Please Rise....

Approximately 12 minutes before the first pitch of any home game at Nationals Park, the HDTV Scoreboard always plays a special 90 second historical tribute to baseball in Washington. D.C. The video always leads up to the playing of The National Anthem.

It's a very well produced video and no matter where Sohna and I are inside Nationals Park we stop, watch and listen to the entire sequence on the scoreboard or on one of the countless monitors placed throughout the South Capitol Street Ballpark. It's really that good. Our understanding is the music used in the tribute is from the HBO Mini-Series John Adams--but we honestly don't know the title of the song.

Here is the complete "Please Rise..." video shown before every home game of Our Washington Nationals.

The First Big Bump In The Road

The road to success is rarely travelled smoothly. There are always bumps in the road. The concern from tonight's loss to The Baltimore Orioles is not just that Our Washington Nationals dropped below .500 for the first time since April 15th at 21-22. It's also not just because D.C.'s team has lost seven of their last eight games played. The worry is that Scott Olsen's latest pitching shoulder flareup combined with a tired looking team on the field of play--might lead to a protracted slump. A decline that no one rooting for Washington wants to see a few short weeks before Stephen Strasburg supposedly arrives in The Nation's Capital.

Our Washington Nationals are in the final stages of twenty consecutive days played. A grueling schedule that included road trips to New York, Denver and St. Louis--sandwiched around 11 home dates. That's not easy for any team to work through--especially one that is not running on all cylinders.

Scott Olsen, along with Livan Hernandez, has been one of Washington's most reliable starters all season. No others come close in our rotation--not John Lannan, not Craig Stammen, nor Luis Atilano. The fact that Our Number 19 left after three innings pitched against Baltimore this evening raised a Red Flag--not one of the Curly "W" type--about who might replace Olsen if his previous injury from 2009 has returned. Unless Our GM does an about face--Mike Rizzo is not just going to bring up Strasburg early to solve the situation. Our General Manager has never taken the short route to personnel decisions. And he's unlikely to do that here. But Olsen's latest setback--if lengthy--could cause a domino effect among all pitchers below Strasburg in Washington's Farm System.

Would Matt Chico be recalled? or Former Atlanta Brave starter Chuck James--now at AAA Syracuse. Or, would Riz consider jumping Spring Training's most interesting starter--not named Strasburg--Aaron Thompson--to the Big Club? Thompson, acquired from The Florida Marlins for Nick Johnson last year--has been impressive all season. Unless Mike Rizzo is scouting a possible trade--those are his three best pitching options, right now, if Scott Olsen can not make his next start.

Combine that issue with a Washington offense that has seen it's leadoff hitter--Nyjer Morgan--struggle most all season long. A power hitter in Adam Dunn that is not hitting well with runners in scoring position. A starting nine over the past eight games that has been fairly non-existent with the bat. And you are not going to win many ball games. Unfortunately, that's the nature of where Our Washington Nationals stand right now 43 games into the season. Every team has slumps over the course of any 162 game schedule. Every team temporarily loses the ability to put consecutive hits back to back and score some runs. That's why they play the games. But the good teams find a way to win. The good teams find a way to battle through the frustration. And the good teams turn that slump around before going into a debilitating tailspin.

Can Our Washington Nationals turn themselves around and become that good team too?

Talented players, and talented teams, can learn a lot about themselves when things are not going well. So can Our Washington Nationals. Tonight's latest loss being no exception.

Final Score from Nationals Park where Nats320 is forsaking the usual gamer to get a point across: The Baltimore Orioles 5 and Our Washington Nationals 3. Having looked lethargic these last three homes games--D.C.'s team needs to recharge their batteries. A necessary off-day that will not arrive until this coming Monday May 24th when Washington rests in San Francisco before taking on The Giants. But before that date approaches--Washington must pull themselves together for these final two home games against The Baltimore Orioles. Our Team not only needs to find a way to win--but Washington needs to find The Will To Win Again. Ian Desmond stated at The ESPN Zone Thursday his teammates have believed in themselves all season. And a healthy family/team atmosphere has pulled everyone closely together.

Now is the time to see how that closely knit association will help Washington when things are not so positive. Scott Olsen's injury combined with Washington's non-hitting lineup has raised some concern about Washington's prolonged capabilities. An anxiety rising over the fan base whether Our Washington Nationals are for real--or not. The first big bump in the road is upon us. How D.C.'s team responds over the next few days may well determine whether there will be long-term success during this pivotal 2010 season.

Game Notes & Highlights


Considering that Scott Olsen allowed nine batters to reach base in only three innings pitched--it's probably remarkable he only allowed four runs. I don't think even one of his pitches reached above 90 miles per hour. Our Manager yanked him early, batted Livan Hernandez in his place before Washington announced later Our Number 19 suffered a shoulder injury. Mike Rizzo telling Nats320 after the game--tests will be conducted on Saturday to determine the seriousness of the flareup. Adam Jones slugged out a two-run homer to right center in the top of the 2nd off Scott. And Baltimore rallied with two outs in the top of the 3rd when Olsen provided three walks and two singles to help plate two more Orioles.

