On Thompson & Tucker

Photo--Aaron Thompson

Chatting with Interim GM Mike Rizzo tonight, I asked him about Aaron Thompson, acquired today from The Florida Marlins for Nick Johnson.

Paraphrasing Mr. Rizzo's comments: We like him a lot. Our scouts have been watching him closely over the past few weeks and they were very impressed with what he offers. We feel he is definitely a middle of the rotation starter with a good upside. And as I have come to realize--you trust your scouts always.

He's a better choice than Ross Tucker? (SBF)

(Paraphrasing) Mr. Rizzo: The Marlins kept on offering us Tucker, never did they mention Thompson into the discussion. Our Scouts saw Tucker pitch a few days ago and he couldn't even reach 88MPH on his fastball. This is a guy that others claim can reach 95MPH on his fastball. Somethings not right there. We were not seeing that. And like I said--you trust your scouts. Only at the end (of the trading deadline) was Aaron brought into serious discussion. We are happy with the deal.

Straight from The Interim GM himself.

"Nicky"

Sohna and I have been traveling all day and just arrived at our final destination. Upon hearing the news of the trade deadline maneuvers--our first reaction to hearing Nick Johnson being traded was sadness. The fact that Chico Harlan reports NJ held back tears upon being told of the news--even harder to take. The African Queen's biggest enjoyment that she gets from rooting for Our Washington Nationals is when those she cheers for are good people--both on--and off the field.

"Nicky", as Sohna always calls him, was one of her favorite players. And unquestionably a really nice man as well. NJ always stopped to chat with The African Queen. She will miss that--the hardest part of being a fan--when YOUR players are traded.

We have no idea who Aaron Thompson is--the player whom Washington received in return from The Florida Marlins. Hopefully, this southpaw 22 Year-Old will pan out in The Nation's Capital as a solid contributor. If "Pitching, Pitching and More Pitching" really is the end all to building a contender--we are all for it.

But The African Queen and I hope that Our Washington Nationals are sincere when Interim GM Mike Rizzo stated after the today's swap went down that DC's Team was interested in extending Nick Johnson on a contract before this trade was made. Something, "Nicky" was equally interested in. Time certainly ran out, but only for this season--2009. 2010 is a different story. Our Now Former Number 24 is a free agent come October. If a deal can be made and NJ truly wants to return to the organization where he had the most impact--and the most respect--we really hope that deal will happen.

Nick Johnson--best of luck to you in South Florida. And when you return to Nationals Park next Tuesday, August 4th--rest assured--many will be giving you your due accolades. Most unquestionably--The African Queen. She is already missing you, badly.

PS: We also fear many throws to first base will get away now for errors--picks that Nick Johnson would nab on a regular basis.

PPS: As for Joe Beimel, we really have no reaction other than the fact that-- one of the two pitchers acquired from The Colorado Rockies just recently went under arm surgery. But Beimel was certainly not a part of Our Washington Nationals future, and if either Ryan Mattheus or Robinson Fabian become contributors in DC--it's a win. Beimel would have NEVER returned to DC for 2010--no question about that. Take what you can get--when you can.

The Frustration Factor

Home Plate Umpire Joe West did not cost Our Washington Nationals this afternoon's baseball game in Milwaukee. Poor execution on two defensive plays in the bottom of the 7th inning was the difference maker.

Not the ball and strike calls.

Not The Umpire.

Not The Milwaukee Brewers.

Not even The Brew Crew's Starter, Yovani Gallardo, who struck out eleven Nats today facing him in the batter's box.

The Frustration Factor did the damage.

Our Washington Nationals beat themselves at Miller Park when Wil Nieves couldn't properly place down a tag on Mike Cameron at the plate and then, moments later, when Anderson Hernandez couldn't relay a perfectly played inning ending double play grounder slapped by Craig Counsell to Alberto Gonzalez at shortstop.

Two basic plays, each misplayed, plated the go ahead and insurance runs that changed the entire nature of this game around.

Washington had battled all day long, letting Joe West get under their skin. Watched as Interim Manager, Jim Riggleman, got himself tossed for arguing a debatable called swinging strikeout of Anderson Hernandez (replays showed the ball was fouled off). But DC's Team was still in this game thanks to some decent starting pitching from J.D. Martin, and a key three-run homer, laser beam shot, out of Miller Park by Ryan Zimmerman in the 4th off Gallardo.

The score was tied at three apiece in that bottom of the 7th with J.D. Martin facing his biggest challenge EVER in his young Major League Career. Cameron had led off for Milwaukee with a double. Casey McGehee followed with a single. Brewers now with runners on 1st & 3rd with nobody out. And Pat Corrales (managing after Riggleman's ejection) decided to trust his rookie pitcher throwing in his 3rd Major League Start--not Jason Bergmann nor anyone else warming up in our bullpen.

Sohna and I can applaud that decision--because it's how you learn to compete on the game's highest stage. And Martin responded well by inducing a soft grounder hit by Jason Kendall to The Z-Man charging in from 3rd. Our Number 11 scooped the baseball and sidearmed a perfect toss around the sliding Cameron. Mike was out by a good five feet, at least until Wil Nieves spread his legs across home plate, not blocking it, and proceeded to catch Zimmerman's relay low, but for some reason, Our Number 23 raised his arms and attempted to reach for Mike Cameron's upper body.

All Wil Nieves had to do was allow The Brewers' centerfielder to slide directly into his glove for out number one. A huge mistake--Cameron called safe--and rightly so--by Home Plate Umpire West.

Frustration shown by Nieves and then taken to another level when Sean Burnett replaced J.D Martin and Milwaukee loaded up the bases when J.J. Hardy sacrificed McGehee and Kendall to second and third and FLop was intentionally walked so the lefty throwing Burnett could face the lefty swinging Counsell.

Our Number 17 got the exact result HE wanted too--a perfect double play grounder to Alberto Gonzalez, who fielded the baseball, tossed to Anderson Hernandez at 2nd for out number two. Who then proceeded to throw his relay so far off the bag that Nick Johnson had to block the wild throw as it sailed to his right--well off first base. The inning ending double play lost when Anderson was not really pressured by Felipe Lopez sliding into second base before him. McGehee scoring Milwaukee's 2nd run of the 7th--thanks to poor execution on the part of Our Washington Nationals.

No errors were charged, these two mistakes were of the mental variety. But clearly, Washington was frustrated by much that had happened earlier in this game and they had let that emotional tie get to them--to their detriment. Mike MacDougal trotting out to pitch the bottom of the 8th, not pitching well and letting this game finally get out of hand by allowing two runs, on two hits, one walk and two--yes--Two Wild Pitches!!

The very site of an emotionally charged Anderson Hernandez being removed from the game BEFORE the start of the last half of the 8th by Ronnie Belliard but AFTER heading out to man 2nd Base--not a pretty sight. Anderson throwing his glove hard against the back wall of the visiting dugout as he came off the field while screaming something, loudly, as he placed himself on the protective railing in front.

The Frustration Factor had truly taken over.

Final Score from Miller Park where DC's Team blew a good opportunity to win their third series over the past 11 days--The Milwaukee Brewers 7 and Our Washington Nationals 3. Loss Number 70 in 102 games played this season was difficult to watch because Our Team that calls The Nation's Capital it's very home, let their disappointments get to them. Annoyance led to misfortune. Upsetting themselves--led to mishap.

Yovani Gallardo, Milwaukee's top young pitcher, was impressive, but he did not defeat his opponent this afternoon at Miller Park. Washington did that all by themselves--frustratingly so.

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

Falling Asleep

After three long and exhaustive days at work, I literally fell asleep within moments of the conclusion of last night's game from Miller Park, much like how Our Washington Nationals slumbered through the last half of a very winnable game.

Four to nothing lead.

Four to two lead.

Four to three lead.

Eventually, four to five disadvantage.

Garrett Mock did not pitch well again. He couldn't hold a lead. Tyler Clippard, he of the fabulous four inning relief stint during last Saturday night's 13-1 victory over The San Diego Padres, looked like nothing comparable last tonight.

Mock couldn't command his pitches. Clippard was all over the place and eventually gave up the go-ahead two run homer to Pinch Hitter Casey McGehee. Our Washington Nationals gave one away tonight at Miller Park. The Milwaukee Brewers took advantage of young pitchers not having the confidence to finish innings. Garrett Mock still doesn't trust his stuff. Talent that wavers when the slightest disadvantage goes against them. Clippard's bad outing was surprising considering how well he had pitched of late--especially after inducing a nice double play grounder upon inheriting Garrett's runners on 1st & 3rd with nobody out in the bottom of the 6th.

Washington's top of their batting order played well--the first five hitters--Nyjer Morgan, Cristian Guzman, Josh Willingham, Ryan Zimmerman and Nick Johnson all combined for nine hits, three runs and all five runs batted in last night. Nyjer made a beautiful scamper from 1st to 3rd on a wild pitch in the top of the 8th with one out--yet DC's Team still couldn't get him home with what at that time would have been the game tying 6th score.

Our Washington Nationals slumbered through the last half of this affair. Their effort wasn't enough especially when Ronnie Belliard struggled mightily going 0-5 while leaving six runners left on base in his At-Bats.

No, Our Washington Nationals didn't play the sharp baseball seen over the past nine days--instead they sort of reverted to a team seen earlier this season--the one that is unable to close out an opponent. They fell asleep, just like I did.

Final Score from Miller Park where DC's Team still has the chance to take their third series of the past eight days this afternoon in Wisconsin--The Milwaukee Brewers 7 and Our Washington Nationals 5 in nine frustrating innings. The Brewers' Manny Parra had "ZERO" reasons to expect to get an personal victory tonight. Parra was terrible and yet Washington couldn't take advantage of his poor pitch selection and execution tonight and close this one out early.

Mock really didn't help himself. Expecting to win five in a row, instead Our Washington Nationals were defeated for the 69th time in 101 Games played this season.

PS--Nice effort by Nyjer Morgan on the video replay home run ruled triple by the umpiring crew in the bottom of the third. Morgan almost made a spectacular catch on Ryan Braun's drive. He thought he should have caught it and was pissed at himself for not keeping the baseball in his glove. That's an attitude we can appreciate. Morgan doesn't give in on anything seen so far.

Smiling Faces

The most important aspect of tonight's game at Miller Park.

Better than Nyjer Morgan's Leadoff Homer.

Better than Adam Dunn's TITANIC blast that bounced out of The Milwaukee Brewers' Ballpark.

Better than Josh Willingham's bat staying hot.

Better than Washington moving runners along with simple base hits and sacrifice bunts.

Better than Morgan knocking home two more runs later in this affair.

Better than Collin Balester bending but not breaking on the mound against The Brew Crew.

Better play thanks to improved defensive glove work by Our Washington Nationals.


And better than "The Guz" sealing this deal tonight with a three run homer in the top of the 8th.

All those aspects were not better than watching Our Washington Nationals having fun playing baseball again.

Washington's Players displaying smiles all around in the dugout and on the field.

Teammates enjoying the game and the camaraderie that comes with it.

Winning on a consistent basis--now four in a row--can certainly help take away some of the sting experienced most of this season.

A lot of smiling faces representing DC Baseball at Miller Park Tonight. Ones representing joy, happiness--the very reasons to look ahead because Washington is playing some mighty fine ball right now--winners of six out of their last eight.

Final Score from Miller Park where for the second consecutive night--a ball game was really never in doubt for the team that calls The Nation's Capital its home--Our Washington Nationals 8 and The Milwaukee Brewers 3. Curly "W" Number 32 perfectly represented what winning always does--in any sport.

Success always breeds confidence.

Triumph provides comfort.

And being able to overcome and prevail after so much travail this season--can only bring Smiling Faces to Our Washington Nationals, as well as, The African Queen and I tonight. Sure, Washington is going to have their bad days again--it's bound to happen. But over the past week, more times than not--DC's Team has come prepared to play.

Another good win. Another well played game.

Tonight's InGame Photos--Morry Gash (AP)

Well Dave--There's Your Extra Point

Working late this evening, The African Queen and I didn't start watching tonight's game against The Milwaukee Brewers until Adam Dunn shook and rattled The Miller Park left field stands with his finest defensive play of the year. Chasing FLop's foul fly Our Number 44 ran smack dab into the railing--Felipe Lopez was out. Miller Park had begun to feel the pain.

For from that moment on Our Washington Nationals laid it all out on the line--delivering blow after blow to The Brew Crew. Down 2-0 heading to the bottom of the 5th, Josh Willingham unloaded--for not just one--but two GRAND SLAMS in consecutive innings. 13 runs over two innings--the first 10 scores all at the mercy of The Brewers Jeff Suppan. It's not often a starting pitcher lasts long enough in any game, while getting pounded, to allow 10 earned runs.

Better yet, Willingham's second grand slam in the 6th would not have happened if with Alberto Gonzalez on first base, Jason Bergmann had not basically blown another sacrifice bunt by bouncing the baseball down on home plate with his bat. Called fair by Home Plate Umpire Ed Rapuano--Milwaukee's Catcher Jason Kendall tagged out Our Number 57 first BEFORE throwing to his shortstop J.J. Hardy. Gonzalez stopped running, Hardy tagged second and threw to first base. Alberto was safe because Hardy did not realize the force play was off.

A mental mistake that directly led to Willingham's Second Grand Slam with two outs in the bottom of the 6th. And getting Dave Jageler to bemoan on WFED that Washington had missed the "EXTRA POINT" with that first of two touchdown scores in the 5th frame. Taken care of in the top of the 8th when Ryan Zimmerman slammed out his 18th Round Tripper of 2009.

"Well Dave--There's Your Extra Point!!" smirked Charlie Slowes. The Boys Of Summer just started laughing--at not only their sense of humor but another laugher of a ball game. A romp over The Milwaukee Brewers. A blowout just like Saturday Night's 13-1 crush of The San Diego Padres.

This game getting so out of hand, The Brew Crew Faithful at Miller Park were BOOING.

Final Score from The City Of Suds (Beer), Our Washington Nationals 14 and The Milwaukee Brewers 6 thanks to two incredible offensive outbursts in the top of the 5th and 6th innings tonight. Curly "W" Number 31 witnessed Josh Willingham becoming just the 13th player in Major League History to hit grand slams in consecutive innings. As Dave Jageler mentioned on the radio--that feat is "rarer than a perfect game".

Incidentally, Frank Robinson is one of those 13 to also accomplish the feat. On June 26th, 1970 at RFK Stadium, "Frank Robby" hit consecutive grand slams off first Washington's Joe Coleman and then Joe Grzneda. And just like Willingham's tonight, Frank Robinson hit his in the 5th and 6th frames. The only two grand slams of The Hall Of Famer's illustrious career (Amazing Actually). Funny story--Frank Robinson--to this day--says he never forgave his teammate, Paul Blair, for making the last out with the bases loaded that June, 1970 day in the top of the 9th. The bases were loaded again at that time and the man who later became Our Washington Nationals First Manager--wanted to make HISTORY with his third grand slam hit in one Major League Game--never accomplished. Not once. Ever. In Major League Baseball. To This Day.

Having to both be at work at 4AM tomorrow--Tuesday morning--that will pretty much do it for The African Queen and I tonight. Five wins in our last six games played in "The Riggleman Era".

What a night. Sohna said when I screamed out "WOW!!" after Josh Willingham's Second Grand Slam--she is sure EVERYBODY within a one mile circumference of our home in Alexandria, Virginia--Heard Me. Too Bad.

PS--Nyjer Morgan, runs everything out, watches the game play out in front of him, takes extra bases, gets himself in scoring position and throws out Jody Gerut at the plate. The more you watch him, the better he becomes before your eyes. Really, he is exciting to watch. And he leads The National League in Outfield Assists (11).

Tonight's InGame Photo--Morry Gash (AP)

The Cat & Mouse Game

As Nyjer Morgan began to dust the dirt off his uniform for the third time in less than 90 seconds, he picked up a hand full of infield clay and tossed it back toward San Diego Padres Reliever Greg Burke. The announcement stating The Cat & Mouse Game had officially begun in the bottom of the 10th inning at Nationals Park. Morgan knew he was getting into Burke's head--forcing San Diego to consider his presence at first base a threat.

A fear few opponents were confronted with while playing Our Washington Nationals in the past.

Electrifying at times since his arrival from The Pittsburgh Pirates last month, Morgan as been a menace with his glove in the field; his bat at the plate and, especially, each and every time Our New Number 1 reaches base safely. Nyjer is the game changer that has transformed Washington's Lineup. A pest on the base paths that needs to be watched--closely. His God Given personal speed forcing each and every opposing pitcher to respect him and his new team as well.

Nyjer Morgan has provided Our Washington Nationals new life with a skills set missing badly from our everyday lineup. This Sunday afternoon, Morgan displayed all his newly acquired importance--by simply bothering the heck out of Greg Burke of The San Diego Padres.

Resetting the scene.

Already this sunny afternoon, John Lannan had pitched eight wonderful innings of baseball for DC's Team, allowing just one run and leaving with a slim 2-1 lead after The Friar's 2nd Baseman Luis Rodriguez muffed a routine relay throw from his shortstop Everth Cabrera in the bottom of the 8th. A dropped toss on a sure inning ending double play ball hit by Nick Johnson--that gave Washington new life--and the unexpected advantage when Adam Dunn followed moments later with a single up the middle scoring Willie Harris with the go ahead run off Luke Gregerson.

Fortuitous joy turned to sorrow moments later when--with that Curly "W" so close at hand--Washington stunningly lost that lead when San Diego's Kyle Blank slammed out one of the deepest home runs yet hit down the left field line with two outs in the top of the 9th on South Capitol Street--on a first pitch fastball served up by Our Closer--Mike MacDougal. The game tying score eventually sending this affair into extra frames depressing those in the announced crowd of 20,747 standing, clapping and cheering for victory--lost--if only momentarily.

Which brings us back to the bottom of the 10th frame.

Scratched from today's starting lineup after tweaking a hamstring last night/early this morning during the 3 hour 11 minute rain delay and eventual 13-1 win over The Padres, Nyjer Morgan was a late inning pinch hitter for Lannan and subsequent defensive replacement in centerfield. Extra duty now called on in extra frames. And not looking injured at all--Our Number 1 laid down a beautiful leadoff bunt down the 3rd base line that San Diego's 3rd Baseman--Kevin Kouzmanoff--had no play on. Running hard all the way, Morgan instilled some fear into The Padres reliever now on the mound. Greg Burke didn't know what to do about Nyjer's presence. For another pest--Willie Harris--was standing at the plate to follow. Morgan can fly, Harris is a good contact hitter. Everyone realizing--if Morgan steals second--this game may well have been all but over.

Knowing this, Burke threw over to first to send Nyjer back--trying to keep him close. And on each of the subsequently four pick off tosses Greg threw to Adrian Gonzalez--Morgan inched a little farther, and farther, off the base while deking he was going to run. Like Wile. E. Coyote against The Road Runner--Burke had no chance. Just like Tom against Jerry.

After The Cat & Mouse Games at 1st base--Willie Harris laid down another beautiful bunt--this one of the sacrifice kind that sent Morgan on his merry way to 2nd base and getting the home crowd up on their feet with thunderous applause. Washington had moved a runner into scoring position by playing small ball--could they now manufacture the game winning run?

Nick Johnson was not given that opportunity to be a hero. The Padres intentionally walked him to set up the double play and face Ryan Zimmerman. But this was not to be Our Number 11's day either. The Z-Man flied out to centerfield--bringing up one of the unlikeliest leading men of them all.

Austin Kearns has struggled mightily since late April--having driven in just one run since May 15th. Buried on the bench as Josh Willingham has emerged the starer, Our Number 25 was only in this game as a defensive replacement in the 9th when Washington blew the lead with two outs on Kyle Blanks home run. Now--Austin found himself at the plate--with the game on the line and the very speedy Nyjer Morgan standing on second.

Still concerned that Our Number 1 was going to beat him, Greg Burke continued to look back over his shoulder--glancing to see if Nyjer would take off for 3rd. Even his shortstop, Everth Cabrera, and 2nd baseman, Luis Rodriguez, kept faking movements toward the bag to hold Morgan close. Setting the trap that Nyjer did not fall for. Presence again that played well into Washington's hand when finally Burke decided to pitch to Kearns. And Austin slammed the second offering thrown his way to right centerfield for a clean single--sending the scurrying Nyjer Morgan home with the game winning run. Lifting all those Washington Fans still on site up and out of their seats in great joy. And setting off a celebration of Nationals Players running on the field, featuring Willingham attempting to tackle Kearns. A pile of players so happy for their teammate who had delivered in the clutch--sending Our Washington Nationals home in victory. A win set up by Nyjer Morgan's leadership.

Final Score from Nationals Park where daring speed sent fear into The Friars--Our Washington Nationals 3 and The San Diego Padres 2 in 10 very lively innings. Curly "W" Number 30 was Washington's 4th in their past five games, their second victory in a row, second consecutive series win as well. While good starting pitching ruled most of this sunny Sunday afternoon, The Bang!! Zoom!! Of The Fireworks!! signaled a new game was now on display in The Nation's Capital. No longer are Our Washington Nationals one dimensional on the base paths. Nyjer Morgan provides a daring mix of bat control, speed and skill well needed in our every day lineup. No longer can an opposing pitcher expect to pounce down on and restrict all of our runners. The Cat no longer controls The Mouse. The San Diego Padres, like The New York Mets before them this weekend, have come to realize Nyjer Morgan has transformed Our Washington Nationals.

And he didn't even start this game. Our Number 1 was the most compelling player on the field. Lannan was great, Kearns came up clutch, but Nyjer Morgan was the catalyst that propelled Our Washington Nationals to victory. The throwing of a handful of dirt back toward Greg Burke after that third pick off toss set the tone. The Cat & Mouse Game terrific to watch.

Some Good Baseball Today. An Even Better Curly "W".

Game Notes & Highlights

The only down part of today's affair for John Lannan was that he didn't get the deserved victory. Washed out by MacDougal's home run allowed to Blanks, Our Number 31 was outstanding for eight full innings. He only struck out two Padre hitters, but he again kept his pitches down, stayed ahead in the count, walked just one. His only mistake among five hits allowed was a two out, two strike double to Kevin Kouzmanoff in the top of the 6th which plated San Diego's Will Venable with their first run of the day. Otherwise, John Lannan pitched some very good baseball.

MacDougal's game tying homer allowed was his first blown save for Washington. Joe Beimel received his first personal victory of 2009, against five previous losses, when Austin Kearns slammed his game winning single--scoring Morgan--in the bottom of the 10th inning.

San Diego's Chad Gaudin pitched equally as impressive baseball from the get-go this afternoon. Josh Willingham touched him for Washington's game tying score on a home run just over the left field wall in the bottom of the 7th frame. Other than that--Gaudin kept Washington's hitters under wraps. Surprisingly, only John Lannan the other DC Batter to solve him--stroking two of the five hits Chad allowed in seven complete innings.

After walking Everth Cabrera with one out in the top of the 8th inning, John Lannan picked off The Padres shortstop at first base--fooling the leaning Cabrera with a beautiful move and toss to Nick Johnson--who quickly slapped the tag as Everth tried to wiggle his diving hand back into the base around NJ's glove. First Base Umpire John Hirschbeck with the out call for The Defensive Play Of This Game. Padres Manager Bud Black and First Base Coach Rich Renteria argued the call to no avail.



Before Austin Kearns hit his game winner, maybe the loudest cheers heard all afternoon at Nationals Park was when TEDDY WON! Yes, Our Lovable Loser won today's 4th Inning Presidents Race, but was disqualified by Screech for illegally using a motor scooter to pass the finish line first. Abe, Tom & George protesting immediately. Abe declared the winner. But even when everyone watching KNEW TEDDY WAS CHEATING--the roar and anticipation that went up all over the ballpark was undeniably exciting. Was it ever loud!! People were standing and into the unexpected moment. Making you wonder what the decibel level from the crowd will be when Teddy actually does win--fair and square? Hopefully, before a fuller house.



Up on terrace level during a portion of the game taking beauty shots on a nice afternoon, I came across some new picnic tables placed at the top of the ramp down the left field line--near the foul pole--Section 301. The new picnic tables situated to allow folks to sit, eat, chat and still watch the game. A nice addition providing another venue to take in the action.

Finally--love this photo--Our Young Guns. Garrett Mock, John Lannan, Jordan Zimmermann, Collin Balester & J.D. Martin all sitting together on Washington's Bench in the top of the 9th inning. The future still all in front of us--while we watch them from behind.

Today's InGame Photos--Evan Vucci (AP)
All Other Photos--Nats320--All Rights Reserved

Well Worth The Wait

Domination.

That is the only way to describe it.

From Ryan Zimmerman's two run homer in the bottom of the very first inning; to the 3 Hours & 11 Minute rain delay that occurred nearly directly after; to the absolutely wonderful time The African Queen and I had spending the evening with Bob & Don; to Adam Dunn's Grand Slam once play commenced again at 10:40PM in the second inning; to Tyler Clippard's OUTSTANDING four inning performance after the long wet night ended; to an absolute wipe out of The San Diego Padres at Nationals Park--this evening was the most enjoyable night ALL SEASON on South Capitol Street.

No doubt about it.

Our Washington Nationals controlled a ball game from start, to delay, to finish. There was no uncertainty in this match up.
To bad so few were on site at the end--because this victory was well deserved and enjoyable to watch.

It's 2AM in the morning as I write this, and we still can't get over the bliss watching this one.

16 total hits by Our Washington Nationals--three apiece by Zimmerman and Cristian Guzman. Four hits by Nyjer Morgan. Two by Adam Dunn--including his 2nd Grand Slam this season and five total RBI. Two hits by Josh Willingham with one RBi and one sliced liner to right plating two runs by Nick Johnson.

Combined with Clippard's REMARKABLE appearance on the mound after the original rain delay concluded--Washington played it's most complete game all season. One well worth the wait.

Final Score from Nationals Park where only a few hundred braved the elements to last until the end--Our Washington Nationals 13 and The San Diego Padres 1. Really, this was an outstanding game from start to finish. And as our friend Bob noted during this affair--from the one spot to the sixth spot in Our Batting Lineup--DC's Team is competitive. Tonight showed they can dominate when everything goes right in their direction.

Sohna and I didn't care that this evening's affair lasted well past midnight. This One AM ending time didn't bother us at all. We didn't care that the rain delay lasted over three hours. What mattered was that Curly "W" number 29 was a wipeout. One of those easy victories that come from total domination over an opponent--something that had yet to occur in 2009.

At least until this night--and early morning.

Time to go to bed so we can return to Nationals Park on Sunday for the 1:35PM start--Fresh.

So--How About That Tyler Clippard? Just Outstanding Work--Dominant!

There was no Bang!! Zoom!! Of The Fireworks!! tonight at Nationals Park due to the lateness of the hour, but this walkover win was Well Worth The Wait. Our Washington Nationals CRUSHED The San Diego Padres in a most entertaining style--just like the company we enjoyed with Bob & Don.

OK--having to be up early tomorrow for work before the final game of this three game series against The Friars--it's time to get some rest. But we want to emphasize--this 13 to 1 win was thrilling to watch. There is nothing like taking over a game from start to finish while watching with friends. A tact which Our Washington Nationals need to perform more often.


PS--Thanks to Florence for the hospitality tonight--first class. And we loved the Harris Teeter Eco-Friendly Tote Bag, nicely done and usable.

Tonight's InGame Photos--Evan Vucci (AP)
All Other Photos--Nats320--All Rights Reserved

The Same Old Song

Single, passed ball, throwing error, sacrifice fly. One unearned run allowed--one out into the top of the very first inning. A familiar verse was heard this evening.

Yeah, it was that type of night again for Our Washington Nationals, Version 5.0. Poor starting pitching, worse fielding and given the opportunity to get back into this game in the bottom of the 7th with the bases loaded and an opposing San Diego Padres Pitcher in trouble--"The Guz" decided to swing at everything thrown his way and struck out on three consecutive pitches--killing a potential game tying rally.

You can't win baseball games when you commit four errors. Your chances of victory are slim when your starting pitcher only goes 5.1 innings while allowing 5 runs (three earned) and looks nothing like the dominant hurler he was at AAA Syracuse. You can't come from behind when your hitters don't deliver in the clutch.

