The MASN Commercial Shoot

UPDATED NOW with still shots of the commercial taken off MASN Broadcast.


Even though we knew it was coming, the actual viewing of the television spot took us by total surprise. Last night, during MASN's broadcast of the pre-season game between The Florida Marlins and Our Washington Nationals, a few of MASN's new Nats TV Ads began to air.

And one of them features SBF.

Shot on February 18th, 19th & 20th in Hunt Valley, Maryland, myself along with 17 other fans for both The Baltimore Orioles and Our Washington Nationals were invited to Renegade Studios in suburban Baltimore to play out our selected roles. Nine fans from each team were chosen for the final takes. Six were invited each day. The producers & director asking for three hours of time, in studio, to put together everyone's ON-AIR spots.

My part in this paid gig was shot on February 18th and is the very reason why The African Queen and I were "Late" for Spring Training--as Jason Bergmann told us on February 21st.

Fans could apply for a spot by submitting an online application or, in my case, audition at NatsFest in late January. Baltimore Fans were offered the same opportunity to audition at The Orioles FanFest as well. The only reason The African Queen and I even knew about the upcoming commercials was due to a MASN employee walking around Nationals Park during NatsFest who was simply pulling people from the crowds and asking them to head down to President Club and into the Media Briefing Room to test before the cameras. MASN's Pete McElroy noticed my Screech'sBestFriend Jersey and thought it might play off well.


So, Sohna and I headed down. As it turned out, the Commercial's Director, Peter, and his crew were so excited over my Over The Top Audition, they basically hired me on the spot, asked me to fill out the waiver forms and gave me the dates for the final shoot. When we realized the shooting date conflicted with our scheduled Spring Training Trip to Viera, we pushed back the trip four days to accommodate the free lance assignment.



Eventually, the producers sent along a final script, which was completely different from the two ads auditioned for at Nationals Park. My story would be about Willie Harris and his hustle. How strange that My Main Man!! Ryan Church is one of the batters that Harris robs of a base hit in this ad. Standing on a completely Green Set on February 18th to allow for the digital field to be placed all around me in the final product--Peter directed me as to where to point. Three focal lengths were shot, including an extreme close up angle with a wide, almost fisheye, lens. As you can tell from the picture, Peter and I got along real well.

He liked how loud I was and unafraid of the camera. For each line, Peter asked for different inflections--multiple times. In fact, the final piece that aired last night, ends with me laughing over the exploits of Willie Harris. They must have had to make a quick exit out of that take, because when I sounded off those final lines in the studio, the entire crew of nearly 25 broke up in laughter as well.

The crew was having just as good of a time as I was. And that helped make the entire experience very welcoming.

Eventually, I read two more lines on camera for spot appearances in other longer TV Ads being produced for MASN/Nationals Broadcasts and was then escorted to another office where a make shift radio sound stage had been built. There, I was given ideas about Washington Baseball that MASN wanted to depict. It was my responsibility to put those ideas into my own words and call them MASN Moments--Radio Ads for 2009. Six total radio spots were produced involving me. But I have no idea if, when or where, any of those additional spots will air.

Sohna and I appreciated the opportunity MASN gave me to be involved in their On-Air Commercials for 2009. Knowing I gave it my very best; knowing the production crew appreciated my work; knowing that Peter was a blast to work with, and then finally watching the spot run on television last night was very, very rewarding.

MASN has promised to send me a DVD of the final spots.

PS--And if you were wondering, no The African Queen didn't audition that late January day at Nationals Park. She turned down MASN's offer to partake. She was having too much fun watching me, well being me, which she finds hilarious.

All Photos Copyrighted--Nats320--All Rights Reserved

Big & Unexpected News

Driving home from work late this afternoon listening to the radio, WTOP teases "Big & Unexpected News concerning The Washington Nationals today. More in sports after this!"

"Big & Unexpected News"?

What could that be? If there was a trade, WTOP would have mentioned that. Right?

So it had to be something else. And it had to be serious. Racking my brain while driving down the road--impatiently waiting for the commercials to end--the first thing that came to my mind: Baseball Operations was completely overhauled? A New General Manager was named? But why would Ownership do that so close to the beginning of the season?

No, that wouldn't make sense.

So what is this Big & Unexpected News?

And when Jonathan Warner reported on WTOP that Our Washington Nationals had cut ties with Shawn Hill, I was stunned. Absolutely Stunned!! Incredulous might be a very close second. No, I didn't see that coming and probably not many others as well. So why would Baseball Operations do that?

Clearly, Shawn Hill's physical issues have delayed and set back his career for five years now. But his upside is so good. Why Now is the question that needs to be answered? Is it that important to release Shawn at this very moment?

There are so many questions that I would love to ask.

Are you telling me that Hill has nothing left in the tank worth getting excited about anymore? Are you telling me a team that lost over 100 Games last season, can't take a flyer on someone scheduled to make $750,000 in 2009? Are you telling me it's time to jettison anyone with lingering doubts? Shawn Hill is not John Patterson. Even when hurting, Hill has been effective. No one has ever denied his talent. Only that physical pain has consistently taken that exceptional talent away.

