Our Conversation With Stan Kasten (Part Two)

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

This very topic is where Part Two Begins:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Yes, exactly.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For a .500 club. (SBF)

“And yet—a first place club.”

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

Our Conversation With Stan Kasten

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

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

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

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

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

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

Can you describe this season? (SBF)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How is Nick Johnson doing? (The African Queen)

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

Wily Mo? (The African Queen)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Giving Thanks

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

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

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

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

How Stunning Was That Comeback?!

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

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

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

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

Game Notes & Highlights

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hey!! This Is Fun!!

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

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

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

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

And the next few moments were crucial.

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

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

Joel Hanrahan had other ideas.

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

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

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

What A RELIEF!!

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

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

Game Notes & Highlights

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

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

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

I am not the only person who has noticed this.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Taylor Hooton Foundation

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

He's was just 17 Years Old.

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

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

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


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

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

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



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





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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“It’s RIDICULOUS!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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




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

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

“Yes, sadly.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

Our Conversation With Charlie Slowes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How about Dave? (SBF)

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


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

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

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

167 Pints Of Blood Collected

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


Here is the Official Release from The Team.

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

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