Like an old worn out record--that's a black disk, by the way, made of petroleum that provided music for millions before the digital age came about for you more modern folks--Our Washington Nationals played the same old song tonight on South Capitol Street. They beat themselves in another game in which the final score was not as close as the outcome.

Washington let The San Diego Padres take advantage of them. The Worst Hitting Team in The National League (San Diego), controlled The Worst Pitching Team (Washington)--or so the statistics say. All thanks to some very poor play defensively and the inability to retire Padres hitters with runners in scoring position.

Josh Bard with a passed ball and throwing error. Two pitchers--Garrett Mock and Jason Bergmann--both fielded grounders back to them and then proceeded to throw wild to first base. The super slow San Diego Catcher--Eliezer Alfonzo ripped a grounder down the left field line only to see the equally slow footed Adam Dunn misplay the ball's carom in the corner--letting Alfonzo chug over to 3rd for what was ruled a double and error on Our Number 44.


Sure, both Cristian Guzman and Ryan Zimmerman both slammed out home runs, their 4th and 16h of 2009, respectively, but those solo shots was nowhere near enough as Our Washington Nationals were left mostly singing to themselves about lost opportunity. And even when San Diego's reliever Luke Gregerson got into some serious trouble in the bottom of the 7th--DC's Team couldn't cut a new tune. Down by four runs at the time, Bard singled, Austin Kearns pinch hit and walked, followed by Willie Harris being hit by pitch. With The Padres pitcher straining--Our Number 15 stepped to the plate and swung mightily at all three Gregerson offerings--and didn't come close to hitting anything. A melody heard many times this season at Nationals Park.

Potential rally over. This game over. A Oldie, but not Goodie--recorded as defeat number 68 of 2009.

Final Score from Nationals Park where the two teams with the worst records in The National League faced off tonight to a familar hymn--The San Diego Padres 6 and Our Washington Nationals 2. A lullaby where Washington found ways to make mistakes on the simple plays. Refrain which resulted in extra bases, more hitters stepping to the plate and ultimately uncontested free runs for The Padres.

Yes, that is right--The Same Old Song on South Capitol Street this evening--sadly.

Game Notes & Highlights

Garrett Mock really hasn't looked good in either of his starts since returning from AAA Syracuse. He did pick San Diego Shortstop, Everth Cabrera, off 1st base to end the top of the 5th, but that was just about his only high point. Nine hits, one walk and one throwing error resulted in five runs allowed (three earned) in just 5.1 innings. Mock didn't seem to be fooling many Padre hitters tonight.

With two scores already in, Jason Bergmann replaced Mock in that 6th frame and shut down a one out, 1st and 3rd potential huge rally by San Diego. But Our Number 57 got himself into similar trouble in the top of the 7th, when he fielded a slow grounder right back to him hit by Tony Gwynn, Jr. and then--with all the time in the world--threw the ball away to Nick Johnson. Of course, Gwynn, Jr. would eventually come around and score The Padres final run of this game.

Speaking of Gwynn Jr.--why is he referred to on the scoreboard and when he comes to the plate at Nationals Park as "Tony Gwynn" and not "Tony Gwynn, Jr." Big difference. It would be like referring to Ken Griffey, Jr or Cal Ripken, Jr as simply Ken Griffey or Cal Ripken. Without Jr. added, the names represent their fathers--just like Tony Gwynn is the father of Tony Gwynn, Jr. and that reference should be made clear.


Some of San Diego's lineup I had never heard of--Everth Cabrera, Kyle Blanks, Luis Rodriguez (who slammed a solo homer and added a two run double tonight) and starter Mat Latos (apparently born in Alexandria, Virginia--but raised in Florida). With shortstop Rick Eckstein, outfielder Brian Giles and pitchers Jake Peavy & Chris Young all on The Disabled List--this just wasn't that enticing of a lineup placed on the field by San Diego Manager Bud Black. But it was good enough to defeat Our Washington Nationals.

Back in 2006, The Padres Eliezer Alfonzo played for The San Francisco Giants. Visiting RFK Stadium to take on Washington--Eliezer slammed out three home runs that weekend in two games. A difference maker during in his rookie season--Alfonzo has yet to develop into the emerging star some thought three seasons ago.


Whenever a team visits Nationals Park for the first time each season, it is always interesting to see the reaction to the salute given each night to returning and recovering wounded soldiers and veterans. Some visiting teams show a great interest and join the clapping, others not so much. The New York Mets have even visited Walter Reed Army Hospital. So have The Baltimore Orioles. This evening when the nightly tribute took place at a slightly different time--before the top of the 4th inning--the entire San Diego Padres team stopped what they were doing. Every single player and coach in their dugout jumped to the top of the steps, turned toward where the vets were situated in Presidents Club and robustly cheered them on. San Diego's Chase Headley, the next scheduled hitter, stopped swinging his bat and turned and joined in as well. With San Diego the home to a very large military contingent--The Padres response was not a surprise. One of the first teams to salute military personnel at both their original home--Jack Murphy Stadium (Qualcomm) and now Petco Park, The Marines of Camp Pendleton and The Naval Base San Diego regularly are saluted at Padres baseball games in Southern California. Like Our Washington Nationals Patriotic "DC" Jerseys, The San Diego Padres have worn "Camo" style military uniform tops in the past.


Sort of a strange Presidents Race tonight--George and Abe came rushing out of the center field gate quickly tonight, followed by Tom and Teddy--who immediately collided and fell to the warning track--never to get up again. Meanwhile, as GW & Abe headed toward the rightfield corner--George tumbled, face planting himself--leaving Abe alone with a free path to the finish line for his 23rd Victory of 2009.


Speaking of Abe--like where was he? Down on the main concourse near right centerfield in the 5th inning, I decided to head over to The Rushmore's Photo Opportunity Spot near The Exxon Kid's Zone. Few fans and kids were there taking pictures actually--but neither was Abe? So, like why wasn't he there? That's the second time this year that I personally headed over to take a photo with Our Racing Presidents and he has not been around. Sure, I will have many more opportunities--so will The African Queen, but there might be someone attending any given night wanting a photo--that may not be back to Nationals Park soon. Just saying. So Abe--you have got to be there. You really do.


Of course tonight was a Bang!! Zoom!! Go The Fireworks!! Friday evening at Nationals Park. A staple event on South Capitol Street during the baseball season.

And fnally--how ironic. You may recall how last weekend when The Chicago Cubs were in town--their 3rd Base Coach Mike Quade was the one-time 3rd Baseman for The 1982 Alexandria Dukes. Well, manning the 1st Base Coaching Box tonight for The San Diego Padres was that very same Carolina League Championship Team's Starting 2nd Baseman--Rich Renteria. The African Queen just looking at me stunned when I told her that Quade to Renteria to Nick Castanada was Alexandria's 5-4-3 Double Play Combination that fabulous one season at Four Mile Run Park. No, I am not going to forget them. They provided suburban Washington and Northern Virginia with Our Only Professional Team for a few seasons after The Washington Senators moved to Arlington, Texas following the 1971 Major League Campaign.

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

The Highlights From Tonight's Rain Shortened Loss

Without a doubt, the absolute best part of tonight's rain shorted game at Nationals Park between Our Washington Nationals and The St.Louis Cardinals. Cardinals Manager Tony LaRussa meeting and greeting with some of Our Recovering Soldiers from Walter Reed DURING THE LAST RAIN DELAY!!

The smiles on the faces of the handful of soldiers still remaining would make every minute of tonight's 2 Hour & 46 Minute Delay worthwhile.

The oddest part of tonight's game.

While chatting with Noah's Pretzels Owner Dwayne Herndon in front of his stand near Center Field Plaza around 6:30PM--the weather is sunny, cooler than normal for a summer evening--when all of sudden there is this gigantic roar as if someone just turned on a very large water faucet. Looking over to our left-- A WALL OF WATER is moving across Nationals Park from South Capitol Street toward The Right Field Scoreboard Walk. Rain so hard it appeared as if a Tsunami was washing across the ballpark. Usher Tom, in Section 217 of The Stars & Stripes Club, told us later that from his vantage point in the stands just outside The Homestead Grays Bar there was a clear definition to the rain as it swamped the field. "You could see people watching the rain come towards them not comprehending what was happening," he stated. "Almost as if a curtain was being drawn to close out the lights from outside. Just incredible."

And it was--just like this evening's 16th Rain Delayed Game (11 at home) played by Our Washington Nationals in 2009. Total time of these delays now reaching an amazing sum of 30 Hours & 31 Minutes. Final Score in 6 and 1/2 Innings tonight at rain drenched Nationals Park--The St.Louis Cardinals 4 and Our Washington Nationals 1. Tonight was like the month of May, 2009 all over again.

It rained and rained and rained.

All Photos Copyrighted--Nats320--All Rights Reserved

Taylor Hooton Foundation/PBATS Fitness Clinic

Returning for the second consecutive year to Nationals Park, Our Washington Nationals, The Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society (PBATS) and The Taylor Hooton Foundation teamed up on Wednesday Morning July 22nd to help inform D.C. area youngsters on the proper training habits of a healthy lifestyle while educating the real dangers of performance enhancing drugs.

You may recall Nats320's report last summer from South Capitol Street including the touching story of Taylor Hooton, a rising high school baseball player from Plano, Texas who sadly took his own life, confused over the effects, the changes to his body and mental anguish brought on by taking steroids. Taylor's Dad, Don, has since that very day his son passed, devoted the rest of his life's work to reach out to children and kids across America to, hopefully, prevent other parents from feeling that same anguish and pain his family has suffered through. An escalating problem--still not resolved.



Thanks to Major League Baseball & PBATS--clinics are held throughout most all 30 Major League Cites. Mr. Hooton not only travels to educate and inform thousands of kids, but he also speaks at schools, minor league ballparks and facilities and is even working with The Federal Government to see if those on Capitol Hill can help provide a National Presence to spread the word.


For over two hours on July 22nd, Mr. Hooton, Washington Nationals Head Trainer Lee Kuntz, Assistant Trainer Mike McGowan, Players Willie Harris and Garrett Mock formed a new team. One devoted to working out the right way with health and nutrition--not by injecting oneself, popping pills or spreading gels to get ahead in life--or to simply look better.






Don Hooton spoke for about 15 minutes with the assembled children and their parents--spreading the word, telling of the dangers while informing everyone of his personal involvement--and why. Then, three groups were formed. Kuntz & McGowan led the youngsters through on-field training routines. The proper flexibility and cardiovascular techniques needed to train properly. Willie Harris and Garrett Mock sat down with the kids in The Home Dugout at Nationals Park to take on all questions and relate how hard it is to be a professional--both on and off the field of play. And the very necessary mental skills needed to succeed at anything in life.



If you haven't read last year's story and interview with Don Hooton, we encourage you to do so before continuing with this post. Then come back and read the update interview conducted yesterday with Mr. Hooton before the clinic began. One year later, The Taylor Hooton Foundation is making progress, but is surprisingly still seeing resistance from adult supervisors all across these United States Of America.

Please read last year's story for the complete background and history, then come back for Don Hooton's update which begins right here:

In the past year since we last talked, what have been the good impacts you have witnessed by your efforts—and the frustrating parts as well? (SBF)

“I think we are doing better than I probably think we are. We’ve talked directly to 75,000 kids. But it is never as much as we would like it to be. We’ve got millions of kids to reach. We’ve figured it’s close to 800,000 to 1 million kids using these performance-enhancing drugs. Our goal is to get into 10,000 high schools with our education program. We count ours in the dozens, maybe a couple of hundreds—so we’ve got a long way to go, but our biggest challenge is getting past some of the gatekeepers (school systems) who don’t believe we (Taylor Hooton Foundation) need to be there because they don’t think they have a problem with performance enhancing drug use in their schools. So, that is the biggest hurdle we are trying to get past right now.”

Does that surprise you that school systems might be turning a blind eye to this issue? (SBF)

“Yes it does surprise me--frankly. It very much surprises me. We are in a prevention program, just like the guys that talk about marijuana or heroin or anything else and you don’t have to have a heroin problem in your schools to have people come in and talk about why you shouldn’t do heroin. I am not quite sure why we see the resistance we do to performance enhancing drug use except somehow, some of these officials feel that if they let us in they are somehow admitting they have a problem in their athletic programs—that’s really not what we are about.”

So that means you must be trying to find alternative ways to reach out and get your story told? (SBF)

“We are working through the Federal Government. We hope they can send a message from the top that steroids and performance enhancing drugs education is important. We are trying to come in with the more general school administrators—the drug education officers, the counselors and principals—because it’s not just the athletes that are doing this stuff. We don’t need to be shoved off to the athletic directors because the current studies show that 50% to 60% of the steroid usage is with non-athletes. These kids that are using this stuff to look better. They have no interest in playing football or baseball or whatever the sport is. They just want to compete with the guys that look beefed up that get the chicks!!”

“And then the other thing that surprises most people is the fastest growing user group and they are little girls. The 14 & 15-year-old girls are doing this stuff to get six-pack abs. I mean it is just crazy!!”

Before we started this conversation, you mentioned instead of trying to be all encompassing in your approach, you are looking to target specific areas. Can you be more specific? (SBF)

“One of our current areas of focus, besides running at the schools in general, is working with several of the professional league franchises and hopefully—and we are pretty optimistic—developing a couple of partnerships where we will go in and focus on a particular community. So, we are here with The Nationals today. We were with The New York Yankees earlier this week. Maybe, we can end up with a Nationals sponsored program here is Washington, D.C. Or a Yankees sponsored program in New York where we are going in with the local Major League Baseball Franchise to talk to kids. We are then going in with a role model and delivering a real positive message why these kids should not be fooling with this stuff. By hook or by crook, whatever we got to do to get in front of kids, we are going to do it.”

Is it hard to realize you may need a player, let’s say The Nationals in this case, to hear you out? (SBF)

“It is very frustrating, very frustrating. Of course, everybody has budget problems, that’s one of the issues. It costs dollars to put these programs on—but not that much. But it is frustrating. People see all of this stuff going on in the national news. You can list the players that have got caught with this stuff. But they somehow don’t associate it with their kids. And the kids are following these role model leads and are injecting themselves with what are hardcore anabolic steroids. But if you don’t recognize you have a problem, or admit you have a problem, then it is difficult to get people to focus on dealing with it.”

“Even when you get injuries, everybody wants to assume it is just a one off type of thing. It’s just one kid. In our case back in Plano, Texas—there was just one kid, Taylor (Don’s Son). Well, when we talked to the kids, it’s a whole lot more than that. And in the case of Taylor’s team it was half the boys on the baseball squad. But we wanted to dismiss these things because it was just one kid with an injury. Or, it was just one kid that got sick or hurt themselves.”

Does Manny Ramirez being suspended for 50 games this season help you in an odd sort of way? (SBF)

“Oh, it’s not in an odd way. It is a very real way of assistance. He helped put this issue back on the front pages—at least the sport section—because when people are talking about the problem, we have the opportunity to respond and we get opportunities to get news interviews and interest is heightened. If there is nobody on the front page of the paper, if there is no screaming headline in our society these days, we just don’t seem to care and only wish for these issues to go away. And it’s not going away.”

How do you feel about major sports stars that are implicated as users and keep on denying it? (SBF)

“There is denial, although a lot of that has stopped. But, of course, everyone that is caught denies it—with few exceptions. But the thing that concerns me with Manny (Ramirez)--it wasn’t that he got caught, but it was the--what is wrong with that type of response? ‘Everybody is doing it!’ ‘I didn’t kill anybody!’ ‘It was just steroids!’ And if you really think about it, if he (Manny Ramirez) is really a role model for our children, then what are our kids now hearing from him? There really is nothing wrong with it and I didn’t kill anybody, what’s the big deal? That’s just simply sending the wrong message. So that makes it very difficult to get to these knuckleheads and counteract that message. And the sad thing is that nobody is talking to these kids to counteract that. We are trying, but we have seen resistance. Recent studies have shown that 85% of our children have never had a parent, a coach or teacher talk with them about the dangers of performance enhancing drugs.”

“So what do they get? A Manny Ramirez telling them what’s the big deal? And nobody counteracting that this stuff can kill you! It’s shameful. And what we forget about is that this is a felony. Most of these performance-enhancing drugs are a felony without a legitimate prescription. And by the way—hitting a long ball farther is not a legitimate reason for a prescription for anabolic steroids. It is a felony and we ought to be talking, in some cases, about how many years in the federal penitentiary some of these guys need to be spending there. And not just dismissing this as--fans don’t care—or it sells more seats. And that is the major part of the challenge we’ve got in dealing with this problem.”

Including the escalating usage by young girls which seems pretty amazing? (SBF)

“Really scary, but it is an indication that this thing has changed and has moved out of the locker room and it’s now moved into the social hallways. We have got to put a stop to it.”

With that final answer--Our Update With Don Hooton ended.

Performance enhancing drugs are a scary issue, no doubt. Let's hope parents, school officials, adult supervisors and coaches can one day all come together, get on the same page, and help to eliminate a still escalating problem that seemingly has yet to reach its pinnacle in American Society. No, this issue is not going away anytime soon. The peer pressure on youngsters is still to great--unless more get involved to educate and prevent it.




The fitness clinic ended with a Home Run Hitting Contest for all kids. Standing in rightfield, Willie Harris tossed rubberized baseballs to the children who attempted to knock them over the padded wall or into Washington's Bullpen.

All Photos Copyrighted--Nats320--All Rights Reserved

Real Baseball Was The News

On the very night The 44th President Of The United States conducted a live evening Press Conference from The White House in NW Washington DC, the freshest news of the night might well have come from SE--at Nationals Park--involving Our Washington Nationals. For two consecutive evenings on South Capitol Street, Our Washington Nationals put together near perfect--mirror image games. Quality starts from their hurlers, good defensive work--all standing behind excellent pitching for a DC Team scoring just enough runs to win.

Newsworthy--considering the poor first half start for DC's Team and the zero for five continuation which began under Interim Manager Jim Riggleman.

Having just finished Nats Xtra on MASN, Ray Knight is leaving the Nationals Park Broadcast Booth in Center Field Plaza. Running into The African Queen and I--and into the spirit of the evening we ask the proper question: "Ray, what do you call that which we have witnessed these past two nights?"

"I call that real baseball baby!!, replied Knight. "Real baseball, it's about time!!"--Ray Knight smiling broadly, almost giddy.

A perfect summation. A headlining quote. Real Baseball Was The News.

Following in the footsteps of John Lannan yesterday, "Mr. Cutie"--as Section 218 Compatriot Laurie calls Craig Stammen--threw hitless baseball into the 5th inning against The New York Mets tonight. And incredibly into the 6th frame--Our Number 35 had only tossed a total of 60 pitches in what was at this point a shutout effort. At least until The Mets light hitting Angel Pagan slapped a two out slicer over the drawn in Nyjer Morgan in centerfield which resulted in a triple and basically an Inside-The-Park Home Run--on a error--when "The Guz", inexplicably, threw a relay toss well past Ryan Zimmerman at third base and into The Mets Dugout to tie this game up at one apiece.

Most 25-Year Olds in their rookie season on the mound, might have wilted under such unexpected bad luck. Maybe even have ducked the assembled media in the post game by heading to the training room--off limits to scribes. But even after Stammen allowed Fernando Tatis to double down the left field line. And even after Daniel Murphy followed with a two out walk. Craig survived and pushed forward this evening--becoming a major part of the story--when he received some good luck of his own-as the always dangerous David Wright sliced one wicked sinking liner to right--that Josh Willingham made an excellent running in, backhand stab, to retire The Mets and save Craig Stammen from any further damage.

Not wanting to be left out of the storyline, Willingham would play his finest game in a Nationals Jersey--going four for four at the plate and personally knocking in two runs with his 13th Homer of 2009--which incidently was his first non-solo home run of his entire season (an amazingly odd statistic). Ronnie Belliard would punch home Washington's first run of the evening by doing what he does best at the plate--first ball, fast ball hitting with runners in scoring position.

And Craig Stammen would punctuate this chronicle by lasting into the 8th frame, where upon finally drama unfolded into effectiveness--as Interim Manager Jim Riggleman managed the final two innings like a playoff game. Jason Bergmann and Joe Beimel called on to retire New York in the 8th. And Mike MacDougal to close out The Mets in the 9th.

A report now written that states, when you are going good--things always fall your way. And tonight at Nationals Park, except for that one defensive mistake in the 6th, Our Washington Nationals played some real fine baseball. Textbook Baseball, in fact. The kind that might have looked like fantasy before The All-Star Break, now flashing the signs of fiction left behind. Washington made the routine plays and even the difficult ones tonight. And when their opportunity knocked to score--Washington plated the three runs they most needed to distance themselves from The New York Mets.

Truly, this was another well played affair for the second consecutive night in Washington, DC. Narrative for those "Getting Their Red On!!" Faithful in the 23,583 on hand standing at the end--appreciating the REAL BASEBALL witnessed over the past 48 Hours in Our Nation's Capital.

Final Score from Nationals Park where a renewed work ethic has been witnessed these past few days--Our Washington Nationals 3 and The New York Mets 1. Curly "W" Number 28 of 2009 anecdotal because not long after this affair ended, The African Queen and I run into former National and now Met--Tim Redding--leaving the ballpark. When we ask him how he's doing--Our Former Number 17 responds: "We are losing, it's not a lot of fun!!" (and not too friendly was he either) Sohna looks at me and says: "What would he have said if he still played for us?"

Good Question, because the feature of The Bang!! Zoom!! Of The Fireworks!! this evening signaled a rejuvenated Washington Club--taking advantage of a depleted Mets Lineup without All-Stars Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran and Carlos Delgado (all injured)--while not letting DC's past history with The Mets in The Nation's Capital affect a rare series win. This only the 3rd Home Series Victory EVER against The New Yorkers since baseball returned to Washington in 2005. The Chronicle of any victory against The Mets, under any circumstances, Sohna and I will rejoice about--at any time.

In The News Tonight, Real Baseball was played again on the diamond by Our Washington Nationals. Combined with Tuesday Night's complete game shutout by John Lannan this new work ethic resembling a new feature distancing themselves from lost fable. Yeah, it's been tough at times to watch DC Baseball this season, but over this just completed series win--Our Washington Nationals can only be described as a completely different baseball club.

Game Notes & Highlights

Craig Stammen keeps the ball down. From his appearance yesterday at The ESPN Zone, he certainly has confidence. What he needs is experience. Not sure if Our Number 35 is yet a keeper, but you have to like what he brings to the mound. Stammen keeps the ball down. He throws a lot of strikes and he's very competitive. Traits of a young man not afraid to challenge and succeed. We like that. 7.1 innings tonight, just four hits allowed, two walks and that one earned run. Craig Stammen's third victory in eight decisions lowered his ERA to 4.14.

And Our Number 35 should thank his third career victory to Jason Bergmann and Joe Beimel who both came on to retire Fernando Tatis and Daniel Murphy, respectively, to end New York's only real threat with two runners on base in the 8th with the game on the line. Mike MacDougal closed this one with his 6th save as a National in as many attempts in the 9th.

The Mets Starting Pitcher, Mike Pelfrey, kept on throwing first pitch strike after first pitch strike. And when Washington found Nick Johnson on 3rd and Josh Willingham on 2nd after a walk and double in the bottom of the 4th inning--"The Ballplayer" followed with a first pitch, fastball slicing liner to right. Ronnie Belliard getting his team on the board first with that RBI Single.

Josh Willingham slammed out his two run and eventual game deciding home run in the bottom of the 6th when--after Jeff Francouer in right field lost an Adam Dunn routine liner directly at him in the lights of Nationals Park. Our Number 16 then followed with a tremendous blast off Pelfrey into the first row of bleachers seats above The Visiting Bullpen. Willingham should have most likely driven in a third score this evening during the bottom of the 8th--when he drilled another double to the left-centefield wall. And even with the slow moving Nick Johnson giving his all running from 1st and rounding 3rd, 3rd Base Coach Pat Listach inexplicably halted NJ at third with the relay throw still not in Geronomo Berroa's glove. There were two outs, time to challenge The Mets fielders--Listach should have sent Our Number 24 home. Besides, who didn't want to witness Nick Johnson sliding into home? He may be the worst sliding player in the game. But Johnson would have tumbled, dove and probably hand slapped the plate--and made it one of the most memorable moments of this game. Too bad--no one got to witness it.

Josh Willingham, by the way, falling a triple short of hitting for the cycle tonight.

In the top of the very first inning--The Mets Corey Sullivan scorched a liner into deep right centerfield. Earlier this season, that form of frozen rope would have been a problem for Washington's Defense. Not any longer with Nyjer Morgan patrolling the vast reaches of Nationals Park. Our Number 1 EASILY chased down that fly while gently jumping into the padded wall. Another standing ovation for a fine play, but Ryan Zimmerman would exceed Morgan's defensive excellency tonight.

David Wright was on 1st Base in the top of the 5th when New York's Jeff Francouer ripped a grounder to The Z-Man diving to his left at third base. Not only did Our Number 11 backhand snare the hot shot--but he had the presence to right himself, twirling from left to right--his back to second base--and then UNDERARM/SIDEARM sling the baseball--while falling away from the toss--to Ronnie Belliard at second base for the force out on Wright. The Defensive Play Of This Game. Catlike Reflexes, Amazing Instincts, again shown by the finest fielding 3rd Baseman in the game--IN THE GAME!!

Second Base Umpire Hunter Wendlestedt tossed Mets 2nd Baseman Luis Castillo from the game after Castillo had to say something really vulgar to be ejected so quickly after Luis fumbled and juggled a throw to him attempting to get Nick Johnson at 2nd base in the bottom of the 2nd inning. It didn't take Wendlestedt 10 seconds to give Castillo the thumb. A quick toss that makes you wonder whether they have a previous history of contention.

Very saddened to learn that Jordan Zimmermann was placed on The Disabled List immediately following this game. Elbow soreness the official diagnosis and the second time this season J-Zimm has been shutdown for a similar instance. Worrisome, the best description. Collin Balester recalled to make his start tomorrow night against The St.Louis Cardinals at Nationals Park.


Abe teased Teddy during The 4th Inning Presidents Race by letting Our Lovable Loser believe he was going to Let Teddy Win!! Instead, while President Number 26 wobbled toward the finish line--President Number 16 danced backwards--and eventually crossed over to win his 22nd race this season.

Finally, The African Queen and I had quite the post-game experience. Heading downstairs from The Stars & Stripes Club to meet with a colleague over some business--we run into The New York Mets GM Omar Minaya in the elevator. And proceed to have this wonderful five minute conversation comparing New York's Injury Plagued Season to Washington's in 2008. Then, Omar tells us he likes Citi Field in Queens and we need to come visit. "But it's very expensive." he states. Then goes on with: "I really like Nationals Park, there is real nice feel here. Just a great place to watch any game." And he meant it--no BS. Omar Minaya was very engaging. He wanted to chat with us as much as we enjoyed meeting him.

Then of course--we run into Tim Redding (mentioned earlier)--followed by an hilarious run in with someone else unexpectedly. Our colleague we needed to speak with was finishing off another conversation. Not paying much attention to those surrounding us--this one guy in a very sharp Leather & Metal Insignia Cap looks at The African Queen and states: "HEY!! Are you going to say hello or what?" To our total surprise Jesus Flores is standing directly in front of us. Yes that's right, Our Starting Catcher, now rehabbing on The Disabled List. Flores looked in great shape (he really did), trimmer and more powerful. Jesus telling us he will have an MRI sometime over the next three weeks, but he's only coming back if he's 100% ready to give his body the workout in 2009. He's not in baseball shape, and it's killing him to not be playing. But what a pleasant surprise to see him. Most impressive of all--Our Number 3 has worked hard on English as his second language. Good for him for making the effort to learn. And even better knowing--Jesus Flores was very excited to see Sohna and give her a couple of huge hugs. Now--that is a good post-game. Sohna telling Jesus we miss him in our lineup.

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

Craig Stammen ESPN Zone Appearance

Hailing from Coldwater, Ohio--a small town on the western boarder of his birth state--Craig Stammen now finds himself in a Big League Uniform positioned as a one of the promising young starters Our Washington Nationals are building with for the future. On July 21st at The ESPN Zone in downtown Washington, D.C.--Stammen along with Radio Broadcaster Charlie Slowes--were on hand at 12 Noon to "Meet & Greet" Fans in the third of the five monthly get togethers planned during the 2009 Season.