Granted, this release of Shawn Hill is a very aggressive move, especially coming so close to the start of the regular season. A franchise that wants to move on--and beyond. This unexpected release means that Collin Balester and Shairon Martis have better shots now at the starting rotation in 2009. And it also means that Washington will only have to give severance pay (1/6th of Hill's arbitrated 2009 earnings) by letting him walk this very day. Today being the last possible moment any team can release a player and only be responsible for a portion of their salary.

Saddened is the only other word that expresses my feelings. Shawn Hill is one of the good guys. One of those players you always root for. And he's been very gracious and kind to The African Queen and I for a few years now. Always willing to chat and give his honest feelings in conversation. Shawn Hill has been enjoyable getting to know, just a little bit, as a Washington Baseball Player. And that makes this decision today by Our Washington Nationals even harder to take.

Our hearts go out to Shawn today. We care about Shawn Hill and hope that today's termination by Our Washington Nationals is just another slight setback for a still young man trying to find his way in the games of Major League Baseball.

No, I really didn't see this coming. For me, this announcement teased by WTOP this afternoon really was "Big & Unexpected News". As for The African Queen upon hearing the news: "I guess the chess match continues and a King Of The Hill has just fallen."

P.S.--Those Roster Games continued even more so after Shawn Hill was released this morning. This afternoon Washington announced the signing of left-handed reliever Joe Beimel to a one-year guaranteed deal. A pretty solid signing. A move that solidifies Washington's Bullpen and might allow Manny Acta to carry an ever more younger and inexperienced starting staff--believing veteran experience in the back of the bullpen could save many games. Over the past three years, Beimel has churned out some solid relief work for The Los Angeles Dodgers. Immediately, Joe becomes The Set-Up Man for Our Washington Nationals, taking the 40-Man Roster Spot from Shawn Hill.

P.P.S.--Nick Johnson the sole Montreal Expo remaining from The Inaugural Season of Our Washington Nationals.

Our Chat With Joel Hanrahan

When John Lannan takes the ball to the mound on Opening Day at Dolphin Stadium in Florida this March 6th, he will be looking for a win. And if Joel Hanrahan has any say in it--Our Number 38 will close out Curly "W" Number One for 2009. A recorded save giving significance to how far Joel Hanrahan has progressed in Major League Baseball. Three years ago, Hanrahan was a Minor League Free Agent just looking for ANY TEAM to pick him up. The Los Angeles Dodgers had lost faith in him.

Fast forward to today.

Joel Hanrahan is best friends with Chad Cordero. In fact, over past off seasons, Joel has invited "The Most Thrilling Closer In The Game" to workout with him near his hometown of Dallas, Texas. To this very day, they talk on a regular basis. How ironic that Our Number 38 has the talent to be a terrific closer. Joel Hanrahan--The Closer now for Our Washington Nationals--replacing his buddy.

After Chad Cordero went down for the season in early 2008, Big Jon Rauch raised his game and was pretty darn effective as closer for Washington through Mid-July. 17 Saves recorded for "The Wookie" before he was traded to The Arizona Diamondbacks for Emilio Bonifacio--The Second Baseman Of Our Future that lasted all of three months in The Nations Capital. When Big Number 51 was sent to Arizona--Joel Hanrahan rose to the occasion. Looking to make an impact, and playing on a last place team, Our Number 38 was fairly impressive finishing off games. No one questions Joel's overpowering speed. He can hum the ball with the best in the game. But sometimes his command and control can be off. Still, Hanrahan finished off the 2008 Season recording 9 Saves in 13 opportunities while recording a 3.34 ERA over the final two months of the campaign.

As a fresh 2009 Season dawns--Joel Hanrahan is the presumptive closer for Our Washington Nationals. For the first time in his professional career, Hanrahan has been handed a given Major League role, before Spring Training even began. Currently, playing for Team USA in The World Baseball Classic, Joel Hanrahan spoke with The African Queen and I shortly before heading off to play for his country.

With that, here we go with Our Chat With Joel Hanrahan. Not only did the three of us talk about his role, but also the many changes, for the better, he sees within Our Washington Nationals for 2009.

Are you looking forward to the fact you have a role to play with this team and not having to worry that you are just trying to make this team? (SBF)

“Definitely, it’s nice knowing that Manny (Acta) believes in me to start off the season in that role. And I look forward to doing as much as I can to keep that role as long as possible.”

In the past, your downfall has been wildness. Can you harness your power and use that to your advantage? (SBF)

“I try not to think about it (being wild). I don’t think I am wild, just a little off-target some times (chuckling). But I think my command of my fastball right now is feeling really good. As long as I can get that over, I should be alright. It is really not a big issue with me.”

Two years ago you came to Washington looking for team that needed you. After years with The Dodgers and never experiencing The Majors, you have found an important role. Has that surprised you? (SBF)

“Yes, it really has. At that time, when I was a minor league free-agent, I never thought I would be closing for any team in The Big Leagues. I really thought I would end up being a 4th or 5th starter with somebody. That was my goal. Washington gave me that opportunity and it didn’t work out in the way I really had planned. Now, almost out of nowhere, I find myself with a huge role on a team that's looking to bounce back this year. I actually feel very fortunate.”

