Milledge hit a blooper behind second base for an unassisted double play in the 8th. A Rally Killing Twin Killing with "Z" and Austin on first and second with nobody out.

The Rockies would also swing one SWEET DOUBLE PLAY when, with Ronnie Belliard just off third base and Ryan Langerhans on first with one out in the top of the 7th--Emilio Bonifacio would drill a one hopper right down the third base line--right on the base. Colorado Third Baseman Clint Barmes would snare the baseball--with Our Number 10 standing right in front of him--off the bag. After tagging Belliard out for the second out of the frame, Barmes threw across the infield to retire Bonifacio for a double play and The Defensive Play of This Game. And as it turned out, The Harbinger of things to come for Washington this evening in Denver. It was all downhill for Our Washington Nationals after this rally killing double play.

During the game, MASN's Debbi Taylor announced that Felipe Lopez had signed a free-agent contract with The St. Louis Cardinals. Later, The St. Louis Broadcasters mentioned the deal on the Cardinals TV Game versus The Dodgers. Interestingly, it appears FLop was signed to a Major League Contract and will be inserted into the starting lineup.

Also, Charlie and Dave mentioned on the radio that Livan Hernandez, released by The Minnesota Twins, may have been picked up on waivers by The Colorado Rockies. The Rockies were not confirming. If true, there is a good possibility that Livo may pitch against Our Washington Nationals at New Nationals Park sometime late next week. Old Number 61 may get his chance to pitch in the new ballpark on South Capitol Street--after all. If so, you know that Livan Hernandez will be received nicely by Our Fans. He will be a favorite of mine for a long, long time.

Tonight's InGame Photo--(AP) Mark J. Terrill

Since July Turned To August

Quite the remarkable turn of emotions over the past seven days watching Our Washington Nationals.

Since July Turned To August

Washington jettisoned some serious excess baggage in FLop, Paul LoDuca & Johnny Estrada, relieving themselves, and their fans, of under performing veterans.

And added two fresh faces (Emilio Bonafacio & Alberto Gonzalez), then recalled Elijah Dukes from The Disabled List. All three of whom have provided Spark, Energy and Excitement to Our Team.

Played some outstanding defense--much of it due to Our New Number's 6 & 12. But, in playing so well early, Bonifacio's & Gonzalez's hard work has rubbed off on others.

Because as a team they have committed just ONE ERROR--and fielded so well, Last Night's Opponent, The Colorado Rockies resembled on the diamond, Our Washington Nationals play of earlier this year. Key Error after Error by The Rockies--forcing themselves into mistakes, not making the game come to them.

Washington actually has stroked 16 base hits with runners in scoring position since August 1st. In fact, have pretty much knocked the cover off the ball the past four games. What a turnaround.

Only five such knocks in their previous 9 losses ending on July 31st.

Came from behind TWICE to win separate games. The Reds on Saturday Night 10-6 and last night at Coors Field in Denver 9-4.

For the most part--pitched some mighty fine baseball. Tim Redding struggled mightily out of the gate last night, knew it, but had the veteran gumption to pull himself back together, stay in game, watch his teammates fight back and be rewarded The Victory, his 8th of 2008.

Come to trust some fresh faces in the bullpen, Steven Shell, Charlie Manning and Joel Hanrahan.

And found Our Manager Manny Acta able to manipulate his OWN lineup with hot hitters and fielders, not bound by a player's contract, forcing his hand in the Batting Order.

At a time most teams would have just played out the string, not cared, totally given up, Our Washington Nationals are now competing with enthusiasm, passion--THE WANTING OF WEARING A NATIONALS UNIFORM. This Current 25 Man Roster is playing like THEY WANT TO REPRESENT THE NATION'S CAPITAL. What a fresh breath of air to witness Our Team Excited to be on the field of play--throughout each of the past four games. Honestly, the contrast is stark.

No, this hot streak is not going to last forever and Our Washington Nationals have a long way to go to right a listing ship, but Since July Turned To August, Our Washington Nationals have won 4 Straight--their longest winning streak of the season.

No one would have predicted that just seven days ago.

No one would have expected the uplifting feeling now surrounding Our Team.

No one could imagine all that negativism building around Our Washington Nationals being push behind--hopefully for a long, long time.

Yeah, they are still 28 games below .500, still dead last in The National League East, but you can't say Major League Baseball in Washington, DC has not been fun Since July Turned To August.