Here is the complete transcript of that Q & A:

Charlie Slowes: “Thanks, Good Morning everybody. It’s good to see familiar faces again. Some of you folks have been here before. And some new people that have never been to our lunchtime question and answer sessions. This is now number three. We have another coming up the second week in August and another in September. You will be notified later of the player to be here for those dates—in the near future—always subject to change.”

“Even today is subject to change. I know a lot of you folks heard that Scott Olsen was going to be here. But such is the case in this game, injuries and visits to see the doctors and what is going to happen to him next—take priority. We learned after the game last night that Scott is going to have surgery for some fraying in his labrum—not believed to be real serious. But they (doctors) feel it is the root to all his troubles this year and even going back to last year. He is going to have the surgery on Thursday and get himself cleaned up to put him in shape to start fresh for next year.”

“So, when you have injuries to your pitching staff, one of the first things that happen is The Big League team reaches out to their AAA Club or even AA Club—as has been the case (for Washington) this year—to get a pitcher that is pitching real well there and come up and help the big league club. One guy who has done that this year for The Nationals is here with us today—right-hander Craig Stammen!!”

(Applause)

Charlie: “You get to sit in the big chair. As you can see the guys who have signed it already behind you. Over your left shoulder in #27 Jordan Zimmermann. And behind you is Wil Nieves. How have you been?”

Craig: "I am great!! How are you?"

Charlie: “I am good!! This has been, I know, a tough year for the ball club. But for you personally, this has been the biggest step forward of your career?”

Craig: “Yes, it has. It is a dream come true to get your call to The Big Leagues. But we are struggling a little bit right now. And we are trying to turn things around so next year not the same thing happens.”

Charlie: “You were in the minor leagues with a lot of the guys who are now on this pitching staff: Jordan Zimmermann, John Lannan, just to name a couple of guys you played with. And of course—Randy Knorr was your manager at Potomac—which wasn’t that long ago—was it?”

Craig: “Right. We keep talking about how we were in The Minor Leagues. We were working our way up and scratching tooth and nail to get a shot at The Big Leagues. The hard work has now paid off and we can now see what we can do here at this level.”

Charlie: I know for you, you guys have gotten there. But what’s a normal progression? Last night, I know you were in the dugout and rooting for a guy that was in the rotation that was with you at the beginning of the year at Syracuse. J.D. Martin, last night, had waited eight years for his chance to get to The Big Leagues—drafted out of high school by The Cleveland Indians.”

Craig: “It was good to see J.D. get his debut because I played with him at AAA and he has been just waiting to get that shot and it finally came to him. Hopefully, he can take advantage of it and he does well for us the rest of the year.”

Question: When you go to the mound and the other team knows you haven’t pitched in The Majors a lot, which also happened last night, do you anticipate your nervousness versus what plans they might have to make you nervous?

Craig: “I definitely think the teams that are a little bit older, like The Mets—they have more veteran guys on the team—they see a guy making his Major League debut and they feel like if they can get some hits off of him early—get him rattled—they can take advantage of that, build off of that—and get a laugher type of game. But as a young guy going up there, you have got to basically prove yourself—not only to the other team, but also the umpires, everybody, that you are not just here to mess around, you are here to compete and throw out your best effort. Being a young guy, you really have to put your best foot forward—as it is with anything—and show them you belong.”

Question (Child): What is your favorite team you have played for in your professional career?

Craig: “Well, obviously it’s The Washington Nationals. They are my favorite team right now. When I was in college, I played for The Dayton Flyers and had a great time there. And growing up in The Minor Leagues I played for a couple of teams—but I had a really good time here with The Potomac Nationals. And I know we have a couple of their best fans sitting here right now too. (At the ESPN Zone).”

Question: Craig, you have one of the better batting averages on the team among pitchers. What do you attribute that too? Hard work? Luck?

Craig: “I go up every time to the plate not wanting to make an out. I want to be competitive. I am not up there to stand there and walk back to the dugout. I think it is just an attitude that some of the pitchers are developing and I always have—I enjoy hitting. I think it is fun and if you can make yourself a hard person to get out, then that makes that pitcher work even harder as we all saw when (John) Lannan faced (Carlos) Zambrano (The Cubs) the other night. He faced nine hitters instead of eight.”

Charlie: “He and I talked about this—swing hard because you just might hit it, right?”

Craig: (Chuckling) “Right.!! Exactly!!”

Charlie: “We will give you a little inside thing that actually happened not too long ago. Craig was at the plate and The Nationals had bases loaded and they (coaches) told you to take. They were concerned about whether he might hit a ground ball and it becomes an inning ending double play. So they wanted to see if the pitcher would get behind you (in the count). But he didn’t (yeah, that’s right—Craig) you took three straight pitches. And your body language upstairs told us you were told to take. You weren’t real happy about it—were you?”

Craig: “Like I said, I want to be as competitive as possible. I am a competitive person. And that was really not competitive. (laughing)”

Question: Do you have any advice for the younger kids in the audience that aspire to be in your shoes one day?

Craig: “The best advice—it doesn’t come with pitching mechanics--how to throw harder and all that sort of stuff. But it is about perseverance, determination and never giving up on your dream because there were several times throughout college and high school where I could have packed it in and just got a real job like all my other buddies. But it’s all about staying on course and reaching those goals.”

Charlie: “So what is it like back in your hometown when you reached The Big Leagues? What changed the day you got called up?

Craig: “Well, I know I got a lot more phone calls and text messages—I can tell you that. But it’s such a small town—everybody feels like they know you. But it’s a really good town.”

Charlie: “Have people contacted you that think they know you? And you say: ‘I don’t remember this guy?’”

Craig: “Yeah, there has been a couple of occasions where I didn’t remember who was talking to me. But I am young enough, my brain is sharp enough, to get an handle on it.”

Charlie: “So going to Cincinnati is going to be a really big deal, isn’t it?

Craig: “Yeah, it’s going to be pretty crazy. The whole town might just lock up and go to Cincinnati that weekend.”

Charlie: “What is the population?"

Craig: “2000 people!!!”

Charlie: “Well, you got Jordan Zimmermann beaten, his is about 700 there is Auburndale, Wisconsin.”

Question: What do you think about The American League having the designated hitter and The National League not having the DH? Do you think The American League should adopt having the pitcher hit or do you think it should stay status quo?

Craig: “I like the way it is right now, because it separates the two leagues—The American League from The National League a little bit. Personally, I would rather be in The National League so I get to hit. But I am not going to say I am NOT in favor of the DH. It’s kind of fun when the two teams play each other in The World Series—whenever they go to an opposing park, they need to play the game that way. It makes baseball all the more enjoyable.”

Charlie: “I thought it was interesting that last year The Phillies go out and get Matt Stairs in late August to help them in September. There is a guy that has all that experience as a DH in The American League for The World Series.”

Craig: “Exactly. You have got to build your team to not just win The National League, but build your team to beat everybody.”

Question: Who is the toughest batter you have faced?

Craig: “There have been a few of them and they are all pretty good. I think that Hanley Ramirez has kind of got my number. I’ve thought I made some pretty good pitches and he got some hits off of them.”

Charlie: “He is a bad ball hitter. I remember that ball in Miami you threw that was low and off the plate and he just threw the barrel head down and it (the ball) went out of the park.”

Craig: “He’s just got a lot of talent and you really, really, have to bear down on him and make some really good pitches.”

Charlie: “I don’t know how true this statement will be. But I have heard pitchers say you can make a mistake in The Minor Leagues and the percentage of a guy swinging and missing it is much greater than it is in The Big Leagues—because you just talked about making a really good pitch—a bad hitter’s pitch—and they can hit a home run on it.”

Craig: “Typically, in The Big Leagues, you make a good pitch you are more than likely to get guys out. In Hanley Ramirez’s case that didn’t happen. But, the thing about pitching in The Big Leagues and the biggest difference—when you make a bad pitch—The Big League Hitters capitalize on that. They know how to capitalize on that a lot better than The Minor League Hitters.”

Charlie: “The one thing that has really jumped out at me this year at this level. If you get out in front and throw hitters an off-speed pitch and it is not a good one, or it’s just in the hitter’s zone—they will hit that pitch.”

Craig: “Yeah, they get paid the big bucks to do that stuff. That is what pitching is all about—limiting those mistakes. And when you make those mistakes, making them in the right spots so you don’t get hurt too bad.”

Charlie: “Last night, I thought with J.D. Martin, the first batter of the game set the tone—a spinning dribbler that went off the dirt and off the grass and stayed fair. And he gave up five hits and none of them were really hit hard in those first two innings.”

Craig: “Even when you do make the right pitches, there is a lot of luck involved because there is not a fielder at every spot in the field. Sometimes, the ball hits the holes and that is just the way it is and you have to go back and get them next time.”

Charlie: “And then there are the days they are hitting screamers all over and the ball is getting caught. And you say to yourself I ate something right today!!”

Craig: “Hopefully, it all evens out at the end.”

Question: This new manager (Jim Riggleman), do you think he is a miracle worker? That he is going to drastically affect your season? Or what?

Craig: “I don’t think he would call himself a miracle worker. But he is trying to change things around—get a little bit of a different attitude in the clubhouse—and the way we go about our business. Unfortunately, it hasn’t translated to any wins yet, but things are going to change around. We are going to figure this out and we just have to get over the hump a little bit. We’ve been so close in so many games that once we get over that hump and learn how to win more consistently—we are going to be a pretty decent team.”

Charlie: “I know there has been a lot more work with Jim Riggleman coming out of The All-Star Break—the Riggleman Pre-Game. Manny did a lot, the PFP’s and pitcher’s drills that you do in Spring Training—maybe once a home stand or once per week during the season. But this is now being done with a whole lot more work—infield, outfield drills—a lot of stuff that is not normally done on a daily basis.”

Craig: “That’s right. I think he decided we are not going to leave anything to chance. We are not going to assume we are good enough to get these things done because, obviously, our record doesn’t reflect to be a good enough team to not work on this stuff. So, his attitude is definitely right considering what happened that first half. And we might complain about it once it gets into the dog days of August about how much work we are doing, but in the end, hard work always pays off. Hopefully, that will all come to fruition and help us later in the season.”

Question: How exciting was it to beat The Yankees?

Craig: “It was very exciting. I had a couple starts before I got my first win. It was one of those days that you will never forget because I got my first win in Yankee Stadium—in its first year. The Yankees signed all those free agents and have a pretty decent team. So, it was very exciting.”

Charlie: “Big crowd, great anticipation to pitch there?”

Craig: “We had all that rain that day. I was really looking forward to pitching there. So I am kind of glad we got that game in.”

Charlie: “It was a 1:05PM game that started at 6:30 at night. Jordan Zimmermann waited until 9:15PM for a 7:05PM game for his first start. But that was taking a delay to a new level. When you have a game day routine, you are going to eat at a certain time. You are going to back time what you need to do to get ready to warm up. How many times did you scratch it and start over that day?”

Craig: “It was at least twice, maybe two and one-half times when I finally got dressed.”

Charlie: “They (Yankee Officials) did tell us at 3:15PM it was a 4PM start. And that is when we (Charlie & Dave) went on the air at 3:30PM with our pre-game show. And as soon as we went on the air it was pouring again. Before you guys came out to stretch, they scraped the 4 O’clock start.”


Craig: I was in the dugout waiting. They said the game was going to stop and it started raining harder. I guess the meteorologist was wrong that day.”

Charlie: “How long from the start of the game is your ready routine?”

Craig: “I’ve timed it out so I really only need about 35 minutes to get me ready to pitch. It’s not too long. I get stretched, throw, throw in the bullpen, take a little break and go out and pitch.”

Charlie: “And the difference if you are the home team as compared to the visiting team? You can’t warm in the bullpen while your team is batting.”

Craig: “I take five minutes off of it (the routine). Five minutes is enough for the home pitcher to get his stuff accomplished?”

Question. How do you block out the crowd? How do you not listen to thousands screaming and yelling?

Craig: “When you are out there pitching, it matters so much to you—you are so focused, you have trained your brain to be so focused on what you are trying to accomplish—that your brain is working so hard to figure that out that you are not really comprehending what is really going on around you. Pitchers tend to lose their focus when they notice what is going on around them. As long as you are focused on the tasks at hand, the crowd really doesn’t affect you too much. Of course, I have not played in front of any playoff atmospheres or anything like that. So that could be different. So far, as long as I am focused on the batters and the pitches I am trying to make—the crowd is kind of out of it.”

Charlie: “When you talked about places you played in college, and then in The Minor Leagues—those stadiums can’t hold what these Big League ballparks can. So, if you don’t notice it on the mound, would there be a time, say before your first Big League start where you walk out and heading down to stretch—do you have a sense as to how big the atmosphere is as compared to anything else that you have ever done?”

Craig: “The first thing you notice is that the stadium is about 10 times bigger than anything else you have ever been in. Once you get over that awe factor it’s back to just playing baseball like you did when you were a young guy.”

Question: Does Coach (Steve) McCatty have any personal goals for you?

Craig: “I don’t think we have talked personally about goals or looking forward. But, it’s basically to get better every day. I’ve have worked with Coach McCatty through AAA last year and the beginning of this year and since he’s been up in The Big Leagues. We’ve got a really good relationship. We talk about every start. We talk about what I need to do in the future to get better—to make when I go out to the mound an automatic win for The Nationals. It’s not really long term goals, it’s pretty much short term, start to start and day to day—to learn as much as I can so that later on I am going out there (on the mound) and it all comes natural to me.”

Charlie: “For a lot of the young guys it wasn’t much of an adjustment when they (The Nationals) made the change in pitching coaches?”

Craig: “Exactly. It was sad to see Randy (St.Claire) get relieved of being the pitching coach, but if there was anybody who could have gotten the job—McCatty was the best thing for me personally, and probably the rest of us.”

Question: “What do you think you guys as young pitchers need to do to keep the other team off the board and allowing you guys to win more games?

Craig: “There have been a lot of games in which we have pitched well and then we haven’t scored runs. And there have been a lot of games in which we scored runs and haven’t pitched well. It takes a total team effort to win and to win consistently. It’s not easy. Going forward, we just have a job to do. We need to keep doing that job of not giving up hits, making pitches and not bad pitches with two outs. When there were two outs is when all the runs have scored lately. If we bear down a little bit more, and focus in with two outs—maybe we can scratch out a few more victories.”

With that final answer, The Question and Answer Session with Craig Stammen concluded. Fans then lined up for autographs and pictures with Our Number 35. The next ESPN Zone “Meet & Greet” with a Nationals Players is scheduled for Wednesday, August 19th, 2009.

Ace

The standing and clapping by the fans in stands had been going on for some time--in fact--most of the 9th inning. The New York Mets were down to their last out tonight. From the 7:05PM First Pitch at Nationals Park to the very last one to come this evening at what was now 9:14PM--one person stood out above all others. John Lannan was pitching one of the finest games of his young Major League Career. And the home faithful were soaking it in.

They were watching an Ace.

Never in trouble tonight, given a safe lead of four runs--Our Number 31 protected it and was cruising through a depleted Mets Lineup. Not even a silly miss-catch of a routine foul fly down the right field line by Alberto Gonzalez just moments earlier in this top of the 9th--which should have been the final out--was going to spoil Lannan's evening.

What was left of 23,414 wanted not only victory, they wanted to see a shutout. They also wanted to see a complete game. A rarity since Baseball Returned To The Nation's Capital for Our Washington Nationals since 2005. The last one coming in 2006--thrown by Pedro Astacio on August 15th that season at RFK Stadium against The Atlanta Braves.

Our Fans wanted to see this now. History being put in the books. A complete game shutout. Anything less would have been mighty disappointing at this point.

When you have witnessed so many games, so many losses--the bad plays, the poor situational & clutch hitting, the less than stellar bullpen work--The Firing Of Our Manager--an unexpected developing storyline like this one needs to be cherished. Savored, remembered for all that has come before in this very long season.

For nine innings tonight-Our Long Island Native was in cruise control. Keeping his pitches down, letting The New York Batters swing away-allowing the defense set up behind him to simply do their job. John Lannan was never in trouble. Only two Mets reached base on him after the 4th inning. Only one New Yorker reached 2nd Base all night. And as this game moved deeper and deeper into that rather short night of work--John Lannan looked stronger and stronger.

Not once did Pitching Coach Steve McCatty emerge from Washington's Dugout to make a mound visit, neither did Interim Manager Jim Riggleman. And when Our Washington Nationals pushed across their first two runs against New York's Oliver Perez in the bottom of the 4th, they did so by showing patience at the plate. The same discipline on display all evening on the mound by John Lannan--while taking advantage of a little luck when one baseball's surest outfielders simply muffed a catch.

An Adam Dunn seeing eye single through The Mets overshift to right was sandwiched between a leadoff walk by Ryan Zimmerman and second free pass given to Austin Kearns. The precursor to the game changing moment, when Alberto Gonzalez slammed a liner right into Francouer's glove in right field--only to witness Jeff's sure hands fail him. The baseball skimming off his glove, allowing Zimmerman to score before Kearns was cutdown at 2nd--after returning to 1st base believing The Mets' Rightfielder would rightly catch that ball. Luck had turned to advantage and Wil Nieves doubled the pleasure by following with a clean single to right scoring Dunn with Washington's 2nd Run.

The only cushion John Lannan really needed this evening at Nationals Park. Sure, Washington would score two more additional runs in the bottom of the 5th--again taking advantage of The Mets Starter Oliver Perez's generosity--when Nyjer Morgan was hit by pitch and Zimmerman walked a second time. More free passes which directly led to two more runs--the final scores plated all evening--DC's Team up 4-0.

Which bring us now back full circle to 9:14PM, Tuesday night on South Capitol Street. Given a reprieve by Gonzalez's being unable to record the final out--Our Number 31 looked unfazed. Still focusing, still bearing down on New York's Fernando Tatis, time was the only factor left before that all important Curly "W" would be put in the books. After watching Chicago Cub Fans this past weekend and New York Met Fans last night cheer, stomp and rejoice at Our Washington Nationals being routinely beaten, what a pleasure to watch a great majority still remaining in the ballpark this evening--cheering on Our Washington Nationals.

No, "Let's Go Mets!!" was not in the vocabulary tonight. "Let's Go Nats!!" ruled this day.

The Rhythmic clapping continued as John Lannan looked in for the sign. Tatis was down to his last strike. The New York Mets were down to their last out. With the crowd sensing the inevitable, Our Number 31 threw his 106th and last pitch of this game--a fastball over the outside corner of the plate that The Mets' Leftfielder meekly tapped to Alberto Gonzalez at second base. Fittingly, before Our Number 12 even fielded the baseball--the home side fanatics ROARED WITH DELIGHT!! And John Lannan pumped his right fist in appreciation. Our players prepared to run onto the field. A celebration was about to begin.

And the very moment Nick Johnson caught Alberto's toss to end this game--The Bang!! Zoom Of The Fireworks!! immediately heard help relieve so much pain over the past weeks of play involving Our Washington Nationals. John Lannan had once again proven to be a stopper--the ender of the latest six game losing streak. The first victory of the "Riggleman Era". As Our Number 31 stood around the mound accepting the congratulations of his teammates--no one still on hand could not have understood--Lannan has become an ACE. A special keeper in the rotation for Our Washington Nationals Future.

Final Score from Nationals Park where a young southpaw again proved he knows how to pitch to Big League Hitters, Our Washington Nationals 4 and The New York Mets ZERO in nine wonderfully played innings. DC's Team only scratched out four hits off New York's Pitchers, but they took advantage of four Oliver Perez walks and one Hit-By-Pitch to put this game away.
And Curly "W" Number 27 warmed the hearts of the faithful that still show up on South Capitol Street every single night. If you had walked into Nationals Park for the very first time this evening and had NO CLUE the Won/Loss Records of the two teams on the field--you would have never realized Washington came into this game 40 Games below .500. Smiling faces, handshakes and pats on the back all around among fans leaving the ballpark after it's completion.

A rewarding feeling taken home by everyone rooting for Washington thanks to Our Newly Named "ACE". If people had never heard of John Lannan before this evening-Our Number 31 now finds himself more of a household name. Just a terrifically pitched ball game.

Game Notes & Highlights

What more can be said about John Lannan this evening. He was simply terrific, evening his personal record at 7-7 and lowering his ERA to a very healthy 3.38. Tonight was John's first career shutout.

Adam Dunn with two hits, one RBI and one run scored. Nyjer Morgan with no hits, but one walk, one stolen base (in two tries--he also got picked off) and one run scored. Ryan Zimmerman showing some serious patience at the plate with two walks, one single and two runs scored. In fact, he was absolutely flying home from third in the bottom of the 5th when he scored Washington's final tally on a sacrifice fly sent to deep center by Josh Willingham.

Wil Nieves made a beautiful defensive play on an attempted bunt by Oliver Perez in the top of the 5th. When Perez nudged the baseball slightly down the 3rd base line and took off--Lannan and Zimmerman both converged on the slow roller. Nieves called them all off, picked up the baseball with his back to 1st base--wheeled around to his left--and threw a PERFECT STRIKE to Adam Dunn at first base to retire Perez.

Later in the top of the 6th, Mets 2nd Baseball Luis Castillo bounced a hard seeing eye grounder JUST past Zimmerman's left at 3rd base. But "The Guz" overplayed to his right at shortstop--leaned down--backhanded the ball and somehow got a perfect almost jump toss to Adam Dunn at 1st Base to retire the speedy Castillo. Cristian Guzman had made another fine defensive play, but neither Our Number 15 or 23's web gems compared to Nyjer Morgan's this evening.

David Wright absolutely DRILLED a Lannan fastball to the deepest reaches of Nationals Park, left centerfield, near The Red Porch and the "NatsTown" "Get Your Red On" signs on the green padded walls. With this young Mets Fan SCREAMING behind our heads in Section 218 that "It's a HOME RUNN!! It's Gone Baby!!!" Nyjer Morgan used all his speed, athletic and baseball skills to RUN DOWN THIS BALL--leaping onto the padding over the "ON" portion of the signage--his back to the wall--to haul in Wright's drive for the final out of the top of the 3rd. As Sohna and I joined the thousands giving Nyjer Morgan a standing ovation for The Defensive Play Of This Game, the screaming Mets Fan just sagged back down into his seat--never to heard from again this night. Another moment of joy bringing huge smiles to the faces of The African Queen and I.

Now, back to that Alberto Gonzalez non catch in the 9th. With two outs and the game all but over, Fernando Tatis pops a routine foul fly down the right field line. Austin Kearns, Nick Johnson and Gonzalez all converge. It's Alberto's play to make. Yet, after he calls for the ball--he Hot Dogged it and try to make the easy catch--fancy--and DROPPED THE BALL!!. If Tatis had followed with a run scoring hit--there might have been a near riot at Nationals Park. Fans were pissed. Our Number 12's play was just uncalled for. Just make the play, get the out, end the game!! Please don't make the game harder than what it already is.


Tonight was a Tee-Shirt Tuesday. And we liked the variation of this giveaway. Personal Uniform Jersey Tees of Adam Dunn. It's a good idea that should be continued. Names, Numbers and Uniform Logos are recognized Universally by sport and non-sport fans. Not everybody is going to catch the meaning of a simple white tee with Red Curly "W" on the front and wording written on the back. The Cinco De Mayo "Corre, Teddy, "Corre" tee from earlier this year was sharp, so was "Los Nacionales". But Sohna and I would enjoy seeing Zimmerman, Zimmeramann & Lannan giveaway shirts--the core players that every one knows is going be wearing Our Uniform not only for the rest of this season--but many more in the future. Most every other team in The Majors gives out uniform tees on special nights--Our Washington Nationals should continue this new tradition.





Arriving at the ballpark before 5:30PM, we headed over to The Red Porch for an early dinner--sitting ringside--watching The New York Mets take batting practice. The number of baseballs Livan Hernandez and Tim Redding threw into the stands for fans wearing both Washington & New York colors--quite funny. Livo and Tim remembering how well they were treated here by fans while playing for Washington. Mile High Nachos--the biggest load we've ever seen in our lives. To say the least--we didn't finish it off. The New Philadelphia Cheese Steak--large, but a little on the greasy side.



Tom came running out of the centerfield gate during the 4th Inning Presidents Race, but was eventually over taken by George who pulled away at the finish to record his 15th win of 2009. Teddy, did not finish, what a surprise.


Having been mostly removed earlier this homestand due to the rope attaching them to the pole ripping off--The Four White Pennants that fly above the HDTV Scoreboard--three of which represent The Washington Senators Two American League Championships and One World Series Victory--have returned to their rightful places-repaired and flying high again.

And finally--The 2009 Washington Nationals Yearbook has been released and is for sale ($10). And does include a section on Our Former Manager Manny Acta. No word yet on when Season Ticket Holders will receive their free copy--if it's included in your benefit package.

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

Now Some Bonus Coverage: Charlie Slowes & Dave Jageler dancing in their broadcast booth to Wil Nieves' Batting Music. A now Nationals Park Tradition. Shot from Our Powershot A95 Camera we take most all our pictures you see here on Nats320.

D.C Baseball Academy Land Transfer In Limbo

"It’s hard not to feel frustration because we are moving forward in almost every other way," stated Marla Lerner Tanenbaum, The Chair of The Washington Nationals Dream Foundation. "But until we get this land transfer, we really can’t make the strides we would otherwise be making."

Since the July 23rd, 2008 announcement that Our Washington Nationals and The Washington Nationals Dream Foundation along with financial and land acquisition assistance from The District of Columbia Government would build a D.C Baseball Academy at Ft. Dupont Park --all the pieces to the puzzle have come together--financially and architecturally, everything except for one important part. The land transfer of 15 Acres of Federal Government Owned Property in Ward 7 (a plan that also would include an expansion of The Ft. Dupont Ice Arena) has not taken place to The D.C. Government. Politics, along with an environmental lawsuit filing has delayed the handover.

Before The District of Columbia Government could even take possession of the land. Before The Washington Nationals Dream Foundation could even begin building the proposed academy--an environmental assessment had to take place. The environmental impact of the development site in which the concluded October 2008 report stated "a finding of no significant impact" on the surrounding environment.

Yet, that study has come under fire. A local group--The Maryland Native Plant Society, along with a D.C. resident, has filed a lawsuit against The National Park Service--claiming the environmental assessment was not complete and would destroy local native plant habitat. At the same time, a broad reversion clause that would allow The National Park Service to revert the Ft. Dupont land site back to The Federal Government's holdings has broken down discussions between The Department Of The Interior/National Park Service and The District of Columbia.

“Their concern (Maryland Native Plant Society) is that when The National Park Service looked at the plans to transfer the land and build the baseball academy and expand the ice skating rink—the environmental analysis did not do any environmental assessment of anything outside of the footprint of the actual transfer," said Jamie Pleune--Staff Attorney for The Institute for Public Representation at The Georgetown University Law Center--which is handling this case for the plaintiffs. "It (the environmental assessment) doesn’t look at what the impact will be on the edge of the land transfer. And that is of particular concern because plans show they will build baseball fields right up to the edge of the forest.......and if the edge of the forest is harmed, the impact to the native forest community which extends further into the forest would probably wipe out the small community that is along the edge of the forest.”

Additionally, The District Of Columbia Government is upset over this reversion clause. A provision which "calls for the return of the property to the Park Service if there is noncompliance on many requirements that have nothing to do with the mandate that the land be used for recreation -- conditions related to parking access, green building standards and naming rights..." D.C. Council Chair--Vincent Gray--recently wrote an editorial in The Washington Post decrying The National Park Service's clause as delaying and potentially harming educational and recreational opportunities for District youths.

Gayle Hazlewood, Superintendent National Capital Parks East--stated in a phone conversation--The National Park Service will not comment on these issues due to the pending lawsuit. But that hasn't kept Council Chair Vincent Gray from trying to make headway. On July 7th, Chairman Gray met with Robert Stanton, The Deputy Assistant Director of The Department of Interior. His goal, to jump start the delayed proceedings--find a way to make The D.C. Baseball Academy happen.

Unfortunately, Chairman Gray's meeting with Mr. Stanton did not go well. Sources explaining to Nats320 that Mr. Gray left frustrated and disappointed that The Department of Interior and The Nationals Park Service will not play ball as the lawsuit works in way through the legal process. The National Park Service has until August 10th to officially reply to the legal filing.