Did you find it difficult to adjust from being a starter all your life, to the closer today? It’s a completely different mindset. (SBF)

“I was really more worried about it mentally. The first month last season (when Washington sent Joel to the bullpen), I made the transition. It took me a while to get comfortable. The numbers weren’t too pretty at first. But after that first month, I said: ‘OK, this is the situation I am going to be in and I need to be better prepared.’ And after that first month adjusting, I really felt good. like I belonged in the role (of a reliever).”

Speaking of transition—how much more pressure do you feel being a closer as compared to a starter? (The African Queen)

“There is always going to be pressure, even if you come into any game in the 5th inning and it’s a tie ball game. I don’t like to think about: ‘Oh, if I don’t get the outs right here, we are going to lose.’ If they (the opponent) gets to me that day, so be it. Unfortunately, we get a loss and tomorrow we get to come back and play them again and prove ourselves again. I try to brush it off (bad outings) and not think about the pressure.”

When we talked last spring, you were just starting your relief appearances. Jogging out to the field with runners on base in a pivotal point in the game was new to you. I remember you telling me it was a whole new experience. Are you comfortable now throwing all your pitches, including your slider, under those situations? (SBF)

“Yeah, it was quite the adjustment. I needed to relax and think about the situation at hand—and not worry too much about the baserunners. There was usually no margin for error. But I found if I concentrated on the hitter—focused on that part of the game—I was alright. And more and more I felt comfortable throwing all my pitches. Many times, the batter is just as worried as I am. I need to take advantage of that fear.”

Are you then preparing any differently for this season as compared to every other season in your past? You are not going to throw 200 innings this season. (SBF)

“What I didn’t do was a whole lot of long distance running. I did a lot more sprints because I am going to be throwing 25 to 30 pitches per game. I don’t need to build up my arm strength to throw 100 pitches. I need to be able to go strong, all out, for a short period of time—no holding back. So that (sprints) is going to be better for me. That was certainly different for me (this off-season). I still had to do my long-toss to build up my arm strength. But overall, the only thing I changed in my off-season preparation was my running.”

Speaking of athletic ability—this is a completely different team than the one that stepped on the field in 2008. You should get plenty more chances to close out wins. (SBF)

“Is that ever the truth. We got some really big guys. Guys that have the power to put four or five runs on the board in one inning. It’s possible, we could hit four or five home runs per day—which will mean more opportunities for me to finish. We are not going to be out of many games. We just have to keep the guys on the field (not injured). That was really our biggest problem last year—not keeping everyone on the field. Everybody looks healthy know. We are feeling excited and ready to get going.”

The new training staff has changed many routines from the past. Is that helping? (The African Queen)

“The training is a little more intense. Nothing against our old guys (personal training staff), but we are doing a lot more agility type stuff. Routines to make all of us a little bit more quicker, stronger and ready for a long season. It’s really going pretty good. They are not out here trying to make us run 10-Miles per day, wearing us out. They seem to know how to get the best out of our abilities.”

There is a different feel to this camp. Shawn Hill told us that. So did Ryan Langerhans. (SBF)

“Yes, I agree. We are not out here for five hours just doing nothing. We are getting work in, quickly and the right way. Everybody is happy and working hard with their routines. And there haven’t been any problems yet.”

How much does Adam Dunn add to the clubhouse? (The African Queen)

“You can tell he is going to keep it nice and loose in there. And if he says something, that person is going to listen to him. He has our respect. People are not going to shy away from him. He’s definitely not afraid to step in and say: ‘Hey, you are doing this the wrong way.’ He’s not going to yell at you, but he is going to tell you in the way that he does—that sarcastic way—and people are going to listen to him.”

“In fact, everybody is getting along well. All of the new guys fit in. I think we are going to be a better close knit team.”

Going back to your role as The Closer for 2009. Being more relaxed because the team has given you this spot, are you worried at all? (SBF)

“I wouldn’t say I have been given the spot. If I come here and get no one out, then I am not going to be the closer long. I might not even be on the team (laughing). I still have to get those outs. It’s a little different than last year, but I still have to throw strikes. I still have to be dominant. I still have to help win the game. If I don’t throw strikes, Manny’s not going to be patient with me. He won’t trust me in the 9th. So, I need to make sure he does trust me—every single time out there.”

With that, Our Chat With Joel Hanrahan concluded. Can he harness all his power and moxie to effectively make the closer role his for years to come? Our Number 38 has all the talent. It's going to be interesting watching Joel Hanrahan grow into his newly found job.

Let The Roster Games Begin

Today's roster cuts by Our Washington Nationals provided the preamble to the final 25-Man Roster to be set for Opening Day. Everyone that has been optioned or assigned so far could be moved without jeopardizing their standing within the team. That all changes now for several reasons.

Washington has a full 40-Man Roster. If any single person from the non-roster invitee list makes the final cut, and there is more than one that just might do it, then a corresponding move must be made to remove a player off that 40-Man Roster. Additionally, from my understanding, and in no way am I sure this list is complete--the following players are Out Of Options. This means Anderson Hernandez, Kory Casto, Ronnie Belliard, Willie Harris and Wil Nieves all must be placed on waivers (exposed to the other 29 teams) to be outrighted to The Minor Leagues.