No, you can't. The 2008 Season, as difficult has it's been, might have some saving grace after all. Our 2009 Version of Our Washington Nationals, Our Future, may well have finally found some real core players. That's worth cheering for.

How about that Bonifacio?! Wow!! He is EXCITING.

Quite Remarkable Actually--The Feeling This Morning--How Vastly Different from the previous Four Months of This Season. All Since July Turned To August.

Last Night's InGame Photo--(AP) David Zalubowski

PS--But I still wish Our General Manager Jim Bowden would no longer allow Our Team to play shorthanded. Until Ryan Zimmerman pinch hit last night, Our Washington Nationals were again playing three men short. "The Guz", "Z" and Dukes all down. Cristian Guzman should have been put on the DL--TWO WEEKS AGO. Again, a medical non-move that just makes no sense. What will happen now with Alberto Gonzalez's "Contustion" of his rear end?

Like The African Queen always says: "Day-To-Day has been the bain of my existence this season." More like--A Pain In The Butt would be more fitting--today.

Chatting With Ryan Langerhans

Since joining Our Washington Nationals early in the 2007 Season, Ryan Langerhans ups and downs have been well documented. A quality outfielder, who struggled mightily at the plate last season. A year in which Our General Manager Jim Bowden had to expose him to waivers--in order to send him down to AAA Columbus--making Our Number 29 available to every other team in baseball. A decision made tougher when Ryan cleared waivers and had to decide whether he wished to remain in Washington.

Twice now since last August, Langerhans has re-lived this same scenario. Each time, he accepted a move to The Clippers. Now, fresh off a solid early season in Columbus, Ryan finds himself back in Washington,and receiving quality playing time (some might say he deserves more), and hitting the baseball far more consistently than last season. Our Number 29 has been a good player for Our Team since returning from The Minor Leagues.

This past Friday Morning, I caught with Ryan Langerhans at The UPS Store in NW Washington for The Back To School Drive Promotion this past weekend at New Nationals Park. A Community effort in which his wife, Shari, was fully supporting.

After the conclusion of the UPS Event--Ryan Langerhans took some time to speak with me on his season, his hopes and the odd year season 2008 of Our Washington Nationals has been. Remember, this interview took place the morning after the release of Paul LoDuca, Felipe Lopez and Johnny Estrada and before Alberto Gonzalez and Emilio Bonifacio played their first game in a Washington Uniform.

With that--here we go with "Chatting With Ryan Langerhans".

Being in the game as long as you’ve been, yesterday had to be an odd day to be a baseball player. What is that like to go through? (SBF)

“It’s tough, especially when you have guys you’ve built a relationship with. In Felipe’s case, I was here with him for two years. In Paul’s case, I got to know him, both as a teammate and while playing against him. It's just tough to see anybody go and you hate to see it when they are good guys. Apparently, they (Team Management) want to take a look at some of those young guys.”

How difficult is it to get use to the business of the game? (SBF)

“From a player’s standpoint my mindset is to come to the yard every day and play. But the business side of the game is something you always have to be aware of--learn and adjust. It’s tough sometimes, but you have to deal with that business stuff too.”

You mentioned you are practicing at First Base, are you looking to get in some playing time at that position? (SBF)

“I want to be ready if Manny (Acta) needs someone late in a game or he needs someone to go in there and play the position well. I want to be able do a good job there if he needs me.”

When I spoke with you at Spring Training, you told me you worked all winter long trying to re-find your batting stroke, you’ve had a good season in AAA and now you are back here—what more have you been doing to improve your game? (SBF)

“I have been working really hard on just being calm at the plate and not trying to do too much. If the pitcher is going to give me a single, I am going to take it. I am not only trying not to worry too much but Lenny Harris is working with me on relaxing my lower half of my body and just stepping to the plate and taking what they are giving me. He always tells me if I just go up there and hit the ball hard—good things are going to happen. And the last couple of weeks, it’s been working.”

Through it all, your struggles at the plate, your fielding has not been affected. (SBF)

“I take great pride in it (fielding). My Dad (who also coached Ryan) always told me growing up you have to separate the two. And it’s a great feeling if I am struggling at the plate but I help the team win on the defensive side. Plus, it’s a great feeling, because most of the time the pitcher has made a mistake and it’s great to bail him out. You see how fired up he (the pitcher) gets as a result of it. Many times a nice defensive play can give the pitcher that extra energy to get him out of a jam.”

I guess there is nothing like the pitcher raising his fist in salute or pointing at you from the mound