Already in the D.C. Government proposed budget for FY 2010 to be sent to Capitol Hill for approval--Chairman Gray has appropriated $8.3 million in additional local capital funding authority for the youth baseball academy, on top of the $2 million in previously approved District government capital authority for this project. A total of $10.3 million in capital funds--$100,000 of which has been spent thus far -- on the environmental assessment for the transfer at Fort Dupont. Another $1 million in previously approved, unrestricted local funds are also available for the baseball academy project, and are parked by the office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development in an account at the Children's and Youth Investment Trust Corporation.

Mr. Gray wants to move forward, and has even written language in the FY 2010 Budget Request Act to federally approve the land transfer from The Federal Government to The District of Columbia:

SEC. 212…

(b)(1) Within 90 days of the effective date of this section, the Secretary of the Interior shall transfer administrative jurisdiction, for recreational purposes, of approximately 15 acres of land located in the northern portion of Fort Dupont Park, U.S. Reservation 405, from the United States, by the Department of the Interior, National Park Service, to the government of the District of Columbia.

(2) The land to be transferred under paragraph (1) of this subsection is described in the October 2008 Environmental Assessment prepared by the National Park Service, entitled “Transfer of Jurisdiction of Certain National Park Service Properties to the District of Columbia Government (National Capital Parks - East: Fort Dupont Park)”.

(3) The transfer under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be subject to a limited right of reversion by the Secretary of the Interior. The limited right of reversion may be exercised only if:

(A)(i)Within 5 years after the transfer under paragraph (1) of this subsection occurs, the District has not commenced activity to improve the transferred portion of Fort Dupont Park for recreational uses or facilities; or

(ii) After 5 years after the transfer under paragraph (1) of this subsection occurs, the District has ceased for at least 5 years to use the transferred portion of Fort Dupont Park for a recreational use or facility;

(B) The Secretary of the Interior provides to the District written notice of his or preliminary determination that the condition described in subparagraph (A)(i)or (ii) of this paragraph has occurred and the District has not, within 90 days after the notice was delivered to the District, addressed the Secretary’s preliminary determination to the Secretary’s reasonable satisfaction; and

(C) After such 90-day period, the Secretary has determined, in accordance with chapter 5 of title 5, United States Code (relating to administrative procedure) that the condition described in subparagraph (A)(i)or (ii) of this paragraph has occurred.

“I am glad they are our allies (D.C Government)," believes Mrs. Tanenbaum. "It’s nice to know that we are both on the same page about this. We have really got to follow their lead because they are actually on the transfer document. We are not. The Nationals are not. So, we have to follow their lead. I know that for Vincent Gray, this is really important to him. And I can’t ask anymore for what they are doing. The city has been exceptional."

Chairman Gray's Office is working with D.C. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton and The District's Authorizing Committees to ensure the land transfer becomes Federal law. But the legal question yet to be answered is whether an approved FY 2010 Budget Request with the land transfer language included would supersede the legal filing and The National Park Service's broader reversionary clause?

In a conversation today with Ms. Pleune on the phone--she stated that all her clients wish to see is a more complete environmental assessment:

Would this filing be a moot point if an E.A. was completed and came back and said their would be negligible effect on the forest? (SBF)

“Yes," replied Ms. Pleune. "The only law they (National Park Service) violated is not doing that full analysis. So of course, if they did the full analysis, they are not violating the laws. So, of course—the lawsuit would go away."

Additionally, Ms. Pleune stated: "The law we are suing under does not mandate particular results. It does not force agencies to make an environmentally friendly decision. So it could be The National Park Service--could say: ‘Yes, this will in fact have a negative impact on the forest and these are all of the negative impacts it will have, and we (NPS) are still going to go forward (with the land transfer).’ So, if that happened, they (NPS) would have fulfilled their responsibility underneath it. But of course, my clients would be disappointed that native plant communities were not being protected in that situation.”

Mrs. Tanenbuam's response: “I am not too concerned about that lawsuit. They did have an environmental assessment. Nobody is ramrodding anything through anyone here. All the proper channels were followed—everyone crossed their T’s and dotted their I’s on this one.”

But that has yet to solve this situation to this day. Until The National Park Service makes a final decision on how to respond to the legal filing of the environmental assessment. And until The National Park Service negotiates better revisionary terms with The District of Columbia Government over the land transfer or The 2010 D.C. Budget Request language is approved by Congress--The Proposed D.C. Baseball Academy stands in limbo. And thousands of District Youths are missing out on a prime opportunity to learn and develop physical and mental skills needed for their advancement in life.

Dismayed, but always hopeful, Marla Lerner Tanenbaum still sees The Baseball Academy Dream reaching its fruition: “I just keep working, moving forward, hoping when the land transfer does happen, I will have all my ducks in order and I am not going to be delayed for one minute. I am working with the architect, Major League Baseball, and everybody else I can work with to be ready to finish off a very important project for the good of our community."

Craig Stammen ESPN Zone Appearance July 21st

Craig Stammen will Pinch Hit for Scott Olsen at The ESPN Zone Monthly "Meet & Greet" on Tuesday, July 21st. The second time in 2009 Scott Olsen has cancelled due to his going on the disabled list with an injury.

Here is the press release from the team:

Nationals Pitcher Craig Stammen Participates in Q&A With Fans At ESPN Zone on Tuesday, July 21

WHAT: The Washington Nationals continue their popular lunchtime question-and-answer series at ESPN Zone with Pitcher Craig Stammen’s appearance on Tuesday, July 21. Nationals Radio Broadcaster Charlie Slowes will moderate the Q&A as fans get to know the Nationals pitcher in his first year with the ballclub. Fans in attendance will have the opportunity to win tickets to an upcoming Nationals game. Nationals players have participated in these Q&As since baseball returned to Washington in 2005.

WHO: Craig Stammen Nationals Pitcher
Charlie Slowes Nationals Radio Broadcaster


WHEN: Tuesday, July 21 2009, 12:00pm – 1:00pm


WHERE: ESPN Zone 555 12th Street, NW Washington, DC

Before

Before Alberto Gonzalez played matador defense on a routine grounder--waving the baseball past his glove.

Before Alfonso Soriano swatted out his second home run in as many days--moments later.

Before The Chicago Cubs used Garrett Mock and Julian Tavarez for Batting Practice.

Before six straight Cubbies reached base safely in the top of the 4th, and eventually nine of 10--scoring seven runs.

Before The Presidents Race had even started, Our Washington Nationals were down by six.

And before a significant amount of fans actually got up and left Nationals Park immediately after Abe crossed the finish line to win for The 21st time in 2009--Ryan Zimmerman pulled off a terrific double play in the top of the first inning.

And Nyjer Morgan continued to show he can be a catalyst at the top of the order--two hits, two more stolen bases (one more if 2nd Base Umpire Gary Darling had not blown the call) and one run scored.

Other than those two bright spots--most everything else witnessed today by the 34,574 in attendance had come before. Another bad loss decided well before the 9th inning was played. The 65th defeat in 91 games this season.

Not wishing to re-hash the same thing, over and over, The African Queen and I are going to take the night off--relax at home and watch a movie.

A picture show we haven't seen before.

Final Score from Nationals Park where "Mr. Enthusiasm" lost his job today--being Designated For Assignment probably well before this game ended--The Chicago Cubs 11 and Our Washington Nationals 3 in nine less than stellar innings. Julian Tavarez's roster spot to be taken over by Logan Kensing. He of the earlier season trade from The Florida Marlins. A two week tryout on the Major League Level at that time that did not go well for Logan. Transformed and dominant these past two months at AAA Syracuse, Kensing will get another shot through that ever revolving door known as Washington's Bullpen.

One time Cleveland Indians 1st round pick from eight years ago, J.D. Martin, will make his Major League Debut tomorrow night at Nationals Park for Washington. Replacing the now disabled Scott Olsen heading to Birmingham to see Dr. James Andrews, Martin has spent years recovering from injury and has been very effective pitching for AAA Syracuse in 2009. Interestingly his mound opponent will be the erstwhile former National--Livan Hernandez--pitching for The New York Mets.

The Awakening

Sorry for the late morning post. I had to be at work at 5AM before heading to Nationals Park for today's Sunday finale versus The Chicago Cubs. So, I am writing this at work but only about one specific moment in last night's game Sohna and I found very compelling.

At 10:04PM on July 18th, 2009--Nationals Park erupted!! A decibel level never heard on South Capitol Street. Not on Ryan Zimmerman's walkoff home run on Opening Night--March 30th, 2008. Not on Ronnie Belliard's two out, two strike blast to beat The Orioles on June 29th, 2008. Not at any point during the entire second season of play at Our Washington Nationals' New Ballpark in 2009. Nothing has ever come close to this roar. Only since baseball returned to The Nation's Capital and DC's Team played at The Old Ballyard on East Capitol Street beginning in 2005--has the enthusiasm witnessed this Saturday night been so high. Nothing at Nationals Park has come close to MOST ANYTHING AT RFK STADIUM when it comes to loudness. RFK reverberated like no other stadium. A Home Field Advantage Worth Embracing. FINALLY, Nationals Park this evening felt like a similar experience.

An awakening occurred. Maybe, the most important development witnessed in some time.

The bases were loaded in the bottom of the 8th inning, The Chicago Cubs were up by one, 6-5. Josh Willingham was stepping to the plate for Our Washington Nationals. All night long, 36,014 divided but boisterous fans had battled in the stands, just like The Cubbies & Our Nats on the field. An engagement now joined--waiting to be played out on center stage. Whether the "Lets Go Nats!!" chant was countermanded by "Lets Go Cubbies!!" Or, both teams representing The Nation's Capital or The Windy City were taking it to each other. This game, at this moment in time--was special. Never before seen, the 125th Game to ever be played at Nationals Park in the regular season had displayed the ballpark's potential to be advantageous for the home squad.

It didn't matter at this very moment that thousands were rooting for The Chicago Cubs. What was important to understand and realize--Nationals Park filled to its gills with its very own fans--eventually most all rooting for the home team--could be a decisive advantage. The 10th Man no one really believed existed since Our Washington Nationals moved from East Capitol Street to South Capitol Street in 2008, had finally taken charge. Given a new life this wonderfully cool summer evening--The Concrete & Glass Edifice, along with its faithful, could actually help Our Team. Nationals Park showed off its Aura Tonight.

No, Josh Willingham did not deliver when it counted the most. After a wondrous 8 pitch At-Bat that had EVERYONE on hand sitting on pins and needles--Our Number 16 grounded out to The Cubbies 3rd Baseman Aramis Ramirez to end another rally fallen short by Our Washington Nationals.

Sure, and without a doubt--the media will proclaim Washington didn't deliver again in the clutch. Again, stories will say DC's Team couldn't protect a handy four run early lead. Unquestionably--someone will say, this team, the one that calls Washington, DC home is getting ever so closer to becoming one of the worst Major League Teams--record wise--Of All Time.

So be it, because this Saturday night at Nationals Park, The 10th Man finally showed promise. One day soon, when Our Washington Nationals are competing for The National League Eastern Division Title, The African Queen and I will look back on this evening to recall how we knew all along that extra push needed to get Our Team over the top would come from the stands--not necessarily from the field. A loud raucous crowd is important. Support that can drastically effect play for the better.

A recipe for Home Cooking was written tonight on South Capitol Street. A consortium of fanatics--from The Chicago Cubs and Our Washington Nationals--both looking to end frustrating seasons of not winning Championships--The Cubbies for now 101 Years. The Washington/Montreal Franchise for it's entire 40 year existence--the last five in Our Nation's Capital--combined to prove the home field potential of our new ballpark.

Never did we expect Nationals Park to come close to rivaling the noise heard so often at RFK Stadium. That moment alone, worth it all tonight.

Final Score from Nationals Park where The Fans really were the story--not the ending--The Chicago Cubs 6 and Our Washington Nationals 5. Yeah, we lost again, four in a row--nine of ten. But while so many have written off Our Franchise and when you have been defeated in 64 of 90 games played so far in 2009--that's understandable. But what was uniquely missed and most likely not written or talked about, except for probably here, was the euphoria which developed on South Capitol Street this evening. Never would we have expected to listen to such a bellow. Pandemonium was breaking out. Commotion no one believed possible with two outs and the bases loaded in the bottom of the 8th inning. Yeah, DC's Team disappointed again in the clutch, but an all important awakening occurred. Needing a helping hand--Our Washington Nationals found out tonight they could trust their most loyal--their ballpark can play to their advantage--especially on that most promising of days in the future--when Washington is competing for a championship--before a packed house of nearly 40,000 loyalist--Getting Their Red On!!

We still can't believe that roar. The African Queen and I can only hope others noticed this moment as well.

Helping To Find Pets A Worthy Home

"Whether I come back in five minutes or return to my house five hours later," stated John Lannan of Our Washington Nationals. "The reaction by my dog (Bailey) is always the same--unconditional love." Surrounded by dogs, cats and even some sort of lizard/dragon--Our Number 31 for two hours this Saturday morning was visiting The Hybla Valley PETCO in the Alexandria portion of Fairfax County, Virginia. John helping to get the word out that many dogs & cats are looking for a good home every single day.


And The Washington Humane Society was on hand to offer for adoption some dogs to anyone stopping by to take a look.

"If you just watch TV and take a look at National Geographic and The Discovery Channel," said Lannan. "You can see how many dogs get left behind. People move, they just leave their pets behind. It's really sad and if I can do anything, in anyway, to help the situation get better--then I am here for them. It is well worth my time."

John's devotion to needy pets was reinforced by relatives on his native Long Island, New York.

"I grew up and I didn't have any pets. But my grandmother rescued a Westie from the North Shore Animal Hospital and that was my first real experience with a dog. They also rescued an Akita back in the day when I was a little baby. So, helping animals in need has been a part of my family--my entire life."


For two hours, John Lannan hung out with The Humane Society Adoption Dogs available this Saturday. He posed for pictures with children and families with their pets--none better than the Lizard/Dragon. Admittedly, not having much exposure to cats either, Our Number 31 jumped right in there and greeted each and every one brought in this morning.

"I finally bought my own dog (a french bulldog/beagle mix) this past October," admitted John. "But I didn't really think at first about the repercussions of having an animal and taking care of it (baseball and the travel schedule can sometimes get in the way). But this past off-season, I showed my dog a lot of love, so did my parents. She came down to spring training with me (in Viera). so she was there with my roommates and we all did a great job of taking care of her. She became a real part of the family. Right now, she is back with my parents (on Long Island) and she has come to visit me here in DC one time already this season. She is just awesome. I really love her."

As John Lannan continued to meet and greet, Our Number 31's Agent, Todd Wiseman, and I discussed the effort made to get Our Starting Pitcher more involved throughout the Greater Washington, D.C. Area.

"John really wants to contribute to the overall experience of baseball here," believes Mr. Wiseman. "It is very important to get any player involved into the surrounding community. And John understands where the fan base is and to attract people and fill the stands--John knows he has to get out here and meet people."

Of course setting such events up takes a lot of planning. John Lannan being a starting pitcher makes all the advance work even more important. Setting these events up, John and his agent Todd Wiseman must estimate, well in advance, to make sure Lannan is not scheduled to pitch. "He doesn't want to focus on anything but baseball on a day he is starting," commented Todd Wiseman. "So, we have to work through what The Nationals need for him on the field first, so not to distract from what we want to do off the field. Even the day before he pitches, John wants to get into a zone and stay there before he pitches, so we definitely have to work around that. Otherwise, all this doesn't work."

But today's effort by John Lannan is one of many such outings this 25 Year Old Pitcher wants to get involved in throughout the Greater Washington, DC Area.



Between community "Meet & Greets" involving Our Washington Nationals and those separate outings put together by John and his agent, the hope is to get Lannan out into the surrounding area at least one time per month, if not more during the season. In fact, John is currently working right now, along with Our Washington Nationals and The Children's Inn At NIH to provide a series of special outings for needy youngsters at Nationals Park.

"The Nationals and Israel Negron (New Community Relations Director for Washington) approached me about this and I have been thinking about starting my own foundation--something based around kids," stated Lannan. "It's a great opportunity to get kids out to the park, expose them to baseball, provide a learning experience set behind a fun background."

Approximately 20 underprivileged kids will sit in a special section at Nationals Park, with their own special banner, during selected home games. John will meet with them, provide special tee-shirts, give them lunch--all of which will come out of John Lannan's very own pocket. He is footing the entire bill. If all the details come together soon, expect to see Lannan's (Legends, Lair, Lads, or whatever the final verbiage used to promote the project) to debut soon on South Capitol Street.

"We need to find a worthy name that sticks to the project. That's all that is really left to decide. So, if you have any suggestions, I am listening and considering all offers!!" laughed John Lannan. But his gift to needy youngsters in the Washington, D.C. area is not a laughing matter. Nor was his personal time given this Saturday morning helping to find homes for needy pets looking for someone to love them also.


"I am here today to support The Humane Society and those efforts made by my relatives over the past years," concluded John Lannan. "Let's hope that together, we can make a difference, helping to find pets a worthy home."

PS--Do note how deftly John Lannan kept his left pitching hand away from any potential bites from the teeth of the many pets today. Lannan even laughed when I told him I had noticed: "You better believe it," he responded.

All Photos Copyrighted--Nats320--All Rights Reserved

Chutzpah

16 pitches into the bottom of the 1st Inning, The Chicago Cubs Pitcher Carlos Zambrano was getting steamed. Nyjer Morgan had hustled out a leadoff infield single and Nick Johnson had followed with a walk. Then, 39 tosses into his opening frame the ever combustible Venezuelan was mighty hot at the Home Plate Umpire--Gary Darling. Willie Harris had just walked with the bases loaded forcing in NJ with Washington's first run of the evening. Zambrano didn't like call--and forcibly snapped at the baseball tossed back to him by his catcher--Koyie Hill-while spewing a few phrases at the face of Umpire Darling.

During a time Carlos Zambrano was struggling. The very opportunity to take advantage and pull ahead, Our Washington Nationals would let him off the hook. How? Because Nyjer Morgan was inexplicably cut down when he decided to run to 3rd base on a full count with nobody out to Ryan Zimmerman a few batters earlier. Like Why? Just because you fear Our Number 11 will hit into a double play? Morgan can score on just about anybody--why take the chance at that point? It's early in the game and Zimmy has struggled of late at the plate, not consistently making contact. The result--a strike'em out/throw'em out double play. Fearing a DP, Washington ran into one.

Carlos was already losing his cool. That hot latin temper which has cost him many times before in Major League Baseball was rising--just like his pitches this frame. Not throwing well, unable to consistently find the plate--Chicago's Big Starter wearing uniform Number 38 was ripe for the taking. Yet, DC's Team let this inning slip away--and ultimately this game.

Already in trouble, why let Zambrano recover so easily? Yet, even after The Cubs then intentionally walked Adam Dunn to face Josh Willingham. Even after Willingham's At-Bat proved lucky for Washington when Chicago Shortstop Ryan Theriot booted the inning ending play. Even after Harris followed with his RBI Walk--Carlos was still in deep trouble. He was mad. The exact time to seek the big advantage.

Yet all was lost when when Josh Bard ripped a hard grounder up the middle. The eventual final out of the frame when Chicago 2nd Baseman, Mike Fontenot, performed the first of three superior defensive plays witnessed this evening on South Capitol Street. Rushing to his right quickly to retrieve the bouncing baseball--Fontenot backhanded the ball just on the shortstop side of 2nd Base--and without taking the baseball out of his glove--flipped the ball from his mitt to Theriot covering 2nd to retire Harris for the inning ending out.

Just like that, 43 pitches into this pivotal first inning, Zambrano was out of trouble. Losing his control, maybe his mind again, but not as it turned out this game. Our Washington Nationals could not push across any more runs against one of baseball's most volatile players. Given a reprieve, allowed to settle down, the talented Zambrano then turned the game completely around moments later when--with two outs in the top of the 2nd inning--Carlos slammed a high breaking pitch from Washington's Craig Stammen down the right field line scoring two Cubbies with what turned out to be the eventual game winning runs.

Carlos Zambrano had bent, but did not break. Chutzpah which Our Washington Nationals need to learn.

Over the final eight innings of this ball game, 27,581 at Nationals Park would see 11 more DC Batters strike out. Most everyone swinging from their heels--few looking just to make contact. Our offense never got on track--despite three hits from Morgan. And Craig Stammen just sort of survived on the mound. One of those outings where your pitcher gives up just enough runs to lose. When Our Number 35 needed his out pitch--Stammen didn't find his nerve.

While Washington couldn't take advantage of Carlos Zambrano's high pitch count, The Chicago Cubs benefited from Craig Stammen's inexperience. Together, they combined to play out one of the more pedestrian affairs this year at Nationals Park. After Aramis Ramirez homered in the top of the 3rd for The Cubbies, not much more happened--all night. There were two more defensive gems, but nothing that changed around this affair.

Nothing at all.

Final Score from Nationals Park where maybe a little bit of early rain helped cool down the hot tempered Carlos Zambrano--The Chicago Cubs 3 and Our Washington Nationals 1. Needing to show a little backbone with the game on the line early, DC's Team couldn't muster up enough resolve in the very first inning to pull away. The boldness to not back down. The Chutzpah which Zambrano and The Chicago Cubs showed when it counted the most. The audacity which Our Washington Nationals have yet to find.

Game Notes & Highlights

Carlos Zambrano has always been a pretty good hitting pitcher. Why Craig Stammen served him a high breaking pitch with two outs in the top of the 3rd--I do not know. It was poor choice and it cost Our Number 35 mightily. Just like his 89 MPH fastball right over the middle of the plate to the always dangerous Aramis Ramirez who launched it deep and into the leftfield bleachers at Nationals Park. Stammen would last six complete innings allowing six hits, one walk and three earned runs. He will be given a "quality start" in the official record books, but there was nothing overly special about it.

Washington's Bullpen kept this game close to the very end. Tyler Clippard, Mike MacDougal and Joe Beimel combining for three shutout innings of relief work.

Zambrano threw an outrageous 113 pitches in just five innings and got the win. He walked four, gave up four hits--but wasn't threatened again after his more than shaky first frame. Four Chicago relievers followed to shut down Washington the rest of the way.

Nyjer Morgan had three of Washington's six total hits--one of which included an impressive At-Bat. Knowing he probably couldn't get around on Zambrano's tailing away fastball, Nyjer with two strikes against him in the count--realized Carlos' next pitch on the outside corner was too close to take. But instead of just swinging away and hoping just to make good contact--Morgan half swung his bat, flicking the ball into foul territory into the 3rd Base Dugout. Staying alive for another pitch, which he slapped into leftfield for a base hit. A professional plate appearance by someone who understands his role. Nyjer Morgan wasn't trying to do too much. He just wanted to get on base.

Nick Johnson's 7th inning double off Chicago's Sean Marshall with two outs was Washington's only extra base hit this evening.


Defensive gems stood out tonight at Nationals Park. Fontenot got the fine web work going strong with his wonderful backhand stab and toss to Theriot to end the 1st. But The Cubs Leftfielder Micah Hoffpauir showed NO FEAR when Willie Harris popped a foul fly down the leftfield line in the bottom of the 3rd. With the baseball about to drop two to three rows into the stands--at the corner where the seats jut out toward the field--the lefthanded Micah DIDN'T STOP and dove head first into the awaiting crowd and snared the baseball with one fantastic catch. The Defensive Play Of This Game--and it was a goodie--nearly equaled by Harris five innings later when he fielded a hard smash grounder at second base just as The Cubs Derrek Lee was running toward him to second. At the very moment Our Number 22 scooped up the baseball--Willie had to tag Lee, jump into the air while throwing off balance to Nick Johnson at first base to retire the speedy Milton Bradley. Airborne but not out of control--Willie Harris had made one very pretty play. This 8th inning ending out received a much deserved standing ovation from the home crowd.



Celebrating Christmas In July, Teddy came out running as Santa Claus in tonight's 4th inning Presidents Race. Ahead early, Our Lovable Loser began to toss gifts into the crowd watching down the right field line. And was again passed by his compatriots. Abe winning going away.

Loved the The Cubs Fan sitting below us with a shaved and painted Cubs Logo on his head.

And finally, we met the newest fan of Our Washington Nationals this evening in Section 218. 12 Week Old Logan was sitting with her parents just to the left of The African Queen and I. Tonight was her 4th Game at Nationals Park. Yes, that's right--FOURTH. Wearing her blue Curly "W" Tee Shirt--and noticed by everybody--Logan and her parents received a nice gift when Usher Team Captain Supervisor Bill noticed the threesome and stopped by to give Logan a special Curly "W" bear. We don't know who was happier--the parents or the baby--but it was a very nice gesture on Bill's behalf.

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

Screech At The All-Star Game

Did you know that My Best Friend Screech!! actually participated in The All-Star Game Home Run Derby? And I don't mean standing on the side watching. Our Washington Nationals Mascot slammed out 11 Home Runs on the Opening Day of The 2009 All-Star FanFest Activities in St.Louis on July 10th. Competing against the 29 other mascots of Major League Baseball's 30 Teams, Screech finished second--his All-Time Best Showing.

Then proceeded to entertain the thousands that showed up surrounding Busch Stadium to take in The All-Star Festivities.

Screech hung out with Hall Of Famer Ozzie Smith at FanFest's Opening Ceremonies. He, along with Stomper, Slugerrr, Junction Jack, Billy the Marlin and Fredbird kicked off the MLB 5K & Fun Run at Busch Stadium. Twice Screech visited The Starbright Children's Hospital along with his friends--Slider, Mr.RedLegs, Rangers Captain, D Baxter, Stomper, Raymond & The Oriole Bird--helping to bring a little joy to children in need.


My Best Friend!! partied with fans at The All-Star Pre-Game Celebration and was introduced along with all 29 of his other buddies before the Major League Version of The All-Star Home Run Hitting Contest--won by Milwaukee's Prince Fielder. Screech telling The African Queen and I his attendance and activities performed in St. Louis some of his prouder moments representing Our Washington Nationals.

So Screech!!--now since you are an "All-Star Among Us"--would come visit us in Section 218? Or we just might have to take you off the Best Of Friends List? (Kidding)

Photos--Courtesy Of The Washington Nationals

Sleepwalking

Nyjer Morgan had been caught daydreaming. The Chicago Cubs Reliever, Carlos Marmol, had wheeled quickly and caught Our Number 1 far enough off first base to pick him off--killing a potential rally with Nick Johnson at the plate--with Our Washington Nationals down just two in the bottom of the 8th.

"It's almost like Washington is sleepwalking", said this one fan sitting two seats to our left. And you know what? That guy had nailed the exact feeling tonight at Nationals Park.

Coming on the heels of the firing of Manny Acta. Coming after a less than stellar six game road trip and completion of a suspended game. Coming on the very night Jim Riggleman managed his first game for Washington on an interim basis. And coming on the very night one of baseball's most popular teams--The Cubbies--came to South Capitol Street. The play on the field by Our Team this evening was almost dormant. Like as if a few more "Z's" were needed (and we are not talking about Ryan or Jordan here--although that could possibly help us) to take in all that has encompassed Our Washington Nationals over the past eight days.

No, it's not fun to be on a losing streak. It's not enjoyable to see Our Manager fired. It's not pleasant to be in last place.

But at some point, all of it just needs to take its toll. This evening certainly looked like everything had finally caught up with Our Washington Nationals. Hopefully, the breaking point to get back over the hump and start playing winning baseball again. Ryan Zimmerman is better than another poor throw executed on a routine grounder stroked by Koyie Hill in the top of the third that resulted in his 13th error and subsequent first unearned run of the night against Washington Starter John Lannan.

Our Team should be more consistent at getting runners home in scoring position such as when Alberto Gonzalez was left stranded on 3rd after a terrifically stroked shot down the right field line off Chicago's very tough Rich Harden in the bottom of that 3rd with one out.

Washington should have better protected another fine effort on the mound by young starter John Lannan--who pitched well tonight--but was beaten thanks to the shock factor that seems to have finally settled in. And finished off when "Mr. Enthusiasm" continued to struggle on the mound in the 9th. Julian Tavarez couldn't retire any of the three batters he faced (scoring one Cub Run) and Sean Burnett fumbled a comebacker to the box that resulted in Chicago's 5th run. Tyler Clippard allowing The Cubs 6th and final score on a sacrifice fly.