This is really what The Opening Day Roster always amounts to--putting your best product on the field for now--while holding on to those important to your near and long term future for later. Some times, a player makes the team whether they deserve to or not. Mediocre play is not the only factor considered.

First up--Terrell Young is a Rule V Pick. He must stay on the 25-Man Roster all season or be offered back to The Cincinnati Reds if he clears waivers first. Washington could also trade someone in their system to retain his rights and outright him to the minors. Has he shown enough promise to gain Baseball Operations Trust? So far--I would say yeah, Terrell has a shot at the final roster. But I would bet a deal is made with Cincinnati and Young is optioned to The Minor Leagues. If they keep him, he remains on the 40-Man Roster. Washington probably doesn't want to keep him on the team because they have many other factors to consider to round out their lineup.

Take a look at The Starting Pitching: John Lannan, Daniel Cabrera, Scott Olsen have three starting spots locked up--no question about it. Washington probably doesn't need a 5th starter over the first two weeks of the season due to a handful of off-days. This plays to Shawn Hill's advantage. Our Number 41 pitched injury free today in Jupiter, but he's certainly not stretched out to give anyone 80 pitches in a start during the early days of April. So, expect Hill to start the season in extended Spring Training. That move giving Jordan Zimmermann the serious possibility of making the 25-Man Roster. J-Zimm has been nothing short of outstanding during his Rookie Grapefruit League appearances so far. I would love not to see him rushed into The Major Leagues. The National League Scouts still don't have the book on him yet. But it's very hard at this point NOT to give Our Number 27 a legitimate shot to start in The Big Leagues in April. Collin Balester, struggling with control this spring, might be the odd man out and optioned to Syracuse.

Zimmermann making the team amounts to the first 40-Man Roster Move. Jordan Zimmermann has earned the opportunity. So a corresponding 40-Man Roster move will have to be made on someone else.

Acting GM Mike Rizzo and Our Manager Manny Acta are going to keep at least 11 pitchers on that 25-Man Roster. Joel Hanrahan is set as closer. Saul Rivera as one of the setup men. Jason Bergmann should make the team based on versatility alone. He can start, be a long man, throw middle innings and in my opinion--be an excellent setup man in the 8th. I can't imagine Jason Bergmann not making the team. The same for Michael Hinkley and Steven Shell. Both had excellent first seasons in The Major Leagues in 2008. They have been far from perfect in Spring Training 2009--but Washington's not going to give up on them over a few early outings in the spring. DC's Team has no reason to rush Julian Taverez or Kip Wells into their rotations either. They are emergency call ups and Mr. Rizzo is probably not going to make a corresponding 40-Man Roster Move just to put them on the roster when Jesus Colome is also going to have to be added. "Bling-Bling!" has been pretty outstanding so far in camp and has done nothing to show Our Washington Nationals he doesn't belong--maybe also play the Set Up man for Hanrahan. Garrett Mock and Shairon Martis are probably vying for the last bullpen spot if only 11 guys are taken early. Martis has future starter written all over him--let him eat some innings in at AAA Syracuse. Wil Ledezma is outrighted to AAA Syracuse to be ready as the bullpen lefty, if Hinkley falters. Ryan Wagner gets assigned to Syracuse to build up arm strength.

Colome making the team amounts to the 2nd 40-Man Roster Move.

Unless Jesus Flores starts the year on the Disabled List with his continuing sore elbow (a possibility), Javier Valentin has virtually no chance of making the Opening Day Roster. Valentin has rarely caught a game over the past few seasons--he's not the guy Washington wants calling the pitches behind the plate--unless it's a emergency. No way Our Washington Nationals attempt to move Wil Nieves off the 40-Man unless someone extremely better comes along. He's an excellent catcher. Luke Montz becomes the number one guy at Syracuse.

No corresponding roster moves need to be made right now over catchers.

Nick Johnson, Anderson Hernandez, Cristian Guzman and Ryan Zimmerman round out our starting infield. Ronnie Belliard the backup, along with the ultra-versatile Willie Harris playing everywhere. Harris is an important component to rounding out the clouded outfield situation because he can play both infield and outfield. If he has options available, Alberto Gonzalez (as well as he's played) probably doesn't make the team now as well. Gonzalez is the Ronnie Belliard type sub of our future. Brad Eldred, Pete Orr, Jose Castillo and Alex Cintron should all be assigned to Syracuse. Dmitri Young starts the year in Extended Spring Training. Kory Casto is out of options and is in Nowhere's Land. A decision must be made on his long-term role with the team very soon.

Super Sub Willie Harris makes it extremely possible for Our Washington Nationals to keep Lastings Milledge, Elijah Dukes, Austin Kearns, Josh Willingham and Adam Dunn all on the Opening Day Roster--whether they have a place to play them or not (Willingham & Dunn 1st Base Backups). Either Washington sends Wily Mo Pena to extended Spring Training or they simply release him and eat his $2 Million Contract. As well as he's played--Roger Bernadina gets optioned to AAA Syracuse for more seasoning and Ryan Langerhans--who I have always felt is a perfect complimentary 4th outfielder in a powerful lineup that needs a defensive player--will be held back playing for Syracuse as well--until the roster shakes out during the regular season. Corey Patterson is assigned to Syracuse. Patterson makes the team only if others go down injured.

Barring any trades or injuries, that's 24 Players that should all make The 25-Man Opening Day. Baseball Operations can choose whichever other person from those lists to add that last player to this jigsaw puzzle for April 6th. But Washington must also realize that Shawn Hill will be added to the active roster early in April. He's your 25th guy, if healthy. So whomever that last player is to make the team out of Spring Training--will realize he only has a short time to make a final impression--because unless something unexpected happens--he's gone--possibly for good.

Without a doubt, Matt Chico will be placed on the 60-Day Disabled List. Chico still recovering from elbow reconstruction surgery. That move allows Washington a valuable 41st person to the 40-Man Roster. 60-Day DL Players do not count toward the 40-Man. So Chico provides an out to move either Jordan Zimmermann or Jesus Colome to the active roster. Wily Mo Pena, Kory Casto are other players on the bubble--possibly Tyler Clippard and Mike O'Connor as well. One of those guys MUST BE moved off the 40-Man Roster by Opening Day. Our Washington Nationals have no other choice. Someone is going to lose their Major League Job, and possibly be claimed by another Big League Club. If Washington adds any more non-roster players, then all four are in jeopardy of being moved to another team.

Who would you choose? The faces of the jigsaw puzzle are slowly coming together. As The African Queen said tonight: "This is like a Chess Match." And she's right. The Pawns are being moved around. The Roster Games have begun in earnest. It's going to be really interesting watching how Our Washington Nationals maneuver through the final few weeks of Spring Training. Will someone get traded? Or will someone else go down to injury? Those unexpected moves that shake up the roster even more.

The 25-Man Roster (Barring Trade or Injury--24 Of Whom Should Definitely Make The Team out of Spring Training)

Pitchers: Lannan, Cabrera, Olsen, Zimmermann (Hill Extended Spring Training)

Bullpen: Hanrahan, Rivera, Bergmann, Shell, Hinckley, Colome & Mock

Catchers: Flores & Nieves

Infield: Johnson, Hernandez, Guzman, Zimmerman, Belliard & Harris

Outfield: Milledge, Dukes, Kearns, Wllingham & Dunn

On The Bubble: Balester, Martis, Terrell Young, Pena, Casto & Alberto Gonzalez.

Metro Board To Vote On Circulator Bus To Nationals Park

As reported in December, The Metro Board is scheduled to vote this week of adding The DC Circulator Bus to Nationals Park from Union Station. The new service to be a replacement for the N22 Metrobus which ran a similar route from Union Station to Barracks Row to Nationals Park and back again in 2008. The Washington Business Journal reports customers felt the N22 was too slow and made too many stops to make the service worthwhile. The District Government and The Metro Board feels the $1 Circulator Route can provide better value and service. The New Circulator Route will run on a faster schedule. A timetable that has yet to be publicly announced.

Changes In The Works At Nationals Park

Attending The Avon Walk Expo yesterday at Nationals Park, gave The African Queen and I the chance to check out some changes to The South Capitol Street Ballpark as Our Washington Nationals prepare to host Season Two of Major League Baseball there.





Starting Outside--White Triangular Pennant Style Banners have been placed at the Grand Staircase (First Base) Entrance to Nationals Park on Potomac Avenue. Both banners are white in color--one contains a Red Curly "W" and the other depicts The Nationals Park Logo used during The Inaugural Season. But for Season Two--the wording has been changed. Instead of "2008 Inaugural Season", the updated logo reads "Home Of The National Pastime In The Nation's Capital." I am glad they kept the ballpark artwork, with The U.S.Capitol and Washington Monument in the background. I really like that ballpark logo and I hope they keep it for a long time. All of last year's banners depicting players for Our Washington Nationals have been taken down.





Just inside that First Base Entrance Gate--The Walter Kravitz Mobile "The Ball Game" is in final preparation for the 2009 Season. Walter's Engineer, Gary Floyd, was on hand hanging, stringing, balancing and making sure the final piece will be safely hung on the main concourse--first base side. This display is going to be huge when completed. There is still more work to be done--including the final music from "Take Me Out To The Ballgame", but everything seems to be on track for an on time finish before Opening Day--possibly even for the exhibition game on April 4th versus The Baltimore Orioles.




The Red Porch Restaurant is under heavy re-construction in Centerfield Plaza. The north walls to the eatery have been blown out, expanding the seating area with what appears to be window seats looking out on the plaza. We couldn't see well inside the work zone, but it does appears as if the interior of the Red Porch has been completely redesigned. For 2009, The Red Porch will provide more upscale offerings, not just the basic ballpark fare. Our Washington Nationals looking to make The Red Porch a go-to destination during any ballgame--much like what The Red Loft Bar above became for many in 2008.


In The Stars & Stripes Club--better and more durable carpeting has been placed in the heavy traffic areas. Last year, the seams in the original carpet tore and shredded within a few weeks of the very first games played at Nationals Park. This new stuff looks and appears better suited for wear and tear.