Wanting to re-energize a lackluster season. Wanting to get things started on the second half of 2009 in a positive direction. Wanting to put an All Important Curly "W" in the books--Our Washington Nationals found themselves waking to the reality: They Must Pull Themselves Together. This is their job because this is not all a dream. They are more capable. And they must realize it's going to take every bit of their own strengths to turn things around.

John Lannan pitched well. Alberto Gonzalez played a fabulous game. Nyjer Morgan personally manufactured a run. Ryan Zimmerman stroked his 15th home run of the season. But the little things continued to haunt Washington. The errors and mental miscues that cost any team--any ball game.

The Shock Factor played a significant role tonight at Nationals Park. It's hard to win--as Jim Riggleman stated yesterday in his Introductory Press Conference. But it's even harder to overcome all that has happened so far in 2009. "Sleepwalking" as that one fan said tonight at Nationals Park was not out of line. Burdens that have rested on the shoulders of so many of Our Washington Nationals Players & Staff need to be pushed aside. It's time to relax--do what you are capable--and forgot about all that was the first 88 Games Now Of This Championship Season.

Final Score from Nationals Park where during the 7th Inning Stretch the "Take Me Out To The Ball Game" song found so many SCREAMING OUT "Cubbies" instead of "Nationals" that it was actually sort of funny. The Late Great Harry Caray OWNED the 7th inning Stretch and it was sort of nice to remember such a wonderful broadcaster in DC this way, this day. The Chicago Cubs 6 and Our Washington Nationals 2 in nine drowsy innings.

Being down, being out, being disappointed, doesn't mean all is lost. Lethargy needs to be shaken off. DC's Team needs to get some good rest this overnight--clear their heads. And return Friday evening, ready, willing and able to make things better. The little things that have hampered Washington all season now need to be overcome--because the mental aspect certainly took its toll tonight.

Sleepwalking through this game--after all else--certainly not a surprise.

Game Notes & Highlights
John Lannan was good tonight. He allowed three Chicago runs (two earned) on seven hits and just one walk in 6.2 innings. The Cubs' Derek Lee took him deep to right for a home run in the 6th and thankfully John, DID NOT, get his pitching hand hit on a hot shot back to him in the 7th by Reed Johnson that scored Jeff Baker with The Cubbies 3rd Run. But Rich Harden was simply better for Chicago. Talented, but struggling this season--Harden was reaching 98 MPH on his fastball-which set up his changeup beautifully. Striking out seven, allowing just three hits, no walks and one unearned run--Rich Harden was pretty spectacular this evening.

Unlike Julian Tavarez. I don't know the exact numbers--but it sure seems like he's walked the leadoff hitter in most all of his last three or four games. He has not performed well at all--and looked little like the talented pitcher of just a few years back while playing for The St.Louis Cardinals.

On the good side of things--Nyjer Morgan walked, stole second base--advanced to 3rd on a throwing error by Chicago Catcher Koyie Hill in the bottom of the 6th and scored on a ground out by Nick Johnson. Manufacturing a run--without a hit--something not normally seen with Our Washington Nationals. A development well worth watching and appreciating more often in the near future.

Also, Ryan Zimmerman got ahold of a Kevin Gregg fastball in the bottom of the 9th and drilled it down the rightfield line into the corner and over the wall into Washington's Bullpen for a home run. Never do we recall Our Number 11 hitting a home run in that exact direction in all his four years in Washington, DC. He hammered that baseball-tremendous power to do just that feat.

Alberto Gonzalez recorded his 11th Multi-Hit game this evening and his hitting a robust .394 (26-66) since his recall from Syracuse on May 30th. Alberto making Baseball Operations wonder whether he deserves more of a full time spot in the lineup. Competition (with Anderson Hernandez) is always good.

In the top of the 7th, Chicago Cub Pinch Hitter Micah Hoffpauir--drilled a hard shot on the ground right at Nick Johnson at 1st base. NJ swiftly readied for the baseball, and even when it took a wicked bounce and flew over his head--he still had enough presence to get his fielding glove up and snare the baseball for The Defensive Play Of This Game. Reactionary move only--to protect his head--Our Number 24 found the ball in the webbing of his glove and easily trotted to the bag to record the out.



26,980 witnessed a very bizarre Presidents Race. While George, Tom & Abe ran from the usual centerfield gate in the middle of the 4th inning--Teddy came out from the rightfield stands--along with that strange cat that reappears from time to time. Together, Teddy & The Cat knocked down first George, then Tom, then Abe. Before George eventually recovered, and won for the 13th time this year.

Speaking of bizarre--what about this guy? What bet did he lose to have to wear a Halo, Angel Wings and what looked to be a Cow Dress tonight in Presidents Club? I would have loved to find out the real story there. Everyone was staring at this guy this evening.

The African Queen's Former Love--Alfonso Soriano--played his first game ever at Nationals Park this Thursday. Injured and on the Disabled List when The Cubs visited The Nation's Capital in 2008--Sohna got a kick out of the very player whom in 2006 got her fanny in her customary seat in Section 320 (Row 4, Seat 14) at RFK Stadium for every single game. Alfonso Soriano--more than any other player that has EVER donned a Nationals Uniform--responsible for The African Queen's Fandom of Our Team. For that, I will always be grateful. That, and the Alfonso!! SORIANO!! cheer from Section 320 which Our Former Number 12 acknowledged during his final week that wonderful season--appreciative of the undying support of Section 320. We just LOVED THAT CHANT!! So did many, many others!! There was nothing like it. Good Memories.

In the bottom of the 9th with one out--Josh Willingham fouled off a Kevin Gregg pitch that caromed off a seat two to the right of The African Queen and bounced right into my hand. Sohna proudly displaying tonight's trophy. Our second baseball of the season retrieved. The other off the bat of Wil Nieves.

Finally--The 3rd Base Coach tonight for The Chicago Cubs--Mike Quade--was the starting 3rd Baseman for The 1982 Alexandria Dukes (Virginia). The only time The Carolina League Team won the title--two years before the then Pittsburgh operated franchise moved to Prince William County--becoming The Cannons--and had Barry Bonds on their team--before eventually becoming The Potomac Nationals. Just a few short years before I ever met Sohna, I was a Full Season Ticket Holder for The Alexandria Dukes--who played their home games at Cora Kelly Elementary School near what is now Potomac Yards Shopping Center. Dwight Gooden, Darryl Strawberry, Bobby Bonilla, Sid Fernandez, Juan Samuel, Ozzie Virgil, Jr., Joe Orsulak, Tim Burke--some of the players that I recall off the top of my head that played at Four Mile Run Park for or against The Alexandria Dukes.

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

4th Annual Christmas In July Drive

Beginning Friday Night, July 17th, when this weekend's series continues between Our Washington Nationals and The Chicago Cubs at Nationals Park, volunteers from both The U.S. Marines Corps and Our Team will be on hand at Center Field Gate to accept donations for The United States Marines Reserve Toys For Tots Program. Cash donations accepted too.

Until the end of the 4th inning tomorrow night, Saturday night and Sunday afternoon--you can participate by dropping off any new and unwrapped toy a the entrance gate on N Street, SE.

Complete details in the press release below:

Washington Nationals Host Fourth Annual Christmas in July Toy Drive In Partnership with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program

WHAT: The Washington Nationals will host the fourth annual Christmas in July Toy Drive, benefiting the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program, when they face the Chicago Cubs, Friday, July 17 through Sunday, July 19. Volunteers from the U.S. Marines and the Nationals will be present at the Nationals Park Center Field Gates to accept donations of new, unwrapped toys from gate opening through the end of the fourth inning. The toys collected will be distributed to needy families in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Region. Nationals fans donated more than 2,000 toys and $19,000 in 2008.

WHO: Washington Nationals--U.S. Marine Corps Reserves

WHEN: Washington Nationals vs. Chicago Cubs
Friday & Saturday, July 17-18, 2009,
4:30pm – CF Gates Open
7:05pm – First Pitch

Sunday, July 19, 2009
11:00am– CF Gates Open
1:35pm – First Pitch

WHERE: Nationals Park Center Field Gates Half & N Street, SE

A Few Minutes With Charlie Slowes

Before Our Washington Nationals played their final game before The All-Star Break at Houston last Sunday--and one day before Manny Acta was relieved of duty as Manager--Radio Broadcaster Charlie Slowes was kind enough to give me a few minutes of his time to discuss what he's witnessed on the field this first half of 2009. Despite not knowing at the time of this chat that Manny would no longer be in Washington--the interview actually held up well.

So with that--here we go with A Few Minutes With Charlie Slowes.

Has it stunned you that this has been as difficult of a season as it has been? (SBF)

“Oh yeah. No one expected this. No one expected all the strange ways the games have turned. How they lost games. Just bizarre things like (Adam) Dunn missing second (Saturday, July 11th) against Houston on an appeal play. So Josh Bard loses a double because it ends up being a fielder’s choice ground out. We’ve seen stuff in the first half of this year that you don’t see for years.”

Speaking of years, you were with The Tampa Bay Rays for a few years as well. Was it ever this difficult there? (SBF)

“We had one year where we only one 55 games, but we never won more than 70 (at any time Charlie was broadcasting their games). They were all difficult. They (The Rays) were expected to be bad--initially.”

But was the play as erratic as that of the 2009 Nationals? (SBF)

“We had a time where we had (Jose) Canseco and Paul Sorrento in the same outfield. We (at Tampa Bay) had bizarre combinations of players that didn’t fit—like Greg Vaughn and Gerald Williams.”

Wasn’t Vinny Castilla there at one time? (SBF)

“Yes, then he got hurt in Spring Training and never recovered from it and had a terrible year. Then, got off to a terrible start the next year and they told him they would release him if he deferred his money because they were going to call up Aubrey Huff to play 3rd Base. And Vinny said no and they (Tampa Bay) called up Huff anyway and Castilla was benched until they agreed to defer his money to get his release. Then, he (Castilla) signed with Houston and had a very good year and parlayed that into a two-year deal with Atlanta.”

So after seeing The Nationals for 80-some odd games now—where do you see the hope in this team? (SBF)

“The starting pitching—John Lannan, (Jordan) Zimmermann—guys like Craig Stammen, (Ross) Detwiler) and don’t forget about Shairon Martis.”

Has Craig Stammen surprised you? (SBF)

“He’s very good. He keeps the ball down. We (Charlie & Dave Jageler) saw him in a spring training game and we said to each other: ‘who is this guy?’ He’s good. When he can’t keep the ball down—then he gets hit—simple as that. I don’t think he has as much movement and stuff as some of the other guys. Ross Detwiler was getting hit because he was up (in the strike zone). He was up in the zone with everything. He is not mixing up and down. You can be up, if you are only up occasionally. But when you start being up a lot—then you are going to get crushed.”

How much of a difference maker has Nyjer Morgan made this team in the short time he has been here? (SBF)

“In the close games, he can be a big difference. Since we (The Nationals) don’t have any speed in the (outfield) corners right now—it’s huge. There was this ball he got to in Colorado that was almost in leftfield—not like left center. The ball got hit and Dunn started to go back and I was sure it was over his head. But if it’s one of these balls that’s in the air for a long time—Morgan will get there.”

“They have got to continue to improve their defense. I know they went, offense, offense, offense to start the year, but unless you strike everybody out and get ground balls in the infield—you have got to catch the ball in the outfield. We have lost too many games because of that.”

And Nyjer Morgan’s speed at the top of the lineup could really change the batting order. (SBF)

“Well, they really didn’t have a leadoff hitter—or a guy that could steal any bases. When Nick (Johnson) bats second—he (NJ) will take pitches to give him (Morgan) the chance to steal. If (Cristian) Guzman is batting second—not so much.”

Because he swings at everything. (SBF)

“Right.”

What do you think of Alberto Gonzalez? (SBF)

“I think he should play second base. Anderson Hernandez needs to show he's a take charge guy on pop ups. He originally was a shortstop. Gonzalez might have caught that ball last night (Friday, July 10th) that dropped in foul ground (between Hernandez & Johnson) that basically ended up costing them the game.”

“But the defense has been horrendous. There is no way around that. Even guys that you expect to make plays—Nick has a lot of errors. Ryan Zimmerman has a lot of errors. Guzman has a lot of errors. And when you go play some of these other teams their first and third basemen have only two errors. (Casey) Kotchman hasn’t made an error since he joined The Braves (in 2008).”

I remember you mentioning on the radio recently that Washington had just committed its 81st error of the season. And their opponents had only made 37 or 38 against The Nationals. (SBF)

“Yeah, it’s more than two to one. Look at The Nationals in 2005 when they won 81 Games. They were not a good offensive team. They didn’t have enough power. They had to scratch for their runs. They didn’t have a leadoff batter or base stealer—because (Brad) Wilkerson was leading off. But they had starters that gave them innings. Their bullpen was great and they were second in the league in defense. So they had the chance to win every game. And then when the game moved to the late innings, they slammed the door on people. If it was a one run game, Chad Cordero was hotter than a pistol during that stretch.”

“But the starting pitching is the future here now. The fact they are getting innings and getting their feet wet is important. I don’t think you learn a lot from losing. Nothing good comes from losing. You lose a lot—you learn to lose a lot. There is no silver lining—draft picks maybe. But you would rather not do it that way. Drafting is a crapshoot anyway. Look at all the years The Braves were good. They didn’t draft at the top of the draft. They still developed players.”

In the bullpen, other than Sean Burnett, who do you see staying with the team? (SBF)

“We (Charlie & Dave) have said this before. If Steve McCatty (Pitching Coach) can get into Jason Bergmann’s head, he could be very good. He threw two pitches at 96 MPH last night to strike out Carlos Lee (Houston) and I have never seen that from him. He’s the one guy--and he had a long rope when he was a starter last year—before they pulled him from the rotation. He would have those games just blow up all of a sudden. But all these other guys get all these chances to come back in relief. He (Bergmann) would have one bad game and there would be a roster move—because he’s the guy with options—he gets sent out. I would like to see him challenge some people—because he does throw strikes. And he throws 96 MPH. If you thought Jesus Colome was the guy you thought you could bring in to get a strikeout—Bergmann is the guy. He’s the same type guy.”

“We still don’t know about the second half—all these decisions. We don’t know about Mike Rizzo as permanent GM. There are still a lot of things they (management) have to get to. And over the last half, I see the team continuing to develop their pitching and make decisions on where they go forward at second base. There are a lot of decisions to be made. What the outfield is going to be? We do the games and see and hear the same things everybody is asking. We don’t know the answers yet. We are waiting like everybody else.”

With that final answer--A Few Minutes With Charlie Slowes concluded.

A reminder--Charlie will be on hand at The ESPN Zone in Washington, DC at 12 Noon on Tuesday July 21st--along with Pitcher Scott Olsen for the monthly "Meet & Greet" With A Nationals Player. The third such opportunity this season to ask questions, get autographs or a personal photo with Charlie & Scott.

Lot 7 At RFK For Nats Express Each Of The Next Three Nights

Due to events scheduled at RFK Stadium, The Free Nats Express Shuttle will operate out of Lot 7, not Lot 8, for the next three nights when The Chicago Cubs come to Nationals Park to play Our Washington Nationals. Thursday--July 16th, Friday--July 17th and Saturday July 18th are the affected game dates--so plan accordingly if you use the free park and shuttle service.

Here is the complete press release from the team:

Nats Express to Operate Out of RFK Lot 7 During Three of the Four Games vs. the Chicago Cubs

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 Thursday, July 16, Friday, July 17, and Saturday, July 18. Due to D.C. United games and other events, 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 90 minutes prior to each home game and runs through 90 minutes after the final out.

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

WHEN: Thursday, July 16 , Friday, July 17, Saturday, July 18

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

Map To Locate Lot 7 at RFK Stadium (click to enlarge)

Jim Riggleman Introductory Press Conference

At 5PM this afternoon in the Media Interview Room at Nationals Park, new interim manager Jim Riggleman faced the assembled local reporters for thirty minutes before the very first workout of Our Washington Nationals under his leadership. Here is the complete transcript of that availability.

“I just want to take this opportunity to answer any questions anybody has concerning the ball club and the situation that has brought me to here at this point. But before that, I would like to mention, I think, on behalf of all the ballplayers, the coaches, and so forth, any clubhouse attendants—anybody from parking attendants to any of our personnel—the appreciation we have for the job that Manny (Acta) has done here. The work that Manny has put in here. I have been in the game a long time he was as thorough and complete as you can do. He is an outstanding manager that I know some really good days are ahead for Manny managing in the Major Leagues. Anybody would be fortunate to have him. It’s one of those situations where when you lose ball games—I have been there—with a couple of ball clubs. When you lose enough ball games and you feel like you are doing the right things, but you lose enough games, the manager is the one that usually takes the hit. And that’s what has happened. He and Randy St. Claire are both outstanding baseball people that are not with us anymore. Myself and the coaches (still remaining) feel we let Manny down. And this is the result—Manny is not here now. The players feel that way. And if we make any improvements here, it is going to be due to the hard work that Manny put in. The message that Manny had given that we tried to continue on. So, it’s going to get better. And I just thank Manny for the opportunity in bringing me here (in the first place). But to also thank him for the work he put in. At this time, I would just like to open it up to questions.”

Question: What changes do we expect to see on the field? I guess what I am asking is do you plan to manufacture runs and what are you going to do about the defense to settle things?

“Well, I think everything we have tried to do to this point was all correct. In theory, it’s all-correct. The ideas, and I don’t want to continue to harp on Manny so much, but Manny did all the right things. So there is not a whole lot of change to make. We just got to get some results. And we feel like if we continue with what Manny was trying to do on the field—and his strategy in the dugout—we continue those things—certainly sooner or later this talent that we have is going to surface and we will get the results that we want to produce. We are not going to be re-inventing the game. I don’t think any two people—if you take two great managers—you grab a couple of names out of the hat—(Tony) LaRussa and (Bobby) Cox. They are not going to do everything in the exact same way in any given situation. But they are both great managers. So if one was taking over for the other, he wouldn’t re-invent or change what the other was doing. And we are not going to change a whole lot that Manny was doing. But we have to find a way to get different results.”

Question: What did you learn from a similar experience last year (in Seattle—Interim Manager) and how is that going to affect your outlook in the second half of this year?

“The thing that I take from last year is that again I was working for a great baseball man there in John McLaren. We just tried to continue to implement the message. There wasn’t a whole lot we did different. We just worked. We did improve defensively last year, from last in the league to somewhere in the middle of the pack. We just kept working which was what we had been doing all along. We eventually started to see some results from that hard work. And what I think I draw from that is keep working, keep pushing, don’t let up, just stay on them—stay on the players to not take the losses—agonize over the losses. That was the message we were trying to give them. You know, losing should hurt and winning is hard. It’s hard to win. It’s easy to lose. You can lose and just accept it. But that is unacceptable and that is the message we tried to give them last year and we will continue to try to do it here this year.”

Question: Mike Rizzo said a couple of days ago that sometimes you just need a different voice. The things that Manny may have been doing were fine, but need to be presented in a different way. How will Jim Riggleman’s voice be different from Manny Acta’s?

“I don’t know if it will be much different. But there is something to that. That is the kind of statement I made in Chicago. I was there for five years (as manager for The Cubs) and I was let go there. And I felt like that if I were in the General Manager’s position, I would have done the same thing. I would have let Jim Riggleman out of there because I know he was saying the right things but we need to get someone else to give this message because the players are not getting it done. So that’s basically what it amounts to. I don’t think you can change a lot. I know Manny wouldn’t change anything that he did. And I wouldn’t question anything that he did. I just want to try to continue to pound the message in and maybe coming from someone else maybe they will respond or maybe they won’t—but we have got to try that.”

Question: Jim, your style has been described as fiery. Manny was more laid back. How would you describe your style?

“I have kind of heard that the last two days, but I feel like I am a little bit of a softie. I think I am pretty easy. I think I am easy in the sense if players are not playing well—I understand that. It’s a tough game. But if they are not playing hard, then that irks me. If they are not respectful of the game, respectful of the uniform, respectful of the fans, the organization--if they do that, then I have a problem. And sometimes that has happened and I have had a few instances with the players where I had to address that. And that comes out because the camera doesn’t miss much. Somebody thinks I am fiery, whatever, but if players just play hard—like I said—I have no problem if you miss a ball. But if you don’t chase it after you miss it I have a problem!! So just give me a good effort and there will be no problems. And that might be perceived as if Jim’s not tough enough. I am not getting on them enough. I know they didn’t try to miss the ball. We just keep hitting them balls and they will finally catch them, I guess. Bill (Ladson) asked the question about defense. Well that’s what we have got to do. We just have to just keep hitting ground balls and take fly balls—eventually that work is going to pay off. If it doesn’t, it wasn’t meant to be.”

Question: Is there a particular stamp that you want to put on this ball club?

“I haven’t thought about that particularly. I think that any ball club you manage you manage to what you have on the team. Recently, Nyjer Morgan's been added to the ball club. That gives us the chance to run a little more and be a little more athletic. Getting guys like (Alberto) Gonzalez and (Willie) Harris involved more—get more athleticism and speed there so you can play the game a little bit more that way. But I managed 10 years in the Minor Leagues and in the Minor Leagues you have a different club every year. Sometimes you have some big sluggers, sometimes you have some smaller athletic guys that can run—and you manage the game accordingly. The players will decide what that stamp is—really—with their abilities.”

Question: From a practical standpoint, are there lineup changes, different guys you want to see in different spots? Any guys that haven’t played as much that you want to see more? What kinds of changes can we expect to see on personnel on the field in this situation?

“As I did when I managed in previous years, as a manager you sit around having coffee somewhere and you are scratching lineups out on napkins. I have been doing a lot of that lately when I was the bench coach. Just seeing what I could suggest to Manny. And it kept coming back to what Manny had aligned as pretty much the best ways. So I really don’t see a lot of change in the lineup. I might tinker with it a little bit, but that is what we did anyway. If you noticed a couple of times (Adam) Dunn hit 5th instead of 4th. Or (Nick) Johnson hit 3rd instead of 2nd. Maybe (Cristian) Guzman 6th instead of 2nd. We get a lot of hits. We hit pretty good but we haven’t scored a lot. So something in that lineup hasn’t produced runs, as it should for as good of hitters as they are. And as I would scratch out lineups—again as the bench coach—some of what Manny & I talked about—some of which we did—and it’s continued to produce hits and not runs. So that is not going to work.”

Question: Jim could you please take us though the hours, days now, that you found out Manny was fired. How you were offered the job and what you have done since?

“We (The Team) came back from Houston Sunday late and I came back here (Nationals Park) and went home. And right before I got home around midnight, I was contacted by Mike Rizzo and Mike said we were going to let Manny go and would I be interested in running the ball club. So Mike & I talked for a little while and he asked me to come in on Monday. So I came in on Monday and talked with him and Stan Kasten. We just basically just talked some baseball, really, for a couple of hours. And yesterday, was pretty much an off day. Again, just a lot of phone calls and that type of stuff—getting ready for today. So that has been about it.”

Question: How do you approach this today when you meet with your team for the first time collectively? What is the message you get out to them?

“I am going to talk to them about, again, let’s refocus. We have a lot of season left. There is a lot of opportunity to make a move in the standings. We are not looking to leap frog three or four clubs. But we can set our sights on just chasing a club—whoever is ahead of us. Let’s get after that club and see if we can close in on them. We can do that with hard work and continue the hard work we have put in. There is no reason to let up. The fans support us—great fans here—for what our record is—these fans have been tremendous. The media has been tremendous to us. If this was Boston or New York or Philadelphia or somewhere—you know—it would get ugly. But we have got to repay that. We’ve been treated very well here and we owe it to them. Let’s get after it and get a better result and show some light at the end of the tunnel for the future. Because I know the future is bright here. The people who are running the organization are passionate about it. They care. We’ve got some good things to look forward to. So let’s build on it and let’s win some ball games and get the enthusiasm of baseball in Washington back.”

Question: In your opinion, how much of an impact does a manager have on winning a ball game for a baseball team?

“That is a great question. I think Billy Martin once said—and I tend to agree—the best managers lose the fewest games a year for their team. What he was saying was that Billy felt if I only lose three games for our team this year by the decisions I make—and somebody else is making enough bad decisions that they lose 10—then we are going to get a little edge. Somebody has got to make the decisions in games. Nobody is going to agree on all of them. But somebody has got to make the decision, the strategy of the game. Most of it, the other dugout knows exactly what you are going to do. You know what they are going to do. There are a couple of things that might happen a night that somebody might do differently than the other. You might get everything wrong tonight. You might manage a bad ball game. And Adam Dunn hits a three run homer and you win and you look pretty smart. But the manager, his impact, I think is more in the clubhouse, behind the scenes, creating an atmosphere where players can succeed. You just get an aura about the club that you are going to win ball games. And sometimes that positive feeling that surrounds the ball club carries. I have seen it happen. I saw the ultimate optimist—Tommy Lasorda—win ball games in Los Angeles (with The Dodgers) with teams that when you looked out onto the field: ‘How are they winning?’ And they go to The World Series. But they believed in themselves and they got it done. You see LaRussa and Bobby Cox and these guys overachieve with ball clubs every year, so the manager can have an impact, but it’s not so much strategy, it’s more the atmosphere they have created.”

Question: To get back to the defense, you said earlier that you would just keep hitting them balls and they eventually will pick them up. What if they don’t? Has there been a Plan B discussed internally the last couple of days?

“Our lineup is pretty much what it is. And are players are actually good players. We know they are going to make plays. They are good players--Ryan Zimmerman, Guzman, Johnson have great hands. They know how to play. They are pros. Our catchers have done a good job. Second base we have had a little bit of a revolving door there. Some of that will continue. Some of it will stabilize. We are catching the ball better. We just miss-communicate on a pop up. Or, we make a very untimely error. The pitcher has thrown some ball to second that we don’t seem to know who is covering. Things like that that everybody in baseball does. You can watch, and I won’t name the team, but I was watching a team that is in first place right now. The rightfielder and second baseman stood there and let a pop up drop in between them. When you are in last place that sticks out. When you are in first place and they won the game anyway—it’s forgotten and not written about. So we are going to make mistakes. But again, they have got to be mistakes of aggression and not be passive. We just have got to continue to work and I don’t think there is a—what if we don’t. I just know that we will.”

Question: You are in your second interim manager job in a row here. At this point in your career is that fun for you?

(Chuckling over the question). “I like to manage. Coaching is great. Coaching jobs are precious. It’s hard to get them. Managing jobs are that much more precious, but it is what I like to do. Nothing compares in the game to playing. Playing in the game is the ultimate. If you have played the game and you can no longer play then the next best thing that excites me is managing. Some people it’s hitting, some people its pitching coach—whatever. But for me—it’s managing. It’s an opportunity to manage. If I am managing in AA, or AAA or A Ball—whatever—when that umpire says play ball your competitive juices are flowing and you like to manage that ball game. But managing at the Major League Level is the ultimate. It’s what I love to do. Would I like to get something more long term? I think all managers would like to have your club in Spring Training and get it started from spring training and run with it. But I would have done that in the year 2000 if I didn’t lose enough in ’99 (with The Chicago Cubs). I didn’t get to take my team back to 2000. Ultimately you have got to win some ball games and create your longevity as some great managers have done. Some names I have already mentioned.”

Question: Jim, could you go over some of your roots around here (DC Native) in town and high school and following The Washington Senators? How long of a stretch of time was that?

“I grew up in Rockville (MD) and went to Richard Montgomery High School. Then from Richard Montgomery, I went out of state one year to Jamestown, North Dakota. I went one year out there, transferred to Frostburg (State University, MD) and finished up there. I got drafted (in 1974 by The Los Angeles Dodgers). And because of baseball, I pretty much left Rockville when I was 18 (years old). I was away playing ball every summer in various leagues. Then when I signed professionally, I was gone and settled into Florida. But growing up here we had The (Washington) Senators and you may have covered The Senators. We loved The Senators, but we didn’t win enough and we lost then. We didn’t support them enough and we lost them. For years, while I have been in baseball, I felt—‘Man, you have got to have baseball in Washington! It’s the Nation’s Capital. It’s America! It’s baseball! We have got to have it in The Nation’s Capital!' So, I was thrilled when the ball club was brought here. And I felt it would be nice to work for the Washington Ball Club because it’s home and it’s who I grew up watching Frank Howard, Fred Valentine—you remember any of those names? Danny O’Connell and those guys. They were in last place but everyone stuck around to see Frank Howard hit in the 8th inning before you went home because he might hit a home run. It was a great thing to have (in DC) and we just lost it—it was terrible. And now we have got to take advantage of this opportunity to have it back here in Washington.”