No sign yet of the pedestals being placed in Centerfield Plaza to hold the three statues of Walter Johnson, Josh Gibson and Frank Howard. Although we were told yesterday, all three are on track to be unveiled during the first week to ten days of April--before Opening Day on April 13th.

And the concrete walkway between The Lexus Presidents Club and The President Club Seats is being refurbished.

We are sure there are more changes in the works. But those are the ones that stood out yesterday on our visit to Nationals Park.

Avon Walk For Breast Cancer Expo

“Anything The Nationals can do to join in this fight is very, very important to our family, as well as everyone else's." stated Helen Kasten, the wife of Our Washington Nationals Team President Stan Kasten to the few hundred on hand today on South Capitol Street. Mrs. Kasten, a breast cancer survivor, was The Guest of Honor today at The Avon Walk Expo at Nationals Park. A precursor to the upcoming Avon Walk for Breast Cancer to be held in Washington, DC on the weekend of May 2nd and May 3rd, 2009.

“I know The Nationals have provided tickets to be sold so you can help raise funds to meet your goals and join in this walk. I hope you sell a lot of tickets because we need that too. Not only are our fans very important to us—but the more people we can see on that day of recognition ( Monday, May 4th)--the more pink we can put in the stands--the more awareness we will have for our cause. And then even more people will be exposed next year so we can all raise a lot more money and find an end to this dreadful thing (Breast Cancer)!”

And in support of their breast cancer surviving mom today--Helen & Mr. Kasten's Children--Alana and Jay were on hand for the event--along with Mr & Mrs. Kasten's Grandson--Devin.

In an average year, nearly 180,000 women in The United States will be diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Over 40,000 will die. Yet despite those grim statistics, there are currently over two and one/half million breast cancer survivors in The United States. And that is the reason for The Avon Walk For Breast Cancer.

To Find A Cure.

To Make People Well Again.

To Give Life, When Hearts Have Been Lost.




Today, Our Washington Nationals hosted The Avon Walk Expo in The Stars & Stripes Club at Nationals Park. The opportunity for registrants, survivors and supporters to learn more about awareness, health options available, nutrition and fundraising. An all encompassing event to publicly get the word out that Breast Cancer Can Be Beat. Included in today's festivities was the opportunity for any DC Avon Walk participant to sell discounted tickets to three upcoming 2009 Games involving Our Washington Nationals on South Capitol Street. Charity tickets that can be sold for profit, as long as the proceeds go directly to The Avon Walk For Breast Cancer.

“We do this for a lot of charities. We have done this with many of the organizations that have worked with us through community relations," said Chartese Burnett, Vice President of Communications for Our Washington Nationals. "When you are a non-profit organization, you can set up a business-to-business link. So the charity organization will set up a link on their website--in this case to Nationals.com/(name of the initiative). So what we do is have a discounted ticket that we sell to non-profit organizations and large groups that want to have a fundraising component to their efforts. And then we sell those tickets at a discount to the organization. In this case, Avon will be able to sell those tickets at face value with the difference being the money that will go toward their fundraising efforts. In fact, you are going to see us (The Washington Nationals) do a lot more of that type of work this coming year as we really start to spread our wings more aggressively with non-profit organizations.”

Three games have been chosen as fundraising events for The Avon Walk. Monday May 4th when Washington takes on The Houston Astros is the first. On that particular evening, participants will also be honored at Nationals Park. Wednesday, May 20th against The Pittsburgh Pirates and Friday, June 19th against The Toronto Blue Jays are the two other discounted ticket nights for the charity. $10 Tickets to those games are being offered to Avon Walk participants for $7. Those supporters can then sell those tickets at the price of their choosing--as long as all those extra costs go directly to the fundraiser.

One of the recipients of the raised dollars is Food & Friends--a DC Based Organization that assists those with life threatening illnesses in the DC Area.

“Foods & Friends is a beneficiary of The Avon Walk," stated Ellen Root, Associate Development Director for Food & Friends. "A certain percentage of money from all the walkers here today from The Avon Walk will help our mission and breast cancer clients. The very fact that The Nationals are hosting the Expo is a nice benefit. As you know, they (The Nationals) have come over to our mission in the past. We had Screech over packing bags of food, packing the groceries, and some other players as well. They were great in seeing the meals were coming out and putting them in the right bags--so they can be delivered to the clients. It’s a helpful partnership that raises awareness.”

“Food & Friends provides meals and nutritional counseling for people that live in DC and the surrounding counties in Maryland and Virginia that are suffering with HIV Aids, Cancers and all other life challenging illnesses. We have many referral programs throughout the community which help clients find us. And we are able to deliver these meals six days per week.”

Throughout the May 2nd and 3rd Avon Walk For Breast Cancer--Food & Friends will be on site cheering and providing support for the participants. At the conclusion of the two-day walk, Food & Friends will provide a lunch for all those walkers and support staff. And considering the economic environment that exists today in The United States, Food & Friends is pleased that there are still organizations out there--willing to help their cause.

“Honestly, we have a small wait list at this time, given the challenges in terms of fundraising. But we try to serve as many people as we can that are medically eligible. It’s regardless of income. It’s regardless of any other situation. You just have to qualify on the basis of your illness. But thankfully, there are those out there willing to help and assist and we are very thankful."


Also on hand in The Stars & Stripes Club today was The Capital Breast Care Center of Washington, DC. A provider of breast care screenings and services. An organization which provides support for those in need.

If you wish to participate in The Avon Walk For Breast Cancer, you can sign up at the official website. And if you want to fundraise for the event--with all proceeds going to The Avon Walk--you can contact Michael Benko with Our Washington Nationals to take advantage of the ticket sales opportunities. You can reach Michael at michael.benko@nationals.com or 202-640-7648.

Of course today's activities would not be complete without speaking with Helen Kasten. A 7-Year Survivor of Breast Cancer, she kindly spoke with The African Queen and I during today's Avon Walk Expo at Nationals Park. Her family story is quite touching.

How did you get involved with this event? (The African Queen)

“With this, I think when Stan (Kasten) heard The Nationals were going to be involved in partnership with The Avon Walk, he told me there is going to be something in DC about breast cancer and you might want to be involved as he knew I was interested in all this stuff. So, that is how I found out about it and I made sure I could be here today for the Expo.”

Can you explain why this is so personal to you? (SBF)

“I am a breast cancer survivor, seven years. And it’s affected both sides of our family. My family side and my daughter in-laws side, her mother-in-law, passed away from breast cancer about five years ago at a very early age. She fought it for 10 good years and then it got her. My sister is also a breast cancer survivor so we are very much involved in trying to find a cure and bringing awareness. My biggest concern is trying to make sure that woman that are underserved, medically, actually have exposure and can get the same type of care as woman who have good health care, good support systems. There is a big discrepancy between the care of low-income women as opposed to women of higher incomes.”

How did you first find out you had breast cancer? (The African Queen)

“Self awareness, self examination. I was pretty well along on a good size cancer, but I was very fortunate it did not involve my nodes. So it was a good prognosis. With that, even though the tumor was large, I had extremely good care and support. I did a mastectomy and reconstruction, then chemotherapy and radiation. That took about nine months to go through the whole thing. After that, I just have tried to stay healthy and be aware of my body and keeping up on getting to know myself. Even if you know yourself really, really well, it can still get you. But at least if you are aware, and you are not shy about things, you need to know that it’s a killer and you need to know about those things.”

That must be frightening. How did your family deal with it and how were you able to deal with it personally? (The African Queen)

“I think there is a lot of self-defense things that come into play. I was more concerned about how my kids would react? How Stan would be? How my mother, God Bless, would handle this. So, I was more in the mode of: ‘How am I going to tell this one? How am I going to tell that one? How will I make it not so horrible for them?’ I already knew what I was going to do. I had already seen my doctor and knew what procedure I needed. And it was in my head that I was not dying. I was going to take care of this. I think getting out of the ‘Why Me’ thing helped. I thought on the lines of how am I going to manage this with my family and my kids and my mom. My dad died of cancer at 50. I was 48 (when diagnosed with breast cancer). It was just too close.”

“I had great support. My mom came in. My sisters came in. My cousins--everybody took a week off to come and help with the kids, drive carpool, take care of the household. Stan was tremendous. He immediately started doing research and finding the best doctors, getting opinions. Really, the first couple of days after I found out, I just cried for days. It was just horrible. But he (Stan) did all the groundwork. He got the doctors. He got the names and he really swung into gear and really had my back the whole time. He was extremely supporting.”

“I was concerned about how he was feeling? And because Stan was so busy, he seemed OK to me. He seemed like he was OK. But he really wasn’t. He really needed a lot of support. I didn’t know that until after things calmed down. People told me he (Mr. Kasten) wasn’t OK. But he had great humor--that helps. My sister, my mom came before my surgery. We just laughed and had a good old time.”

“Then, three weeks later, my sister was diagnosed with cancer, with breast cancer. That again was tough—poor mom. That was really traumatic, even more traumatic I think because then you get into the whole genetic part of the equation. As it turned out, it wasn’t.”

Is she OK? (The African Queen)

“She is fine today. She’s a survivor too—so far. So far, we are here and that’s the best we can hope for.”

Would you say the key to surviving is early detection? (The African Queen)

“Yes, and don’t be shy. Don’t be scared. Don’t be shy. It more scarier waiting and finding out later--than going in and they tell you to come back in six months—we don’t think it is anything. You have got to know your body. You have got to listen to your intuition and if you feel there is something not right—pick up the phone and make an appointment. Don’t wait six months to see what’s going to happen because those couple of months can kill you.”

Clearly, people do survive? (The African Queen)

“Yes, if you find it early you survive. It depends upon the type and the strain of the tumor and all that—but yeah I hope to die a really old lady some day!! Maybe riding my bike hit by a car!! (Laughing)

You mentioned a point earlier on that is really important about why we are here today. People without the means may not have the resources to find out if they have breast cancer. What do these people need to do to get help? (SBF)

“Yes, absolutely correct. Here in DC, there is The Capital Breast Care Center. It is a tremendous organization. They even have a van, I understand, that will go and pick people up and bring them to their office for appointments. They have a whole network of breast care health people. And people need to know they are there. That’s the hardest thing. People don’t know they are there to go for the health screening.”