Question: Was today’s practice regularly scheduled or was it something you felt was necessary?

“No, it was scheduled. The All-Star break—kind of traditionally—you come in Wednesday before the Thursday Games—sometimes you don’t—sometimes teams come in early on Thursday. But rightfully so, Manny scheduled this workout for Wednesday and I agreed with that. I know some players want that extra day off—and I understand that. I don’t blame them. But at 26 & 61, I don’t think that sends a good message to the world that we don’t need that work—that we will be all right. We need to be out here and the players will be here.”

Question: Over the next couple of weeks there will be some focus on some possible moves made. Is it a challenge managing a team that can certainly be active before the end of the trading deadline?

“The only challenging part of it is when you are managing a ball club—you like your players. You get close to them. You empathize with them. You appreciate their efforts. You hate to lose players. But my background—managing 10 years in the minor leagues as I mentioned earlier—your roster is always changing. If you are in AA, and a player is needed in AAA, you lose a player. And another player comes up from A Ball—and you start re-teaching the situation that you have been teaching all along. Now, you have new faces. The draft comes and rosters change. I have always just felt like the players that I am given to manage you best evaluate as to what their best qualities are and take advantage of those qualities. And just manage the ones you have. If people get traded, we don’t like that because—as I said—you get close to players. But we understand you are going to lose some at times, players get hurt, and you get new players. You just have to keep teaching the system and roll with that.”

Question: Do you sense any guys quitting or giving up in the clubhouse?

“No. Quit is a strong word. I don’t see that, but what I think can happen is it just seeps into your psyche that here we go again. And that’s not quitting, you have just been beaten down enough that you find a way to lose a ball game and it can’t help but affect some people. I think these three days off gives us an opportunity to regroup and I hope we can take advantage of it. We are going to play some very tough ball clubs, but this is The Major Leagues and it’s suppose to be tough.”

Question: Could you re-visit the off-season after you took the bench coach job—I believe—while you were still in the running for the Seattle job? What was the thinking there and what was the part of the attraction for this job—returning to your roots?

“When I was managing in Seattle, I was hoping I would be retained there. The General Manager was not retained. The New General Manager came in and that process took a while—interviews taking place. During those interviews for the New General Manager, Manny called me and asked if I would be interested in coming to Washington, if I didn’t go back to Seattle. And I said—absolutely. So that had to run its course and play out. Finally, when the GM was named, some weeks went by and I got a phone call that said I was not going to be retained as the manager. I was disappointed. They kind of cleaned house there and started all over after a disappointing ’08. I got swept up in that and they are doing a great job out there (right now), so I think their decisions have been rewarded with the efforts they have gotten both from their staff and on the field. I would have liked to have been retained, but if I could be anywhere not managing—then Washington was going to be a great situation for me with having grown up here and having family here.”

That final answer concluded the Jim Riggleman Introductory Press Conference.

Nats320 Conversation With Craig Heist (Part Two)

Continuing where we left off yesterday in our mid-season wrap up here on Nats320, Craig Heist from WTOP Radio and I are discussing trade possibilities for Our Washington Nationals leading up to the July 31st Non-Waiver Trade Deadline. With that, here we go with the conclusion.

There are probably a handful of players that Rizzo can say he needs to keep on this roster. Does he need to blow it up? Does it need a complete overhaul? (SBF)

“I don’t know if they have to blow it up. But I would certainly think in my mind that if Jesus Flores is healthy—you have your catcher, your starting catcher. You have your starting 3rd Baseman (Zimmerman). You have your starting centerfielder (Nyjer Morgan). I certainly think Anderson Hernandez has shown me enough that he can play second base, plus you have Alberto Gonzalez. So defensively, up the middle, this team has the potential to be fairly decent. And the one thing about the pitching, even though it’s not been very good—especially from the bullpen—overall during the first half. The one thing I feel the guys do feel they can do (as pitchers) is put the ball in play now knowing Morgan can get to the balls in the gaps. Its only been a couple of weeks (since the trade), but we’ve seen him catch balls that no one else gets to or even comes close to getting to—other than Willie Harris.”

Do you see Harris, as popular as he is, and good all around utility player as he’s been—do you see him being moved soon? (SBF)

“To me, he is one of those guys with value. Any team in contention could all use a guy like Willie Harris, no question in my mind.”

How about Dunn or Willingham? Do you think they both have futures here? (SBF)

“I think Willingham could have a future here without question. I don’t think you would want Adam Dunn as your everyday leftfielder. Let’s face it. Adam Dunn is a DH and belongs in The American League. If I am an American League Team, and I am in contention and my DH situation is mediocre at best, I could go after a Adam Dunn—no question.”

Are you a person that believes Washington should trade some of these guys to get bullpen help—if available? Or should The Nationals wait until the off-season to maybe pick up some reliable arms in free agency? (SBF)

“I think they are going to wait until the off-season. That is the way I think it is going to shake down. I think they are going to wait until the off-season. Again, Bill Ladson and I talk quite a bit—as you know. My way of looking at this is you could get rid of Dunn and expect some pitching in return—which gives Willingham the chance to play everyday. To me it’s absolutely ludicrous—and Nick’s (Johnson) health is always a question—we know that. But you know what, this year he stayed healthy and you can’t argue with his On Base Percentage, can’t argue with his average, can’t argue with what he brings to the table in the two hole. And with an offense that has trouble scoring runs, has trouble hitting with runners in scoring position, letting him get away (via trade or free agency at the end of the year) is kind of ludicrous at this point.”

“Now, having said that, he is in his contract year. What are The Nationals doing in the off-season? Do they want to sign him? In my mind, it’s got to be like a year contract, with a one-year option. And strictly not because of anything he has done on the field, but just because of his history of health.”

I am actually happy to hear you say that. I think they should re-sign him—given an option year in case he stays healthy. I think he helps the team and he plays a position they are not strong at. (SBF)

“I am in total agreement with you there. And I know others that would just like to see the whole thing blown up and start over. You have some core pieces—maybe two or three. If you are not looking at Nick as one of your core pieces—you are certainly looking at Zimmerman, Flores and probably Nyjer Morgan as your core pieces (in the field).”

I want to compare The Nationals to The Orioles. In many respects for the last few years, they have been in the same boat, both rebuilding, both trying to become decent again. You see The Orioles all the time. They have a wonderful and talented young outfield (Nolan Reimold, Adam Jones & Nick Markakis). What have they done differently than The Nationals in restocking? Did they have any advantage? (SBF)

“They have a little bit more depth position wise (Baltimore). Although in their system itself, there is not much there. They did get Nolan Reimold to come up here and he is their everyday leftfielder and he certainly has done far and above what they thought he could do at this level. His numbers were good at AAA, if fact, pretty good. But now when you add him along with Adam Jones & Nick Markakis—that outfield is set for quite a few years to come. But the biggest thing in my mind in The Orioles and their rebuilding—you have to go back to the trades of Erik Bedard and Miguel Tejada. The 10 Players they got in return, five each for those two players, last year half of them made contributions to The Big League Club. Some of it has been in the pitching department. But that’s been the biggest thing. They have continued to try to build off that.”

I don’t know the particulars of those two trades, but I know that Adam Jones, George Sherrill and Luke Scott all came over then to Baltimore. Are The Nationals in a similar position to trade big veterans for young talent? (SBF)

“They could be, but it’s going to take some maneuvering and things of that nature. I don’t think The Nationals have anybody to trade that is the caliber of player that Tejada is. Or the caliber of pitcher that everyone thought Bedard was when they traded him. Bedard was kind of in a situation where everyone knew he had broken Mike Mussina’s strikeout record with the club that year. And he wound up not pitching the last four or five weeks of the season because he got hurt. But I think everyone knew what the potential was there. And that’s why Seattle went out to make the trade. Yet, I have been on a couple of Seattle radio shows where people ask me flat out---what is the deal with this Bedard guy? ‘He can’t stay healthy. He's a bad guy (in the clubhouse).’ Yeah, I respond, but we like that Adam Jones Fellow!!” (laughing)

Nationals Fans probably don’t want to hear too much about it, but Adam Jones is going to be a great player!! (SBF)

“Absolutely. Here is a guy that is 23 Years Old and he is a member of The All-Star Team. And George Sherrill, the other main component in that Seattle Deal, was a set-up guy there. And then he comes over here to Baltimore where he was the closer and an All-Star last year. And this past weekend, he just got his 20th Save.”

And The Nationals top saves leader is five (Mike MacDougal/Joe Beimel). But that’s where trading good veteran talent can possibly get you better younger talent. (SBF)

“Yes, and it’s going to take something like that for The Nationals to jump start. But, it takes two to tango. Andy MacPhail (Orioles President/GM) has been doing this for a long time. He made The Twins winners. He wound up making The Cubs winners. He knows what he is doing. And for the first time in a long time in that city (Baltimore), there is actually some hope they could get things righted. And I am here saying that and at The All-Star Break while they are still eight games under .500.”

You just made a good point. Andy MacPhail has been the stabilizing force in that team. Do The Nationals not have that? (SBF)

“Well, I think that stabilizing force in The Nationals Front Office could be Rizzo. There is no question there. Let’s face it. The Nationals want to do whatever they can—and I think that’s a large part of what we saw with Milledge. That’s a large part of what we saw with Dukes. They want to change the culture. And they want to change the way things are done from the way Jim Bowden was doing. And I think it will probably take more tearing down to have that happen. But I think that is the direction they are going to go in.”

Rizzo needs to have the chance to prove his new thought process over the team is worth following. (SBF)

“Yeah. I think you are absolutely right. He has got to be given the chance. You had the situation with Bowden and how all of that unraveled for a lot of different reasons—certainly more that we will find out about later on—I am sure. But to have Rizzo come in here and do what he’s done to stabilize things—he deserves the shot to run this team. And that is just my personal opinion.”

You see all the different reporters and writers for all the teams, while I see things more locally. Are The Nationals really a laughingstock as some proclaim? (SBF)

“You can’t be as far behind as they are in a division that a lot of people felt was the best in baseball—but to this point has been mediocre--and now find themselves not even snipping close the 4th place team. In that regard, yeah they are, but I think that more people will be ready and willing to do some things with Mike Rizzo (in trades) because I think Mike Rizzo is respected throughout the game. A few good moves could change the entire outlook.”

He’s a potential big game changer for this team. (SBF)

“Yes, but they still have a long way to go.”

What do you expect to see from The Nationals in the second half? (SBF)

“I don’t know what I am going to see from them. But I would like to see from them, and I think this is very important, and I mentioned this on the radio and a couple of times on the postgame show on the weekends: I think the second half of this season is big for this club for a number of different reasons. You want to see the young pitching continue to develop. You want to see guys that are obviously fighting for jobs maybe next year too. But they owe it to themselves to look themselves in the mirror and say why are we not more competitive? They beat themselves way too often—it’s their biggest problem. They have got to stop beating themselves. Whether it’s a stupid error on the basepaths, or it’s an error in the field, throwing to the right base—all these things—they have got to stop beating themselves. They have done it way to much this year.”

“And I would say the reason the record is as bad as it is for a last place club—is because they lost too many games they have simply given away that the other team really hasn’t won—just rewarded. At the Major League level that will kill you. You can’t really do it anytime, especially against good clubs—but you can’t do it anytime. You can’t give teams extra outs. You can’t run yourself into outs—things of that nature. And I think they do that quite a bit.”

In all your years covering baseball, have you witnessed a half-season quite like The Nationals played in 2009? (SBF)

“I have seen. I have covered. I was there. My first year covering The Orioles was the 0-21 Season Start (1988). Granted, I only covered the home games at that point. But that team lost 107 games. I think this team is liable to lose more than that. Last year, I thought 100 losses was going to be out of the realm—because you have to try really hard to lose 100 games in Major League Baseball. You really do. You have to do a lot of things wrong. But right now—at 61 losses—with half the year over with –it’s certainly going to happen again in my mind.”

“Now, are they going to lose 120 like the ’62 Mets? I don’t think so.”

Despite all the losses and with the fact you believe a lot of the players need to man up. Do you think there are people still in that clubhouse that can move things forward and in a different direction? (SBF)

“I think so. Adam Dunn is a pretty good dude. I like Adam. And Ryan Zimmerman, they talk about him being “The Face Of The Franchise”—he’s never been a really vocal guy but, trust me, in talking to Ryan—he hates this as much as anybody. And Willie Harris is the same way. Here is a guy that won a World Series Ring in Chicago (White Sox ’05). You think this hasn’t been killing him? Absolutely, especially with how hard he plays this game.”

With that final answer, Nats320's Conversation With Craig Heist concluded. Many thanks to Craig for taking away from his always busy schedule to chat about all things baseball involving Our Washington Nationals. Sohna and I were very pleased that upon first being approached for these posts--Heist willingly agreed. From time to time in the future, Craig Heist might be back here on Nats320 to provide even more insight. He enjoyed the opportunity and Craig Heist said he would like to do more in the future.

That's fine with us.

Nats320 Conversation With Craig Heist

Craig Heist may work more sporting events and press conferences than anybody in the media today--certainly in Washington, DC. Seemingly, he works every single day for WTOP and Bonneville Communications covering Our Washington Nationals, The Baltimore Orioles, The Washington Wizards, The Washington Capitals, The Washington Redskins, DC United, University Of Maryland, Baltimore Ravens--the list goes on and on. I am sure there are more venues I am not aware of. Probably the only person that covers DC Major League Baseball & Baltimore Major League Baseball Full-Time. If Craig is not seen at Nationals Park this summer, you can bet he's over at Camden Yards. This week finds Heist in St.Louis covering both Ryan Zimmerman of Our Washington Nationals and Adam Jones of The Baltimore Orioles in The MLB All-Star Game.

Knowing Washington has struggled all season. Knowing Our Manager Manny Acta was just fired. And wanting to get an inside opinion of what's really going on with Our Washington Nationals--Craig Heist agreed to an indepth conversation about DC Baseball right here on Nats320. We covered most every topic--chatting for a good 40 minutes.

This will be the first of two parts. The conclusion to post up tomorrow. With that, here with go with the Nats320 Conversation With Craig Heist from WTOP Radio.

Let’s start with the big news. Are you surprised Manny Acta was fired? (SBF)

“No, not at all. But, in my way of looking at all this, I don’t know who they can get, even if it’s Jim Riggleman that can change anything that is going on right now. The hand has already been dealt. It is what it is. Now having said that, Ryan Zimmerman—without mentioning names (at The All Star Game Media Availability in St. Louis)—said The Nationals have done a pretty good job trying to change the culture around here. Chemistry is a big part of this sport. Now, he wasn’t saying The Nationals had a bad clubhouse, but there were certain things about it that weren’t right. And that’s important to note.”

“Overall, this decision gives everybody the chance to digest it. Take a couple of days off and come back on Thursday (July 16th) and say to themselves—‘OK, this is new. Let’s see what happens.' But, I just don’t know if Riggleman is going to be that much different than Manny.”

Starting in Spring Training did you or anyone covering this team realize it was going to struggle so badly? (SBF)

“Coming out, I would say absolutely not. Did anyone expect them to win a pennant? Or vie for a division title? No, but at the same time, I saw enough in Spring Training to know they were going to be a competitive baseball team and it just hasn’t happened. Defensively, they are awful. They can’t hit with runners in scoring position. Situationally, they are terrible. If you had told me they were going to be this bad—I would have said No Way!!”

Is this anyone’s fault? (SBF)

“I think that is the problem. Everybody is trying to find out who to blame here. I think its more the players really need to look themselves in the mirror and find out what it is about themselves that is making them play this way. It’s amazing to me. We all know why they got Adam Dunn. He’s a 40 Homer, 100 RBI Guy. And Manny often talked about how you have to take what you get in the field. Well, in leftfield he’s not very good. And if something would happen where they trade Nick Johnson, then you are looking at him playing first base a whole bunch the rest of the year. (Chuckling) And I don’t want to particularly see that!”

“But, that being said, Dunn is exactly what they got him for--his offense. I think his presence in the lineup was one of the reasons Ryan (Zimmerman) had the first half he had. He’s slacked off a little, obviously, no one expected him to hit .380 all year long. But I think having Dunn in that lineup was one of the reasons you saw the 30-Game Hitting Streak.”

Do you think this team needs a player to take charge and say this is my team and follow my lead? (SBF)

“Well, if they are and they call Ryan Zimmerman “The Face Of The Franchise”, Ryan has not shown to be that type of player until really today (At the All-Star Game). If they are looking for someone to kick someone else in the butt, or call someone out in the clubhouse, I don’t think that guy, so far, has been on this team. One who can do it in a constructive way where it’s going to get the attention of the people who you need to get the attention of.”

“But to his credit, Zimmerman did say at The All-Star Game (Media Availability) that this firing could be a wakeup call to a lot of people.”

“Now somebody had asked Manny that exact question the other day. And Manny responded the effort is there. For the most part, I think he was right. I just think collectively, they have just not jelled as a team. They are all Major League Players, but there is certainly youth involved here at times.”

“There are some other guys like Cristian Guzman. When Guzman makes an error, nine times out of ten, it’s a lazy error. And nine times out of ten it’s a throwing error because of his laziness. That doesn’t mean to me that Guzzie is a bad shortstop. It just means that every now and then he losses his focus. I don’t know if that is the same with Ryan’s (Zimmerman) throwing errors, but I see enough of Ryan Zimmerman in the field and the way he goes about his business (preparing) to know that nine times out of 10 when he is making a throwing error, it’s because he is trying--as Cal Ripken, Sr. used to say: Don’t make half a great play! Make the whole play!’--And I think that’s exactly what happens with him. He’s on the backend of trying to make a great play and sometimes he doesn’t make the right throw.”

Is that lack of focus coming from consistent losing? (SBF)

“In Zimm’s case, I don’t think so. In Guzzie’s case, I would say yeah. Sometimes it’s a lack of focus. Understand, there are two different types of players. Everybody has their own style. And Guzzie’s style is to be a little bit cool—that type of thing. You see that when he sometimes backhands balls (in the field instead of getting in front of the hit ball) and I think that sometimes creates a little bit of the laziness. What I like to call a Lazy Error”.

What do you think of Mike Rizzo taking control and seemingly clearing house of most of the Bowden Era Folks? (SBF)

“Well, I wish it would happen. I think there has been enough time go by now. And I know that Stan Kasten went to Florida when they were (playing) Tampa for the inter-league series. And there was talk from a lot of people that he was talking to Gary Hunsicker (Tampa Bay Rays Senior VP—and Former GM of The Houston Astros) about the job. I don’t know how true that was, but it certainly wouldn’t surprise me.”

“But here you have a guy (Rizzo) who was very instrumental in building up The Arizona Diamondbacks, very instrumental in the last two drafts for Washington. I would like to see him get a shot running this club and see what he does with it.”

Do you sense that The Nationals signing Stephen Strasburg and Rizzo making some well thought out trades over the next few weeks are important to Rizzo staying on the job? (SBF)

“I think it’s important for the organization to try to improve themselves over the next month by the trade deadline (non-waiver July 31st), no matter how they do that. I think there are some people on this team that could have some value. Certainly, there would be teams interested in Guzman. There would be teams interested in Nick Johnson. I don’t think you are going to find any takers for Austin Kearns because he’s had a terrible year, plus you are looking at $8 Million in salary. In fact, I am kind of surprised in some ways that they (Nationals Management) haven’t just flat out released him at this point.”

You read all the time; they need to trade Johnson for this. Or Dunn for that, or maybe even Josh Willingham because he is a hot bat, but what can Washington really expect to get back? (SBF)

“Well, that is the big question. Syd Thrift (long time Major League GM & Front Office Executive for The Pittsburgh Pirates & Baltimore Orioles among other teams) used to say, no matter what you thought of Syd Thrift as a GM, but Syd used to say ‘some of the best trades you ever make are the ones you don’t make’. And to me, with The Nationals, its got to be a situation where Mike Rizzo and Stan Kasten are going to believe that whatever they trade away, they better get somebody back in return that will help this club and is in the best interests of the club—not just presently—but in the future. Now, how many of those guys are out there? It’s going to be interesting to see what happens.”

“The landscape of this is going to change so much between now, when we are talking at The All-Star Break and the time the 31st comes up.”

A few weeks back, I was talking with Phil Wood (MASN Analyst) about all these young pitchers The Nationals believe they have value in this very day. We pondered whether The Nationals should consider unloading some of them, thereby sweetening deals—so they can receive more quality everyday players needed in their system? (SBF)

“That certainly a possibility. The crutch of what they have in their Minor League System is certainly in their pitching and not position player wise. So, again from that standpoint, it boils down to what Rizzo wants to do in terms of what he feels he can afford to lose out of the system—in terms of pitching. Are they dead set with what they have? Their thought process has always been with this young pitching—if you can have two or three stick into the rotation—then you have done yourself a pretty good job.”

“And at this point, you are looking at John Lannan who has been here a little more than a year now. But certainly (Jordan) Zimmermann fits that mold. And I think that if Shairon Martis gets his act together, finds his command again, he can come up here and be a big part of this in the second half as well.”

Despite so much that has gone wrong this season, what has gone right? (SBF)

“Tough question to answer (chuckling). If you look at the record, it’s the worst in baseball at 26 & 61 now. I think what has gone right for them has been—off of a negative. And what I mean by that was when they came out of spring training—Lastings Milledge was going to be the leadoff hitter and play centerfield. Well, he wasn’t a very good centerfielder. And I said from day one—and you can ask Bill Ladson (nationals.com reporter) this. I looked him dead in the eye and said: ‘Bill, this is never going to work out.’ And part of the reason I knew it was never going to work out was because of the way Lastings was talking to us in Spring Training. ‘I am an aggressive guy, teams don’t want to walk me.’ Well, I am sorry. Right off the bat, part of your job as a leadoff hitter is to take pitches, see pitches and get on base anyway you can. So, I knew that wasn’t going to work. And as it turned out, he played seven games and was gone. And personally, I think you have seen the last of Lastings Milledge. So, going back to the original premise—I think that is a positive in the right direction off a negative in terms of where this team wants to go with its outfield. It has nothing to do with Lastings as a person, or anything like that. I am talking strictly from a talent standpoint.”

I see Nyjer Morgan being a pretty good catalyst at the top of the order. In a short period of time, he has completely changed the dynamic of this team. (SBF)

“There is no question there. I have talked to some people, some scouts and some other folks in the game over the past two weeks—and this trade to me (Morgan, Sean Burnett for Milledge & Joel Hanrahan) was a steal. This is another reason why I say—even though it’s just a small trade in this regard—Rizzo needs the shot to prove himself as no longer the “Interim” GM or “Acting” GM, he needs to be The GM of this club. I think they (The Nationals) robbed The Pirates blind on that deal.”

Where do you think Elijah Dukes stands right now? (SBF)

“He’s hitting the ball. He’s only played in seven or eight games down in The Minor Leagues. He’s hitting in the .300’s. Again, but for different reasons than Lastings, I would not be surprised—and I can’t say this for sure, but in my own mind—if we have not seen the last of him as well in this organization. I just think Mike Rizzo wants to make a culture change.”

That sort of pains me because he’s such a good talent. I am certainly not in the clubhouse, but from reading things here and there, bits & pieces, you collect an unease about him—even when he hasn’t been in any trouble publicly since really landing here in DC. (SBF)

“Whether that is the case or not, I don’t know. I don’t go around to individual players and ask them ‘Hey, what’s Elijah like?’ And since he’s been here, yeah—there was that late thing—but overall, with all of the baggage he had coming in here, when Jim Bowden brought him in here—in terms of keeping his nose clean and doing what they wanted him to do—he did that, I think. But from that standpoint, I think we are not in the clubhouse, like you said all the time. We, (the mainstream reporters) only get to be in there before the game, or during the sessions when they are open. And after the game for post game. The Nationals have handled him with kid gloves. If you want to talk to Elijah, someone has to be standing from the PR Department with you.”

“So, it was very hard to get a grasp of what the guy was really like. Obviously, some of the times we talked to him he could be very defensive—a bad play here or there. And I can understand that coming from Elijah’s direction because of all of the negative publicity while he is trying to get his life all turned around. Yet, whenever anything goes wrong, something comes up, he’s going to get asked out it. And he needs to respond. It’s just the nature of the beast (and he needs to adjust).”

With that answer, Part One Of Nats320's Conversation With Craig Heist concludes. Tomorrow, in the finale, Craig will continue to chat about what he feels Our Washington Nationals should do heading toward the July 31st non-waiver trading deadline. We compare The Baltimore Orioles rebuilding efforts to that of Washington. More reasons why Assistant GM Mike Rizzo should lose the "interim" title. And Craig will finish off talking about what he expects out of Our Washington Nationals over the last half of 2009.

More Mike Rizzo Comments After The Presser

Finally late this morning, I again joined with The Federicksburg Free-Lance Star and DC Examiner Reporters for five extra minutes with Asst. GM Mike Rizzo to conclude the media availabilities following the official announcement that Manny Acta was relieved of duty as Manager of Our Washington Nationals.

Here are those questions & answers with Mike Rizzo:

Question: You mentioned that Manny's even keeled approach was an asset. Then mentioned after the slow start, it might have been a liability. Can you elaborate on that? Is that kind of a double-edged sword?

“What I think I said was that I meant to say on certain teams, the attributes of the manager are sometimes positive and sometimes negative. After the slow start, the evenkeelness wore a little thin. We could have used a little more of a disciplinarian type of approach to it. But ultimately, Manny’s demeanor and Manny’s personality fits well into a Major League Clubhouse.”

Question: Is that more specifically a veteran Major League Clubhouse? Is it tougher to match an even keel personality with a younger team?

“I wouldn’t say it’s tough to match it. But, I do think a younger developing ballclub needs a time to be patted on the back and sometimes they need to be disciplined more.”

Question: Mike, given that, you waited until this point to make the change. In those internal discussions, were you weighing Manny's future prospects that he will become a good manager at some point? How did you balance that?

“The internal thought process was we are balancing how to extract and reach the potential of the team we have presently. We were patient with Manny because we felt that we had the personnel in place and Manny was the manager in place to turn this thing around. We kept waiting for it to turn the corner and for us to start playing consistent and better baseball—and it didn’t happen.”

Question: What are your expectations of Jim Riggleman?

“To continue the developmental process of our core young players—specifically our young starting pitching. To get the club to play a good brand of baseball; To play the game the right way; To execute and to play good solid fundamental baseball.”

Question: You mentioned previously today you wanted to see the players get some tough love when you felt they deserved it. Manny was criticized for not doing that publicly. Do you want to see that publicly from Jim Riggleman? Or behind closed doors?

“No, Manny often times showed it behind closed doors. And I think that Jim is not going to call out any players or embarrass any players. I don’t think that is a healthy relationship between a player and a manager. But we do need to be more vocal on players at certain times. Like I’ve said before, some players need to be patted on the back and sometimes they need to be a little bit disciplined.”

Question: Can we expect different lineups that Manny might not have been putting out there?

“We are going to go into that, in depth, this afternoon (Riggleman & Rizzo). This all took place late last night with Jim. So that stuff will all be discussed today.”

Question: Were The Lerner’s present at the meeting last night?

“Last night? No, just Stan and I.”

Question: A lot of fans have said when are The Nationals going to be good—a winning team. What are your expectations?

“That is an almost impossible question because to put a timetable on things is very difficult. There are too many variables that go into it. So it’s a very difficult question to answer.”

Question: Were the players informed as a group or have you called them throughout the day. Or, let them find out on their own?

“I called the core leadership players personally and spoke to them. And it usually filters down from there.”

How long did you wrestle with this decision to let Manny go?

Mike Rizzo: “It was a very difficult decision to finally come to. We wrestled with it for quite a while. And we all ultimately came to this decision, begrudgingly, because of what we think about the man and the baseball man inside.”

Toughest baseball decision you have ever made in your life?

“Yes, without a doubt, it was a very tough night last night.”

With that final answer the availability ended, Interim GM Mike Rizzo headed back upstairs to his office at Nationals Park.