“Additionally, we are putting a whole lot of money into research, medicines and awareness. But we really need to save the woman who don’t have the resources.”

The scariest part is for those women who don’t have health insurance and doctors? They don’t have the means to even be diagnosed. (The African Queen)

“It's really like 60 years ago when people didn’t know until it was too late and there is no reason for that anymore. There is no excuse for that. People still have to know when to go in and a lot of people don’t like to talk about their breasts. They are embarrassed. It’s going to bring their family down. And yeah, it’s going to bring your family down, but if you die it’s a lot worse. In America, people don’t like to talk about breasts and that’s the truth. It’s really a lot of the hang up.”

You will always be called a survivor. Do you feel you have beaten breast cancer? (SBF)

“I am not confident. (Really? SBF). No. I am a seven-year survivor. I am confident that I am healthy. But it just takes a little microbe of nothing to attach itself somewhere. The chemo tries to kill all that. I hope it did along with the radiation. It doesn’t mean that you will not get sick from something else or get some other type of cancer. I have had skin cancer type of things. There is stuff that can get you, but if there is one thing you can watch for—this (breast cancer) is one of the things. You have to be pro-active. You really have to be pro-active."

With that final answer--Our Conversation With Helen Kasten concluded. The Avon Walk For Breast Cancer is a good cause. If you would like to participate or support the effort in any way, please click on the links above or contact Our Washington Nationals for more information. And remember, it is still true--sometimes the efforts off the field are more important than the wins and losses of baseball.

In this case, lives may depend on it.

All Photos Copyrighted--Nats320--All Rights Reserved

Julian Tavarez

Our Washington Nationals have signed "Ancient" Pitcher Julian Tavarez to a Minor League Contract with an invitation to Spring Training. The 35 Year Old right handed reliever, who seems to have been around FOREVER, is just one more arm to throw out there to see if he has anything left in the tank. Assistant GM Mike Rizzo told the media this evening he doesn't want those currently looking for a bullpen roster spot in Washington's Relief Corp to be comfortable with their current efforts. No one is guaranteed a spot. I actually like that comment alot. And although Tavarez never really developed into the top talent many expected 14 years ago, he has had a decent, if unspectacular career, with some interesting and emotional moments.

None more memorable to me than one that I have carried in my mind since the very day it happened--for the life of me I can't find a picture of the moment--but it did occur.

In 1995, Tavarez was a hot rookie pitcher for The Cleveland Indians. The very year The Indians won The American League Pennant and played The Atlanta Braves in The World Series. Pitching in a tight 1-0 game in Game 6, Tavarez was taken out after relieving in the 8th inning, but not completing the frame. Julian continued to watch the remainder of this tight World Series affair from the bench at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. Eventually, The Braves would go on to win Game 6, by that same 1-0 score and claim the World Series Title that same night--4 Games to 2. As The Atlanta Braves celebrated their Championship on the field, and their fans were whooping it up in the stands, Tavarez was shown on television crying on the bench--uncontrollably.

I have never forgotten it.

Julian was downright sobbing, upset and devastated that his Cleveland Indians had come so close, yet had lost The World Championship. If you did see this scene, you would never forget it too.

It is still one of my favorite and most memorable moments watching sports as an adult. Tavarez was young then, just 22 Years Old, Hard Throwing and Impressionable, but he really cared about the game. Julian Tavarez wanted to win, and I have always appreciated his emotion shown that late October night in 1995.

It's why we play the games.

Emotion, when controlled, can be an asset in many walks of life. And having no idea if Julian Tavarez is still able to be an effective reliever--I would like to see if he can light a fire under the feet of his new bullpen competitors in Washington and make us better.

Here is the complete press release from the team:

WASHINGTON NATIONALS AGREE TO TERMS WITH RIGHT-HANDED RELIEVER JULIAN TAVAREZ

The Washington Nationals today agreed to terms with right-handed relief pitcher Julian Tavarez on a non-guaranteed minor-league contract and Spring Training invitation. Nationals Assistant General Manager and Vice President of Baseball Operations Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

Tavarez, 35, is 85-75 with 22 saves and a 4.45 ERA (677 ER/1369.1 IP) in 786 games (108 starts) spanning 16 seasons with Cleveland, San Francisco, Colorado, Chicago (NL), Florida, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, Boston, Milwaukee and Atlanta.

A veteran of five post-seasons, including two World Series (2004 with St. Louis, 1995 with Cleveland), Tavarez’s 150 career holds rank fourth among active players behind only Arthur Rhodes (193), Alan Embree (187) and Bob Howry (165). Tavarez’s 678 relief appearances rank ninth among active pitchers. He is also a four-time (1995, ‘00-02) double-digit winner at the big league level.

Last season, Tavarez combined to go 1-5 with six holds and a 5.10 ERA in 52 appearances for Boston, Milwaukee and Atlanta. He recently worked 1.1 scoreless innings for the Dominican Republic in the 2009 World Baseball Classic.