More Stan Kasten Comments After The Presser

After the formal press conference concluded this afternoon, Team President Stan Kasten met individually with each television station reporter on hand, as well as a smaller group of print reporters in the access tunnel of Nationals Park. Here is that availability standing alongside correspondents from The Washington Times, DC Examiner & Fredericksburg Free-Lance Star. Most everyone just looking for one more sound byte to add into their stories.

Question: I want to be clear about what Mike (Rizzo) said in there. He said Manny’s even keel nature was a positive. But once the team got in a hole, it was sort of a problem. What’s your opinion on Manny?

“Manny's demeanor is characteristic of many long term managers. I guess I will let others wonder whether that was right for this situation or not. As I said in there and as you all have observed, many, many, many cases in history—there have been guys that have gone on for long and successful managerial careers even though their first opportunity wasn’t a success. If I had to predict, I think Manny would be one of those type of guys.”

Question: Given that, internally you guys must have had that discussion in that meeting. Where is the line that says this guys promise is not there anymore?

“I can’t answer that but to say that we find ourselves at the All-Star Break with a record of 26-61. We kept thinking it was going to turn around. We kept waiting for the next homestand and the next road trip and the next home stand and the next road trip. And it just never seemed to come together. And we were just not willing to just go on like this for the whole year. Did we wait too long? If you want to criticize us for that—go ahead. But, if we did, it’s because we didn’t want to have to do this. We valued Manny and I continue to value him.”

Question: With everything that has gone on with this team this year, is he, Manny, the right guy to take the fall?

“I don’t know. I do know that we are unwilling to simply ride out the rest of the year the way the first half has gone. So, we are trying to look for changes. There has been an awful lot of change on this team since Spring Training. And we are going to continue to make changes until we succeed. That is the only thing we know how to do.”

Question: Did you have an idea going into this past series, that this would be the deciding ground for dismissal?

“No, I wouldn’t say that. I wouldn’t say that exactly. I’ve been asked, and it’s the nature of the business, that I have been asked about the manager since the first week of the season—when we got off to that bad start. So, we are always evaluating. We always thought there was more talent here and that things would settle down and we would start to find our level. But all sabermatricians out there will tell you we should have a better record than we have. We thought it would kick in. We thought things would even out. And to the extent we’ve had bad luck, we would have good luck to balance it out. But, it never seemed to happen. It hasn’t happened yet. And we are just not willing to go the whole second half without it working either.”

Question: Generally, what would be the resume of the manager you might be looking for? Experienced? Young?

“For today, all I am willing to talk about is Jim Riggleman because he is the manager right now. I think what you are talking about is a subsequent search that I am just not willing to entertain.”

Question: Housekeeping question. When did that meeting take place with Manny last night?

“About 11PM last night. When the team plane landed, Manny came here and Mike and I met him. And we thought about having a 1AM Press Conference, but that wasn’t the right thing to do.”

Question: You mentioned inside you are uncomfortable with having an interim GM and interim Manager.

“It not my preferred way to go.”

Question: “Where does that leave the fans?”

“I am very uncomfortable with it. I assume they are uncomfortable as well. I think that will be resolved soon enough—and when it is, everything will be fine. But this is not the circumstance I prefer to be in.”

Those were Mr. Kasten's final words before leaving the area.

Manny Acta Relieved Of Duty Press Conference

Here is the complete press conference held today beginning at 11:30AM at Nationals Park, in the media interview room. The announcement where Manny Acta was fired as Manager of Our Washington Nationals--replaced on an interim basis by Jim Riggleman. Senior Director of Baseball Media Relations--John Dever led things off.

With that--here we go--all 25 minutes worth:

John Dever: “Ok folks, thank you for being here. Good Morning to everybody for coming on short notice. We would like to welcome our viewers on our rights holder—MASN—The Mid Atlantic Sports Network. On my right is Nationals Asst. General Manager and Vice President of Baseball Operations—Mike Rizzo. And of course, Nationals Team President Stan Kasten. Mike is going to make a couple of announcements here in a second. Afterwards, we will open up to everyone for questions. Please identify yourselves and direct your question to one of the two participants.”

Mike Rizzo: “Yes, I would like to take today to make an announcement that The Washington Nationals today have relieved Manny Acta of his duties as Manager of The Washington Nationals and named Jim Riggleman has the Interim Field Manager. And also with that said, we are going to make Pat Corrales the Bench Coach for The Washington Nationals for the remainder of the season. I will be meeting with Jim Riggleman later on this afternoon to discuss a multitude of issues that we have with the ball club and the upcoming calendar. And with that said—we are taking all questions.”

Question: Obviously, when you make a mid-season change the idea is that you can do better for the rest of the season. Can you talk about the timing of this and whether you believe another manager could have gotten more than 26 wins out of the talent?

Mike Rizzo: “As far as timing, this was a decision we finalized over the weekend with the management team here in Washington. We feel that the team has underachieved. We feel we have a better ballclub than shown on the field. 26 & 61 is unacceptable to not only The Lerner Family, but also Stan Kasten and myself and the ballclub. So we feel with a different voice and a possible different feel in the clubhouse that we can have a more successful second half of the season. We think we have pieces in place here to have some type of success. We also acknowledge our flaws as a ballclub. And we are working hard before the trade deadline to address those flaws and to make prudent baseball deals to improve the ballclub for the long term also.”

Question: Mike, why now? And was it a sense that he (Manny) was losing players in the clubhouse?

Mike Rizzo: “I don’t think he was losing players in the clubhouse. I do believe that we kept for a while now—we kept thinking that this was going to turn around. We were going to start playing better. And we have always continued to underachieve in my opinion. So we thought that this was a prudent time to make a move. The All-Star Break gives us the opportunity to get our ducks in a row—to prepare not only the staff for the second half of the season—but the personnel on the ballclub and the players in the clubhouse.”

Question: Mike, you have interim here as the title for Jim Riggleman. Does he have every opportunity to have the job if he has a good second half?

Mike Rizzo: “Jim Riggleman is a terrific baseball guy, baseball person. He’s a baseball guy from the old school. He’s a guy with nine seasons of experience as a Major League Manager. And he is certainly a guy that I respect greatly. I know the organization respects him greatly. And he certainly will be an candidate to be an long-term answer as the manager.”

Question: Does management have any specific expectations of Riggleman moving forward past this second half of the season?

Mike Rizzo: “Yes, we have specific goals and expectations for the second half. They are not predicated on wins and losses. We have a plan in place where we are looking at many objectives. One of them is to play the game the right way, to continue to play hard, as they did under Manny Acta. And we are going to continue to stress the fundamentals. We need each and every player to look at themselves and take accountability for the seasons they are having. And we need the club to stay focused. Those are just a few of the goals and expectations for the second half. And with that said, we are very excited about our prospects going forward into the season. We look at a very good, young starting rotation. We look at a core of several young and exciting players. We are very excited about the trade we already made this season—acquiring Nyjer Morgan & Sean Burnett. We like the dynamic that Nyjer brings us to the outfield and in the lineup. And we like the role that Sean Burnett is playing in the bullpen. When we do become a viable candidate for the championship—he will be a viable candidate in the bullpen. So we are excited about the second half of this season. We are going to get into it starting this Wednesday—on a positive. And like I said, I am going to meet with Jim Riggleman later on this afternoon. On Wednesday, we are going to meet with the club before our mandatory workout on Wednesday evening.”

Question: Mike, what are the differences between Jim Riggleman and Manny Acta that causes you to believe he will do a better job?

Mike Rizzo: “I just believe the team is better than what they have shown. I think something in a different voice; a different way of presenting possibly the same material could have an effect. Jim is known as a player’s manager. He’s also a tough disciplinarian. He’s got intensity to him. And I believe going to show the young players that this is a difficult game to play—but it’s a great way to make a living—and to embrace the opportunity you have here in Washington.”

Question: You included this letter to the fans. Can you talk about what came into that decision?

Stan Kasten: “I will speak to that. We did think about it long and hard, and thought it expressed the sentiments that fans were wondering about. Our season, this season, has been a great disappointment to us—even though those of us on the inside remain very, very optimistic about our ultimate future with all the pieces that are falling in place—starting with the young rotation. We want the fans to know how much we value them. How much we take seriously putting the best product out there. And we thought speaking directly to them would be the best way to communicate that.”

Question: At what point did management begin to review the manager’s position, specifically referring to the Fox Sports Report from nearly a month ago that said that Manny Acta was on his way out?

Mike Rizzo: “The Fox report a month ago was inaccurate. I was asked about this before the announcement (today) was made. And I said it was an inaccurate assessment at that time. We are always being evaluated in this business. Specifically, the manager of a Major League Franchise is being evaluated. Getting off to such a slow start obviously started the rumor mill going. But like I said, we always felt we were going to turn this thing around and get on a roll and start playing baseball the way we thought we were capable of playing. When we found out we just couldn’t put anything together and be consistent, we felt the All-Star Break was a prudent time to make a change.”

Question: Thursday night on MASN, two of your analysts—Rob Dibble and Ray Knight made some very critical comments, unusually critical for team broadcasters about—their words—cleaning house—and about how much effort was, or wasn’t being given. That some players needed to get up in others faces. Manny was notoriously a patient and kind, at least outwardly, person. Was there any credence to the criticisms leveled by Dibble and Knight the other day and was Manny personality either a good match or bad match for what you believe this team needed?

Mike Rizzo: “Well, Manny's personality was one of the strengths as a manager. He’s a very even keel person. And on the majority of ballclubs in The Major Leagues, not getting too high with success and not getting too low with defeat is kind of a good match for the ballclub. To answer your question about the announcing team—that had no credence in my mind about the decision we made with Manny. We don’t take into account what the announcers say what is going on in the clubhouse or in the manager’s office. I am there every day. I see the way Manny directs his troops and the way in which he handles his ballclub—and his evenkeelness and his kindness. Often, behind closed doors, he was able to get into some players faces and to be very stern with them. So, as far as the announcers’ statements having anything to do with this--I would say it had nothing to do with this.”

Question: Stan, you now have an interim GM and an interim Manager--from a stability standpoint that doesn’t speak too highly of the franchise. Would you please address that?

Stan Kasten: “I am very uncomfortable with that—that is a good observation. I have strived my whole career valuing stability and consistency. I want to get to that (point) here. We are not there yet. I think we are working toward that. Sometimes you encounter these unfortunate, unforeseen, bumps in the road. But you are right; we need to bring stability here. And I can assure you that I am doing all I can to get us there.”

Question: Did you ask Manny to be more vocal?

Mike Rizzo: “Manny and I have discussed the handling of the ballclub and the way we do business on a daily basis. We had a great line of communication. Manny is Manny. He has his personality and his way of doing things. It got him from The Dominican Republic to here and being a manager of a Major League Ballclub. He felt that that was him and that was his personality. And it’s very difficult to ask some to change their way of thinking and their personality.”

Question: Whether or not the announcers had anything to do with this decision, do you agree with their assessment as the acting GM that another player needs to take control of the clubhouse, get in players faces and confront them when that player feels not enough effort is being made?

Mike Rizzo: “On a veteran laden ballclub, that’s often the case. It was the case with me in 2001 when we won The World Series at Arizona. We had Matt Williams and Jay Bell and Mark Grace to do most of the disciplining of the younger players. With a younger ballclub, it’s much more difficult for a young player to get in the face of another young player. Although, I think it is needed at times, but it’s often a difficult dynamic in the clubhouse when you have a young core group of players.”

Question: Stan, in the past, Major League Baseball has frowned on major announcements occurring during the All-Star Break, did you have to get any special dispensation from MLB?

Stan Kasten: “I don’t know. I know I didn’t get one. So, I didn’t seek one. I didn’t ask anyone.”

Question: Stan, it’s been almost three years since you and The Lerner Family took over operation of the team. With an interim GM, now with an interim Manager, are you starting over again?

Stan Kasten: “I really don’t think that. I do think we are really close to realizing the fruits of three hard years of effort. When I see people write about our team recently, it’s well they have now amassed a core of young future starters, but then they have all these other problems. Well—Wow!! Wow!! Wow!!—Let’s slow down. Let’s not gloss over it. It’s HARD TO AMASS a core of young future starters—that took us time. I have always believed that was the most important thing that was job one. Once we have a consistent rotation, everything else gets easier. Once we have pitchers giving us seven innings every night, even the bullpen looks better. So, the last three years have not been a waste because it took us that time to assemble the pieces I think now are starting to materialize as big parts of our future. It’s why it has been for me the highlights of our first half of the season. It’s hasn’t been any particular wins or home runs, it has been the maturation of a young starting rotation in addition to the realization that there are more on the way and not yet here in Washington. That’s what will make us ultimately successful. As to that extent, it’s been a very fruitful and productive three years.”

Question: Mike, on the underachieving angle, given what this bullpen was at the start of the year; given the defensive liabilities that are obviously out there; given that you went for a long time with four rookies and a second year pitcher in your starting rotation; when you look at that objectively, there is only so much that a manager can achieve—right?

Mike Rizzo: “There is a certain level of achievement that we felt the roster could get to and we haven’t reached it in my opinion.”

Question: Are you satisfied with the effort given by all the players?

Mike Rizzo: “I am satisfied for the most part with the effort we have given. I am not satisfied with the way we play the game at times. We don’t execute nearly as often as I expect them too. But the effort in respects to the hustle and the preparation I think is there. The consistency of the effort and the hustle needs work. And certainly the way we play the game, the fundamental way we play the game, needs a lot of work.”

Question: Stan, looking at this note you have written to the fans, are you saying losing at this level will not be tolerated and you will be doing everything in your powers to change it?

Stan Kasten: “It should be obvious that is the case. But in case it isn’t, we want to put our beliefs in writing so that everyone knows that no matter how bad our most staunchest fan feels, we feel much worse about it. This is not at all acceptable to us. We are going to keep trying to make moves, both in the front office and on the field to get it right. Having said that, I meant as seriously as I possibly could a moment ago—the pieces are coming together. They are here and that is why I am so disappointed to have to be here today. We kept thinking it was about to turn with the young pitching starting to come. And it really has been great watching—particularly the last month. We thought we should start winning more. It is a very sad day for me personally.”

“And if I can go on a little bit about a question earlier about Manny. People didn’t see those times behind closed doors when he was a very different guy one-on-one or with the team privately, outside the media, when he could be very forceful and direct. I valued Manny’s essential qualities-as a veteran player said to me—the same guy every day. You always know where Manny is. He is the same guy every day. That is an important quality. I value that. I think that is a characteristic of managers that are successful on the long-term. It hasn’t been working here yet and I am very disappointed in that—because I do think—and history is replete with examples of guys who didn’t have success with their first manager job and went on to have great manager careers. I believe that Manny is going to be one of those type of managers.”

Question: When do figure that that you can say you have turned this thing around?

Stan Kasten: “The disappointment for me has been, and we have been criticized because these reports came out months ago—you should have made a change. The reason it took so long is because we didn’t want to do it. We thought it was going to turn. We felt that way every week since April, I guess. And I still believe it now. So I don’t know about leash or length or time. I want to see, as Mike has described, a better brand of play. And the pieces, from any media report I have seen, has said ‘gee, the talent here should have produced a better record here than 26-61.’ I think everyone, all of you here, believe that. So, I don’t know exactly how to answer your question you are asking with numbers, but I do think we should start producing wins very, very soon. Especially now that we seem to be getting consistent starting pitching; as I have said many times, it’s where everything begins.”

Question: Why do you think that the team didn’t respond to Manny’s direction? We know the work went in, so why didn’t they respond to him?

Mike Rizzo: “Each team responds to their manager in a different way. I think the response was from a slow start out of the gates during the regular season. And then getting into a hole that everyone felt they couldn’t get out of. I think that was a big part of it. Sometimes the evenkeelness of the manager plays into that by not being a little bit more vocal, a little bit more hard edged.”

Question: Why is Jim Riggleman not here with you today?

Stan Kasten: “We wanted today to be about change and talk about Manny, and talk about the feeling of the first half. Mike & Jim have meetings this afternoon and we are going to start The Riggleman Era Wednesday. We will provide him to all of you then. We have a lot of mechanics, a lot of things to accomplish overnight since midnight last night—when we had our meeting with Manny. We have been working on that this morning and we will work on it today and tomorrow. He (Riggleman) will be here on Wednesday.”

Question: Stan, I know you are the Team President and one of the owners. Why are not any of The Lerner Family Members here today?

Stan Kasten: “Because I am The Team President and this is my responsibility. And I am ultimately responsible for everything that goes on here. And I accept all the blame.”

Question: How willing and eager is Riggleman to take this position? And how long has he known the job is his?

Mike Rizzo: “Jim is very eager to become a Major League Manager again. That is something he aspires to do. The timing of this thing—we met with Manny after they returned from their road trip. I met with him up in my office late last night. Jim was apprised of Manny being replaced and I, at that time, late last night, asked him to be the interim manager of The Washington Nationals. He was saddened by Manny being let go. He is a very loyal and dedicated coach under Manny. But was excited in his own right, to be given another opportunity to become a Major League Manager once again.”

Question: Mike, you just said you met with Manny, you made the announcement. Was this your call in consultation with Stan?

Stan Kasten: “I was at that meeting. This was an organizational decision. The organization made the decision in just the past few days. And Mike and I both met with Manny last night as soon as he got back.”

With those final words, the official portion of today's press conference ended. Mr. Kasten & Mr. Rizzo were then made available for one-on-one interviews. Transcripts from those two separate five minute chats--to follow soon.

All Photos Copyrighted--Nats320--All Rights Reserved

The Press Conference Scene Today

The scene set at Nationals Park in the interview room next to The Presidents Club late this morning was much like attending a funeral. Sullen faces, some near tears, eyes diverted down. The Staff Of Our Washington Nationals was expressing the unexpected loss of one they cherished so much.

For 25 Minutes, Team President Stan Kasten and Interim GM Mike Rizzo took to the microphones to explain the decision to the assembled media. Sadness was truly all that was communicated. Both Mr. Kasten & Mr. Rizzo stating how wonderful the person Manny Acta is. And that each feels--in the long run--Manny will be a successful field manager in Major League Baseball.

Just not here in Washington, DC. Just not right now. The firing of Manny Acta officially announced. Bench Coach Jim Riggleman to replace him on an interim basis.

A complete transcript coming of all 25 minutes. Individual availabilities with both Mr. Kasten & Mr. Rizzo following the formal news conference as well. But of all the things said this day--what Mike Rizzo stated honestly in response to my last question on the side--resonated the most.

How long did you wrestle with this decision to let Manny go? (SBF)

Mike Rizzo: “It was a very difficult decision to finally come to. We wrestled with it for quite a while. And we all ultimately came to this decision, begrudgingly, because of what we think about the man and the baseball man inside.”

Toughest baseball decision you have ever made in your life? (SBF)

“Yes, without a doubt, it was a very tough night last night.”

Though crying might not be allowed in baseball--Interim GM Mike Rizzo was showing his true heart, fighting back not choking up over a very hard personnel decision made.

Much, much more coming later as I finish transcribing.

But for now--here is the letter written by Our Washington Nationals to Fans, followed by Manny Acta's final written statement. He chose not to attend today's press conference--according to Mr. Kasten.

TO: Fans of the Washington Nationals

No one is more dissatisfied in the first half of the 2009 Washington Nationals season than we are. Like you, we had hoped that some of our younger players would have matured faster and that the addition of some of our new veterans would have significantly improved our record from a season ago. Our hope was that a solid club leadership would emerge on and off the field and that some intangible combinations would begin to click resulting in many winning streaks.

We definitely do see significant pieces materializing for the future, and there have been many close, exciting games and optimistic bright spots: Strong outings by John Lannan, the home run and RBI production of Adam Dunn, the All-Star selection and 30 game hitting streak of Ryan Zimmerman, and the recent addition of speedster Nyjer Morgan. Much of the season, however, has been defined by weak relief pitching, poor defense, and youthful inconsistency. We have tried to work through this period with patience and focus but now we are faced with mounting losses which are beginning to take a toll on our entire roster. Clearly, some changes are required as we prepare for the second half of the 2009 season and, more importantly, build for a competitive future.

Today, we announced that manager Manny Acta is being replaced on an interim basis by Jim Riggleman , veteran manager, and currently the Nats bench coach. Both the Ownership and the entire Washington Nationals organization have the highest respect for Manny Acta and the role he has played in the short history of the Nationals. However, it is our belief that a fresh attitude and approach is necessary as we set out to improve our performance for the remainder of the year. We want to send a strong message to our clubhouse and our fans that the status quo is unacceptable. We believe that more is expected of everyone in the organization.

Baseball operations will be reevaluating all our players and our options for improvement over the next several months. We hope to sign our 2009 draft choices by the August deadline. We hope these new additions will join an already exciting Nationals youth movement headed by the likes of Lannan, Jesus Flores, Alberto Gonzalez, Jordan Zimmermann and Craig Stammen on our current roster, and the likes of promising minor league stars like Chris Marrero, Michael Burgess, Danny Espinosa, Derek Norris and Drew Storen, among many others. But, we also will be determining the viability of trades or roster upgrades that can be made without doing damage to the farm system or the developing talent we expect to blossom within the next two years.

When we bought the Washington Nationals in the middle of the 2006 season – just under three years ago – we committed to a patient, long term approach, building a strong farm system and core foundation that would deliver a perennial and consistent contender; to provide a second-to-none family entertainment value at Nationals Park; and to investment and involvement in the metropolitan Washington DC community. Today we remain steadfastly committed to each component of that mission. We are proud to represent the National Pastime in the Nation’s Capital, and we are proud to call the Capital area home.

We know we have a way to go, but the end result will be all the richer for the early days we’ve spent together at Nationals Park. We are getting better. We want you to be with us as the pieces of the puzzle come together. Your support is powerful to the Nationals and baseball in Washington . Thank you for your continuing patience and your commitment to a shared dream.


Sincerely,


Washington Nationals Baseball Club


STATEMENT FROM MANNY ACTA

First, I would like to thank GOD for putting me in this position. I want to thank the Washington Nationals for giving me the opportunity to be a Major League manager. It was a great learning experience, I have no regrets.

As I move forward, I wish the Nationals all the best. I was very fortunate to work with and meet a lot of wonderful people while here.

I’d like to extend a special thank you to the fans for being so patient and supportive over the last two and a half years.

Last but not least, to the media, thank you for being fair and respectful toward my family and I.

The Most Charismatic Of Men

Manny Acta is a very thoughtful person, full of depth and character. Not a one-dimensional baseball man, Manny can hold his own in conversation about news worthy events off the field of play with anyone. A complete person who will now not finish what he was hired for--to make DC Major League Baseball a success.

The "Most Charismatic Of Men" fired today by Our Washington Nationals.

The African Queen and I quite saddened to hear the news. A loss came early this off-day, one greater than the 61 already witnessed so far this year.

You can argue that Manny fielded a team of mismatched parts. You can argue he threw out a defensive lineup that continually couldn't make the routine play. And you can argue that Our Bullpen was harboring on becoming one of the worst relief corps of all time. And you would right on all counts.

But you can't say it's all Manny Acta's fault.

You can question some of his managerial moves. You can question some of his lineups. You can prefer to see a more fiery temper shown out on the field of play by Our Field Manager. You can argue he should have protected his players more in any game. That's all fair game too.

But you could never convince us that Former General Manager Jim Bowden gave Manny the proper tools to work with. Nor that Interim GM Mike Rizzo has had enough time to correct many of those mistakes. A Franchise still in it's infancy, is now rebooting, changing direction, looking for a new compass setting.

Work now commencing without one of the most respected young men in baseball--Manny Acta. From the very first day of his hiring, Manny was a class act. He never put himself above the team, nor even Our Fans. Has there ever been a manager more in tune with listening and getting to know the fan base? We doubt it.

Always friendly, always willing to talk, Manny's profoundness was always refreshing--honesty that will be missed. So will his wonderful smile.

A well-rounded man, Manny always held his head up high and never publicly disparaged anyone. In this day and time--that type of bold restraint should be appreciated--not ridiculed and run out of town. Nasty words written about him just to hurt--"Get lost, Go Away, We Don't Need You Any More" (and that's just the more kind stuff).

Embarrassing is the way Manny Acta has been treated in the public eye of late. Shame brought forth by those that just like to hurt--not realizing, or caring about, the human being behind the uniform.

Our Washington Nationals have let go their manager this day for the second time in the five years since baseball returned to Washington, DC. This firing more heart-wrenching than when Frank Robinson was let go in 2006. Sorrowful, because Manny Acta was brought on board to be The New Face Of Our Fresh Franchise in 2007. He quickly became the Standard Bearer for all that was to be good about Major League Baseball finding it's home in Washington, DC.

Instead, many a moves not of his own doing, has led to his downfall.

Our Washington Nationals are lesser today because a good person was relieved of his job. A dignified man that was deserving of better took the fall. All of Manny's insight and accumulated intelligence could not save him from all that is wrong with Our Washington Nationals. Our Number 14 is no longer our manager, but we would bet, Manny Acta walks away this day a better person than when he arrived--someone whom all of us should learn from.

Classy until the very end--Sohna and I will miss Manny Acta. "The Most Charismatic Of Men" briefly entered our lives these past few years and we are better for it. Sohna and I will always love him for his compassion, his knowledge, his depth of life itself.

Good character means a lot to us. Few we respect more than you--Manny Acta.

Good Luck Manny. Never ones to toss aside friendships lightly, we will always be by your side.

Microcosm

Despite attention being diverted, I was able to watch most of today's game at Minute Maid Park and felt compelled to write something. Thanks to many for their kind words to Sohna and I over the past few days. Your overtures, both private & public, are very much appreciated.

When Tyler Clippard fell off the mound and balked while attempting to intentionally walk Hunter Pence in the bottom of the 8th inning today at Minute Maid Park, the very sight of Lance Berkman trotting home from 3rd base with The Houston Astros 5th and final run this Sunday afternoon was the microcosm of all that has plagued Our Washington Nationals this 2009 Season.

Playing the odds, loading the bases to set up a force out--A Good Baseball Decision--DC's Team could not manage that small feat successfully.

Again today, a bottom of the 1st throwing error by Alberto Gonzalez led directly to The Houston Astros only run--of the unearned variety--until the bottom of the 7th.

Again today, three singles in the 5th by Washington didn't produce a run for Our Team.

Again today, Washington loaded up the bases twice with just one out AND DID NOT SCORE. Gonzalez popping out (ahead in the count 2-0 by the way) with Anderson Hernandez grounding out to second to end the 6th.

Again today, Ryan Zimmerman swinging at ball four--popping out in the 7th--followed by Adam Dunn being thrown out by Miguel Tejada on a hard hit ball up the middle--ending the latest DC & Final Rally this day when Houston overshifted to the right--as most every team in The Majors does--for the usually always pulling the ball Dunn. Even when Adam hit the baseball where they usually ain't playing--an out was recorded.

Again today, a very quality start by Jordan Zimmermann was supplanted by more suspect play.

And when Jordan really needed those runs behind him on the scoreboard--Our Number 27 couldn't hold the one run disadvantage when JZ appeared to lose focus upon hitting Geoff Blum with a looping curveball leading off the bottom of the 7th. Then was tortured by a multiple hop grounder right up the middle that Anderson Hernandez could not knock down. Finally seeing Zimmermann succumbed when, of all hitters for The Astros lineup, Kaz Matsui got around on J-Zimms 92 MPH heater and popped it over the wall in right--one row back--for a three run homer that decided this affair. Houston up 4-0.

Jordan Zimmermann pitched so well today, firing fastball after fastball, but he could not depend on his teammates stationed behind to give him the necessary scores he needed to stay in this game. Too bad because J-Zimm deserved better today--as have many Washington starters before.
It also didn't help when Adam Dunn sort of gave up of a lofting fly ball down the left line in the bottom of the 8th by Carlos Lee--that fell FAIR and good enough for a ground rule double when the baseball bounced over the wall and into the stands. This play coming moments before Clippard fell off the mound with his run scoring balk.

No, Our Bullpen did not blow the game today. They were spared the agony. But Loss Number 61 was like so many that have come beforehand. Mistakes in the field leading to additional opposing batters receiving their extra swings. Poor clutch hitting at the plate leaving runner after runner on base--stranded by Washington.

That microcosm, now known as Loss Number 61 in 87 games played in 2009, was typical of much that has come well before this getaway affair end. The final game competed as The 2009 All-Star Break commences. The disappointing fashion in which Our Washington Nationals tend to lose--needs to be addressed. You can't stroke 11 hits, garner four walks, leave 13 runners in scoring position while batting 1-11 with the game on the line. A tight 1-0 affair which Our Team should have commandeered this hot and humid day in Houston, Texas. Instead, lost 5-0 despite a fine performance on the mound by Jordan Zimmermann.

A three-day break required. The time to clear some heads. And when Our Washington Nationals return to the field on this Thursday Night, July 16th, to face Alfonso Soriano and The Chicago Cubs--they better be more focused, more alert, attentive to the game situation at hand--at all times. You don't need to knock the ball out of the park during every At-Bat. And no one needs to over extend themselves in the field.

Just realize what's developing in front of you.

No doubt, in our minds, The African Queen and I have not given up. Neither we doubt, have our Our Die-Hard Fans. Nor should Our Washington Nationals. There are 75 games still remaining to be played this championship season and DC's Team needs to make the most out of them--giving hope and forward progress to the grueling first half of 2009 just witnessed and, thankfully, completed.

Today's InGame Photos--Pat Sullivan (AP)

Family Calls

This past Thursday evening July 9th, Sohna was informed that her Big Brother, and closest of her siblings, had passed away. So, we hope you understand why we are not posting right now. We've followed what's happened over the past few days on the field with Our Washington Nationals, and even the back-to-back-to-back home runs tonight at Minute Maid Park in Houston. But family comes first, so The African Queen and I might be away for a few more days.

Thank you for your understanding.

Dmitri Young & Matt Chico

Not knowing if Dmitri Young will don another uniform for Our Washington Nationals and realizing Matt Chico is now back pitching competitively in professional baseball, my friend Matt & I couldn't resist heading out to Prince Georges County Stadium for today's High Noon Start between The Harrisburg Senators (Washington's AA Affiliate) & The Bowie BaySox (Baltimore's AA Affiliate).


Camp Day at The BaySox Ballpark made for a very cozy turnout. And provided a nice opportunity to chat with some of Our Minor League Players or get autographs. It was good to see some of the regulars from Potomac Nationals & Washington Nationals Games, as well as, ESPN Zone Lunch Time Meet & Greets on hand.

The game itself was the sideshow. Matt & I went to see Young & Chico. Dmitri did start and played six innings. Matt Chico did not play but threw a bullpen session before game start.

In a brief conversation, Dmitri says he's been healthy and ready to go since April, but his bat during this game proved maybe otherwise. In three plate appearances--Young couldn't get around on any fastball from Bowie's Japanese Import Ryohei Tanaka nor from BaySox Reliever Jim Hoey's tosses--striking out twice. Dmitri did ground out to shortstop in the top of the 4th scoring Senators 2nd Baseman Michael Martinez with Harrisburg's first run of this game.


As always-Dmitri Young was nice as could be to Washington's Fan on hand today. Just not sure if he really is in playing shape.

As for Chico--He told me (paraphrasing here) that his arm is healthy and he is fully recovered. He's had no pain whatsoever but his problem has been his control. Having not pitched in many game situations due to surgery, Matt says that his release point for his pitches has been inconsistent. In fact, during his bullpen session before the game, Harrisburg Pitching Coach Randy Tomlin was specifically working with Chico on just this issue.



Attempting to get Matt's hips in line on his windup, throwing with a rag to give resistance while working on motion--Tomlin's instruction and side session was pretty interesting to watch. Chico's goal to make Washington Baseball Operations Staff believe that by the end of September, he can be depended on again. So when Spring Training 2010 begins, Matt can compete for a Major League Job, not leaving folks wondering whether he needs more seasoning.

As for the game itself, Tanaka actually pitched a no-hitter into the 5th until Javy Herrera doubled to left for Harrisburg. Bowie took an early 2-0 lead on a two run homer by Ambiorix Concepcion in the bottom of the second off The Senators' Starter Corey Van Allen. And The BaySox eventually won this afternoon's game by socking another homer--this one by Miguel Abreu--off Jack Spradlin in the bottom of the 8th. Final Score--Bowie 3 & Harrisburg 2.



Having never been to Prince Georges County Stadium--I was pleasantly surprised. Nice facility with plenty of good seats. No ticket more expensive than $14. Matt & I purchased seats in the front row right behind The Visiting Harrisburg Senators Dugout. Got a kick out of The Harrisburg Relievers sitting on top of a grass mound--above the bullpen--in the sun--instead of in the actual shaded and provided dugout there.




As usual--the typical Minor League promotions that play out most every inning. Including Bowie BaySox Staff dancing on the dugout, and various games on the field with children. And of course--The Bowie BaySox Mascot--Louie. We had a good time. A beautiful weekday--most everyone else still at work--baseball in the afternoon. And the chance to see Dmitri Young and Matt Chico in person. What more could you ask for?

All Photos Copyrighted--Nats320--All Rights Reserved

Some Really Bad Baseball

Jordan Zimmeramann didn't have his breaking ball, but he kept on throwing it--to his detriment.

Willie Harris missed a grounder right at him, that took a wicked bounce, right into where it counts the most--sending Our Number 22 down and eventually allowing two Colorado Rockies runners to score in the bottom of the 4th. A frame in which JZ should have been out of trouble. Dave Jageler on WFED saying--from experience with talking to Willie before--Harris does not use the protective cup.

His loss now--as well as ours.

Our Washington Nationals again not hitting in the clutch with runners in scoring position and less than two out in the 5th, 6th & 7th innings.

Austin Kearns while attempting to steal in a tie 4-4 game, gets picked off 1st base in the 8th inning, but Colorado's First Baseman Todd Helton, drops the ball. No matter--Austin Kearns falls down while running and is tagged out to end the inning.

Our Defense was just terrible this evening. Harris with that crucial 4th inning error. Cristian Guzman with a booted grounder to his right in the 7th that he literally kicked into centerfield--when Our Number 15 didn't get himself in front of a routine play to his right hit by Troy Tulowitzki.

And after Julian Tavarez walked two straight Colorado Rockies batters in the bottom of the 8th with one out--Joe Beimel came on and induced a perfect back to the box one hopper--easy inning ending double play. The result--Cristian Guzman doesn't cover 2nd Base and Willie Harris catches the high throw which is too late on a relay to 1st. Not one single Rockie was retired on a sure out on that play.

Unbelievable.

Of course, Clint Barmes follows with a routine fly to centerfield that scores Carlos Gonzalez with the eventual game winning 5th run for Colorado.

A three run homer clouted by Ryan Zimmerman in the top of the 3rd (his 14th)--wasted. As well as a solo shot by Josh Willingham (his 10th). On another night in which Our Washington Nationals out hit an opponent--they lost again. The Colorado Rockies won this evening at Coors Field because DC's Team beat themselves with Some Rally Bad Baseball.

Having to be up early tomorrow--this one is just not worth recounting any more.

Final Score from Coors Field where Our Team missed all the lessons of baseball fundamentals this evening--The Colorado Rockies 5 & Our Washington Nationals 4. How fitting that Alan Embree garnered the win without throwing a single pitch. He picked off Kearns to end the 8th and won when Tavarez and Beimel & Guzman combined to let another game slip away for DC. Losing by simply being beaten is tolerable. But, giving the game away is inexcusable. As wonderful as last's night's 1-0 loss to Colorado was respectable--this defeat (number 57 in 81 games) was very hard to watch.

Major League Baseball was not played by Our Team this evening.

Just a really poor showing. An awful game to watch.

Tonight's InGame Photo--David Zalubowski (AP)

Just Another Reason To Keep Him

Interim GM Mike Rizzo doesn't panic. Just take a look at some of these comments on ESPN 980. As written before here and here--"Riz" doesn't force a move just to appear as if any movement involving Our Washington Nationals is forward progress. He is weighing each and every opportunity that falls his way. ONLY THEN--after consultations with staff--does he decide whether any transaction offered is worth snapping at--saying yes.

The African Queen and I like the way Mike Rizzo goes about his business. He takes his work diligently, professionally--all in the effort to put a winner on the field for Our Washington Nationals--while transforming Our Franchise. Hopefully, Upper Management will soon decide that Our Interim GM needs to have his title made permanent. No question, Mr. Rizzo has brought a nice feel plus promise to DC Baseball. Hope recently lost, but now on a recovering path. A future which Sohna and I want to see established as not only credible throughout Major League Baseball--but on the field of play as winners.

Mike Rizzo's appearance on 980AM is Just Another Reason To Keep Him. No question about it.

Mile High Wonder

Blame it on The Humidor used at Coors Field.

Or Jason Marquis of The Colorado Rockies for pitching outstanding baseball, while giving Craig Stammen credit as well.

Admonish Adam Dunn for getting picked off 3rd base on a one-hop shot back to box by "The Guz" with nobody out in the top of the 7th.

The very same frame in which Our Washington Nationals batters stroked a leadoff double, single, fielder's choice & single--in that exact order--AND DID NOT SCORE?

Disapprove of DC's inability to score not even ONE RUN with the bases loaded in both that unbelievable 7th and the following 8th frame. Ronnie Belliard hitting into an inning double play and Josh Willingham popping out to right to end each rally, respectively.

A Wonder played out in The Mile High City this evening.

Give credit to Nick Johnson for making one defensive web gem after another--including a beautiful diving stop of a Brad Hawpe grounder that struck the first base bag--but didn't keep NJ from diving, rolling, retrieving and throwing out Hawpe for The Defensive Play Of This Game in the bottom of the 4th inning. (Nyjer Morgan also making a beautiful running catch to the deepest reaches of left centerfield off a drive by Carlos Gonzalez to end the bottom of the 2nd).

Applaud Washington for turning three double plays. The Rockies for their one key DP in that important 7th frame.

Attribute the only plated run tonight by Colorado on Our Number 35 getting his feet wet in one of the most difficult parks in Major League Baseball to pitch. A one out single in the bottom of the 1st allowed to Clint Barmes, followed by a Coors Field double into the deep gap of left field by Todd Helton giving The Rockies that early lead.

And appreciate the very fact that One Mile Above Sea Level--in the rarefied air of Denver, The Colorado Rockies and Our Washington Nationals played to a 1-0 Final Score. An ending tally only witnessed seven other times in the history of Coors Field. All seven of which have occurred since The Humidor was first used to settle down baseballs flying all over and out through the thin air of The Colorado State Capital.

An 8th Wonder In This World was completed tonight in Denver. Shutout ball was pitched by The Rockies. One run ball was thrown by Our Washington Nationals. Just enough to lose in that most rarest of Colorado fashions. Defeat Number 56 in 80 games played by Our Team will go down in the current standings as just another loss for Washington. But in reality this one was special--because you hardly ever win or lose 1-0 at Coors Field.

This feat takes a series of circumstances to transpire. Good pitching, solid defense and even a little luck must play into the final equation. Who would believe that on the very night The Philadelphia Phillies TROUNCED The Cincinnati Reds 22-1 at Citizens Bank (Pinball) Park--Denver, Colorado would be the venue of a Mile High Wonder--The 8th 1-0 Game in The History of Coors Field.

Astonishing, Fascinating, A Total Surprise--this game is the very reason I love The Great Game so much. Something never witnessed before by me played out tonight. A ballpark known for giving up big scores--was tamed. Wonderful to watch, although it would have been far nicer to see the final tallies reversed.

PS: The African Queen and I still can't believe that final score--nor the one from Philly. Also, We still can't believe Our Washington Nationals didn't score in that 7th frame tonight. And it's absolutely amazing how well Jason Marquis has been all season for Colorado. He looks really good and strong. Much like Craig Stammen was himself this evening. Our Rookie Pitcher has nothing to be ashamed of for taking this loss. His fastball was sinking well. We like his aggressiveness and willingness to let his fielders behind him make the outs. After giving up that one run in the 1st and saved from further damage by Cristian Guzman, Ronnie Belliard and Nick Johnson turning an inning ending double play--Craig settled down, was barely touched, and showed a confidence worth wanting to see repeated from here on out in 2009 by Our Young Starting Pitchers.

One of these days--Our Washington Nationals are going to win more of these close, low scoring games. And when they do, Our Young Guns will reap their rewards of their hard work--when their personal victories begin to mount.

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

Marketing Teddy

Heading home from work this afternoon, I stopped off at this store called FIVE BELOW, where nothing for sale costs more than $5. Curious to see what they sell, I started looking around. Off in a corner there was this display of "Kooky" Pens that caught my attention because The New York Yankees & Boston Red Sox Logos were the artwork used on a few of these pens which cost $3.

Could there be one for Our Washington Nationals?

Yes and No.

Every single MLB Collection Pen for sale depicted the logo of a Big League Team.


Except for Our Washington Nationals Version-- which featured Teddy!! Yes, Our Lovable Loser racing in all his glory on a "Kooky" Pen. Not just Our Team being marketed, but Teddy. Laughing to myself while looking at them, I thought, what could be more fitting?

"Kooky" Pen--"Kooky" Guy.

Teddy is depicted on The NatsTown Souvenir Soda Cups sold at Nationals Park. He's prominent on the NatsTown Bucket of Popcorn sold as well. #26 has a couple of bobbleheads and a stuffed doll made of his supposed likeness available in The Team Stores. He's got a facebook and twitter page. And now--Teddy has his own "Kooky" Pens for sale.

Marketing Teddy's Popularity Never Stops.

So why isn't Teddy handing these out at Nationals Park? Why is he not signing autographs for kids with them? They are actually pretty cool and feature a small clasping hook to attached to bags, purses or belt loops.

I bought two for The African Queen and I.

Teddy, do we have to bring one to you next homestand?

Dignity Earned

When Our Manager Manny Acta slowly walked to the mound in the TOP OF THE 8TH INNING, not many in the announced crowd of 22,677 believed that Scott Olsen would remain in this game. For over seven innings, Our Number 19 had shut down a professional hitting lineup representing The Atlanta Braves. Our Washington Nationals were up 4-1 and thanks to timely hitting, excellent defensive work and ONE EXTREMELY QUALITY START--you had to figure Olsen would soon depart.

The Braves had runners on 1st and 2nd--both via walks. A veteran and experienced batter in Garret Anderson was stepping to the plate for Atlanta. Most everyone watching was already on their feet--clapping. Scott Olsen had pitched a powerful ball game. Not one person expected Our Number 14 to keep Today's Starting Pitcher in the game. Not even The Tomahawk Choppers wishing for a Brav-OS comeback.

But over this Holiday Weekend Series, Our Washington Nationals have shown a different side. Newly acquired centerfielder Nyjer Morgan has chased down every single ball hit his way--showing a depth of field not seen in The Nation's Capital in some time--consistently. Our lineup has transformed--speed at the top--power in the middle--experience at the bottom.

And now Manny Acta was taking this NEW LOOK even farther.

Dignity Was Being Earned With Starting Pitching.

After having witnessed late leads blown by his bullpen all season. Having seen Our Starters personal wins lost, due to poor relief work. And wanting see if Our Youngster's--in this case Olsen--can reap what they had sewn--Our Manager, the very man that calls ALL THE SHOTS on the field of play--left Scott Olsen in the game this day.

There may not have been a more heartwarming cheer all season long at Nationals Park.

Our Fans wanted to see Our Number 19 finish. They wished to witness youthful exuberance become--experience learned for later.

Washington's Backers wanted to see progress.

This very moment--which received A DESERVED STANDING OVATION--one of the most important developments this very frustrating season. In a short time now passed, Our Washington Nationals have become a different team. Confidence earned, given by management, willing to chance failure to succeed. Scott Olsen DID NOT FAIL THIS SUNDAY.

Nor did Our Washington Nationals.

Rocking the boat, swapping one prospect or veteran for another, willing to look at ALL-COMERS in an attempt to right a listing ship--Interim GM Mike Rizzo seems to have finally brought calm to an horizon that once only featured a bleak outlook. 32 Games Under .500 did not matter today. Nor did being a last place team.

Thankfully, Scott Olsen--warmed at being given confidence by his Manager to finish what he started--struck out Garret Anderson on four excellent pitches. And Nationals Park ERUPTED in cheer because Manny Acta may not have made a more bold or important NON-MOVE all season. Acta had banked on his starter. He believed Our Number 19 could get the job done. Manny wanted to affirm all that everyone wanted to see. Could Scott Olsen be trusted when in trouble?

Let Our Starter go the distance.

This is exactly how you frame a team, finding the cohesive parts, while building for the success in the near future. Our Washington Nationals of April, May & June are no longer. The July Version worth watching. This team as it now stands is far different than the one that began the 2009 campaign.

More trustworthy.

No Scott Olsen didn't make it to the 27th Out recorded by The Atlanta Braves this afternoon--only to the 26th. No, Mike MacDougal did not close this game out sharply. In fact, Our Number 54 looked more and more like "The Chief Cardiologist" that wore Washington Jersey Number 32 from 2005 through 2008. In fact, MacDougal was nothing short of frightening. But despite Nate McLouth slamming out a two out, two run homer off Our Number 19 in the bottom of the 9th. Despite MacDougal then coming on and allowing a single to the ever hot Martin Prado and walk to the always dangerous Chipper Jones--sending the home crowd into disbelief--DC's Team prevailed because Mike found his inner self to not panic--just like Scott Olsen in the 8th Frame. Settling the faithful, when Brian McCann grounded out meekly to Nick Johnson at first base to end this thriller.

This Win that simply could not become a loss. When you perform so outstandingly for eight plus frames, a defeat can not become fact. And it didn't this Sunday Afternoon on South Capitol Street. Progress was made.

Our Washington Nationals displayed a different side this July 5th. The usually impressive Derek Lowe didn't intimidate Our Hitters from the mound for Atlanta. The common experience in 2009 of leaving our runners in scoring position--did not take place. Clutch Hitting was officially recorded in the books. How Novel!! Trouble, that any drive to the outfield by The Braves would result in a misplay by Our Defensive Lineup--was disavowed.

A transformed DC Team played Professional Major League Baseball this beautiful afternoon at Nationals Park. Good Pitching wasn't wasted. Clutch Hitting was not lost. Fine defensive plays were not efforted for naught. Much more coming in the Game Notes & Highlights, but Our Washington Nationals performed like a team today. Not perfect, but good enough to defeat an Atlanta Braves Team moving ever so closer to The National League East Lead.

Final Score from Nationals Park where allowing each and every one of our players to find their own confidence to succeed--far outweighed the winning outcome--Our Washington Nationals 5 and The Atlanta Braves 3 in nine definitive innings. Curly "W" Number 24, and second in a row, highlighted an ever changing team that is finally finding itself--one week before The Mid-Summer Classic All-Star Break. The Bang!! Zoom!! Of The Fireworks!! (as presumptuous as they were when they fired off while Chipper Jones had fouled off strike three in the bottom of the 9th before actually walking) signaled 2009 is not yet over. No, not just yet. DC's Team has value. Talent on the field that is far better than performed so far.

What will now become of it?

No question, Our Washington Nationals will be fortunate to lift themselves from last place. But they have given the warning--we will not be put down much longer. A young and talented starting staff can possibly carry our team. An ever improving defensive lineup can catch many of the hits stroked their way. And Our Batting Order is getting more impressive by the day. If Nyjer Morgan doesn't look and appear like Juan Pierre in his prime--then you are missing something special here. Our Newly Acquired Number 1 was also a difference maker today. Morgan has transformed our batting order--giving pause to opposing pitchers. Fueling concern that Washington is now a threat--on the basepaths.

Yeah, this was a good series win at Nationals Park against The Atlanta Braves. DC's Team earned some respect, not only for today, but for the future--which is exactly what Our Washington Nationals are all about in 2009. And you can bet The Colorado Rockies and Houston Astros will not be taking Our Team lightly this coming week. Regard, garnered this July 4th Weekend.

Dignity Earned For Not Giving Up.

Game Notes & Highlights

Scott Olsen did it all today. 8 Plus Strong innings effectively pitched. He even stroked two hits at the plate and recorded a nice sacrifice while knocking in Washington's third run of the game on a weak fly to short left scoring Ronnie Belliard in the bottom of the 2nd inning. Our Number 19 was throwing a plus fastball now in low 90's. His changeup a good 8 to 10 MPH slower in speed. Having Atlanta's hitters off balance, this was the Scott Olsen not seen by Washington Fans in April & May on 2009. This was a young southpaw witnessed by The Florida Marlins from 2006 through 2007 having success. When a pitcher ends this very good outing still maintaining a 6.04 ERA, you can understand how far Our Number 19 has come in his first two starts back from the DL. Olsen was terrible during those first two months of the season. And just when you figured Our Washington Nationals may not consider him in their long range plans--Scott has turned heads and may well have a future in Washington, DC. One out away from a complete game, Scott Olsen allowed a two run homer off the bat of The Braves' Nate McLouth--which sullied--but did not ruin his progress made.

As for Mike MacDougal, he can throw as hard as anyone in the game. But if Our New Closer wants to continue in that role--he better find his control. There was NO WAY Our Washington Nationals could lose this game this afternoon at Nationals Park. After all the heartbreaking defeats this season--this one--if lost--would have been the harshest of them all. Washington had controlled the game from the very start. The Braves had been mostly silenced. Simply, we could not lose today. Thankfully, MacDougal found just enough to quell Atlanta's Final Rally.

Sending The Home Crowd Home Happy--and Content.


This was not the Derek Lowe everyone has come to expect. The Atlanta Sinkerball Specialist was off today. 10 Hits, One Walk allowed--Lowe only struck out one. Invited to sit with Our Friend Pat in his Presidents Club Seats this Sunday--Pat (a true follower of the game) was stunned by Derek's outing. "He has no command," he stated. "I have never seen him this lost." Derek Lowe left after 5.1 struggling innings--allowing four Washington runs.

Today showed how a revamped lineup can be dangerous for Washington. From the top of the order, Nyjer Morgan was a catalyst. He singled twice, doubled and plated himself on a manufactured run. Leading off the bottom of the 1st inning, Our Number 1 singled to left, stole his 20th base and 2nd as National this season, then scored Washington's 1st Run on a routine single to right by Ryan Zimmerman. Come on--that is a scenario not seen often involving DC's Team. Morgan is a pest and if he continually gets on base regularly --Nyjer will be worth this lastest trade--as his defensive prowess is beyond reproach (more in a moment on those efforts).

Two hits, three runs scored and one RBI from Ronnie Belliard batting 8th today. "The Ballplayer" as he is well known here on Nats320 showed all of his worth when while stroking a double to the right centerfield wall off Atlanta's Derek Lowe in the bottom of the 2nd scoring Cristian Guzman from first base--Our Number 10 watched the play develop in front of him and when The Braves' second baseman Martin Prado took the relay from his teammate McLouth, Ronnie hustled all the way to 3rd Base on the throw home--setting Olsen's RBI single during the very next At-Bat. It's worth noting--experience won out on that play. Belliard understood what was going on.

Olsen with that RBI single to follow Ronnie along with another hit and sacrifice bunt. "The Guz" (now looking for your vote to be a 2009 All-Star) with two more hits, one score. Our Number 15 settling in well batting in the 6th spot--perfect for a guy that doesn't walk much--but free swings as well as anyone in the game. Nick Johnson and Mr. Officially Named To His First All-Star Game, Ryan Zimmerman, both getting RBI Singles. 14 hits today and every single batter in Our Starting Nine receiving at least one.

Now how about that Nyjer Morgan? In the top of the 6th inning, Chipper Jones drilled a Scott Olsen changeup to dead centerfield--well over Our Number 1's head. Nyjer sprinted back, turned his back to the ball once and easily still settled under the baseball for the out. As nice as that defensive effort was, it did not compete with The Defensive Play Of This Game. Atlanta's Martin Prado slapped a hard hit liner to left centerfield. With all his might--Nyjer Morgan scampered to his left--and dove for the fast sinking baseball. Missing by a few inches--he did not give up on the play. Prado (4 for 4 today at the plate) hustled around first base looking for a double. Not the strongest of arms--Our Number 1 retrieved the baseball and threw a one hopper to Ronnie Belliard standing on 2nd base--deeking as if the throw would be late. Upon taking in Nyjer's throw, Our Number 10 slapped down the tag on a surprised Prado. 2nd Base Umpire Mike Winters with the emphatic out call!!--followed immediately by A Standing Ovation--Appreciation by Our Fans For Hustle. Morgan and Belliard didn't give up on the play.


In a race to the finish--George ran hard all the way to beat his Rushmore Compatriots going away in the middle of the 4th inning Presidents Race.



Today was day in which The Washington Nationals Dream Foundation teamed with The Jonas Brothers to raise funds for the Pediatric Diabetes Clinic to be built at The Children's National Medical Center in Washington, DC. Fans could bid on four tickets to The Jonas Brothers July 13th Concert at Verizon Center--which included a special "Meet & Greet" with The Jonas Brothers backstage. Fans were encouraged to donate $5 to Nats @ 90999 for the cause. A number in which is still valid and can be used this very moment for your gift. And diabetic Nick Jonas was featured throughout the game telling his story and asking for support.

Finally--chatting with Die Hard Fans Melissa and Matt over the past few days--we've planned something special for later this week while Our Washington Nationals are out of town--that if turns out as good as planned--will be a great post here on Nats320. So, stayed tuned.

PS--Pat pointed out today that at one point in 2009 Our Washington Nationals were more games behind in the NL East Standings than actual games won. But thankfully--due to a transformed lineup--Washington has now exceeded that embarrassing result. 24 Wins, 18 Games back of the lead as of tonight.

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

4th Of July Party

The scene could not have been set any better.

July 4th.

Washington, DC.

Bases Loaded.

Ryan Zimmerman at the plate. The very player for Our Washington Nationals that has been clutch on Holidays.

Peter Moylan on the mound. The very pitcher for The Atlanta Braves that served the now INFAMOUS Opening Night Home Run on South Capitol Street on March 30th, 2008.

Washington down by two. The Game On The Line!!

America's Birthday In The Nation's Capital.

Really, What More Fireworks Could You Possibly Want!!??

If you love baseball, enjoy Our Washington Nationals and support them no matter what--this was YOUR GAME!!

Your Game!!

And let me tell you, if anybody EVER says to you that DC's Team has No Fans, supportive ones that post up on South Capitol Street in appreciation of what we DO HAVE--this was the defining moment of 2009. What was to play out over the next few minutes may well have been THE FINEST MOMENTS ALL SEASON AT NATIONALS PARK. And Our Fans had a lot to do with it. 23,708 were on their feet, stomping, roaring, waving their Mini American Flags given away upon entering the park--cheering Our Washington Nationals on--hopefully--to victory. The Atmosphere was decidedly in DC's Favor.

Red, White & Blue was ruling the day.

A character moment for Our Franchise Player was also weighing in the balance. Many realizing, The Z-Man most always delivers when it counts the most.

Resetting The Scene:

Our Washington Nationals were down 3-1 entering the bottom of the 8th inning. Washington's Starter John Lannan had been good--but not good enough. Because except for allowing Adam Dunn's 300th Career Home Run--A TITANIC BLAST into the upper reaches of Section 238--five rows from The Scoreboard Walk--The Atlanta Braves Rookie Pitcher, Phenom Tommy Hanson, had been terrific. Spotting his fastball, locating his pitches, this tall and lanky Atlanta Hurler was displaying all the hype so many have claimed.

Was he EVER GOOD!!

But to Our Team's advantage, Hanson had tired after seven complete and The Braves' Manager Bobby Cox brought his lefty Mike Gonzalez in from the bullpen, in an attempt to continue shutting down Washington's Bats. As happens so many times in The Great Game, the team being shutdown welcomes the relief and Our Washington Nationals took advantage from their very first pinch hitter.

Game On!! RallyTime!! In Full Force!! A 4th Of July Party was about to begin.

Ronnie Belliard singled to left. Another Pinch Hitter, Josh Bard, being patient today thankfully--walked. Nyjer Morgan advancing both to 2nd and 3rd respectively on a perfect sacrifice bunt--putting both Our Number 10 and Our Number 7 in scoring positions. Needing two scores to tie, the ever patient Nick Johnson was next and Our Number 24 waited and waited and waited--as only The Most Professional Hitters Will Do--against one of the most effective southpaw hurlers in the game. Waiting for something good to hit that never came, NJ happily took ball four on six tosses to load up the bases with one out. The VALUE OF NICK JOHNSON ON DISPLAY RIGHT HERE. He never gives in.

Johnson providing the final piece to the set up of one