Miguel Batista relieved Olsen and proceeded to pitch four shutout innings. Drew Storen allowed his first big league run when Baltimore's Corey Patterson (Ex-Nat) singled off Storen's glove with two outs in the top of the 8th. Drew had walked The Orioles leadoff hitter that frame--reserve catcher Craig Tatum--and it came back to haunt him.

Orioles starter David Hernandez entered tonight's game having lost 14 straight games over two seasons. Yet, he pitched a no hitter through 4.2 innings. And only lost it when Miguel Batista singled up the middle for his first hit since 2006. Hernandez walked five Nationals, gave up that sole hit and lasted through one out in the sixth. And picked up his first win since August 11th of 2009 against Oakland.

Ryan Zimmerman scored Washington's first run when Pudge Rodriguez grounded into a fielder's choice in the bottom of the 6th with the bases loaded. And Willie Harris got Nationals Park jumping really for the only time this evening when he jacked a Matt Albers pitch off the second facade of Section 237 near the Scoreboard Walk for a two-run homer that got Washington within one run (4-3) in the bottom of the 7th.

There were two fine defensive plays by Washington tonight. Pudge Rodriguez picked off Corey Patterson wandering too far off 3rd Base in the 4th. A snap throw after a pitch to Nick Markakis resulted in Our Number 7 tossing a rope to Ryan Zimmerman cutting in to the bag. The Z-Man then ran Patterson back to Pudge--who then tossed the baseball to Ian Desmond--who had rotated over to 3rd base--to record the out. But that was not The Defensive Play Of This Game. That honor goes to Desmond himself. In the top of the 9th--Markakis slammed a hard hit ground ball to the left of Our Number 6. Washington's Rookie Shortstop, shifted quickly to his left, then dove with his glove hand extended. Only to see the baseball take a wicked short hop coming right past his head. As the baseball popped up and with Desmond falling down--Ian instinctively raised his glove hand above his fast dropping head and made a OLE' scoop while hitting the infield dirt hard. Ian Desmond then stood up and threw a perfect strike to Adam Dunn to record the out for The Defensive Play Of This Game. A nice one too.


27,378 the paid attendance for today's first game of The Battle Of The Beltways. One of the larger crowds since Opening Day. Also, both teams wore their alternate jerseys for this Friday night game. Baltimore wore their black tops with "Orioles" across the front and Washington their Red Curly "W" ones. I am not of big fan of both teams wearing their alternate jerseys. It gives the feel of a softball game going on. Either Baltimore should have worn their gray tops, or Washington their White home uniform. Black tops and red tops didn't look good--not traditional in any sense.

It's funny how each time Baltimore plays Washington, both teams tend to give away their respective team caps at one of the series games. Saturday afternoon's 4:05PM start will feature the first 20,000 fans coming to Nationals Park receiving a Red/White Curly "W" cap. Next month when Washington heads to Camden Yards, The Orioles will return the favor.

The Oriole Bird interrupted the 4th inning Presidents Race again this year. As Teddy, Abe, George and Tom turned at the right field foul pole and ran toward the finish line--The Oriole Bird tackled Teddy, Abe & George--allowing Tom to win uncontested.

And finally--a Bryce Harper Nationals Tee Shirt sighting. A young man sitting near Washington's home dugout was sporting a custom Nationals Red Tee with "Harper 34" emblazoned on the back.

Tonight's In-Game Photos--Haraz N. Ghanbari (AP)
All Other Photos Copyrighted--Nats320-=All Rights Reserved

2010 Washington Nationals Annual Food Drive

"Here in America, we have a crisis that a lot of people are not aware of--and that’s in the working family," stated The Food Network's Paula Deen. "The families that are out trying to do for themselves, and do better, but by the time they go to the grocery store--that part of their check has shrunk."




"The Queen Of Southern Cuisine" was standing just outside Nationals Park's Center Field Gate on Wednesday May 19th, 2010. As spokesperson for Smithfield Food, Ms. Deen, members from Our Washington Nationals, Harris-Teeter Grocery Stores and The Capital Area Food Bank were unloading a semi-truck of Smithfield hams. Protein to be given to The Capital Food Bank as a Kick-Off to this weekend's Annual Food Drive at Nationals Park.

"I just have this love of feeding people. And I can’t stand the thoughts of anyone being hungry." continued Ms. Deen.

According to Capital Area Food Bank statistics, 636,000 folks in the Greater Washington, D.C. area are in risk of hunger each day. And 47% of those are children. In fact, one out of every two children in the District of Columbia is at risk of hunger. So the need is great and major donations, like this one from Smithfield, are needed to fill a vast void.


“We do this because there is an obvious need there. It’s Smithfield’s chance to give back," believes Dennis Pittman, Director of Corporate Communications for Smithfield. "The people who come to these food banks each and every day are our customers. Their parents were our customers and their grandparents were our customers. These are the people who shop at Harris-Teeter the first two weeks of the month and by the end of the month--they need a little help. This is where our partners, like Harris Teeter, come in and work with the food banks--helping people stretch that money to cover the entire month."

Protein is the least donated product to The Capital Area Food Bank, meaning Smithfield's truckload of hams will go along way toward satisfying the over 700 Agencies that work with food bank on a daily basis to provide Senior Brown Bags, The Kids Cafe's and Weekend Bags for the over 470,000 served by the NE Washington charitable organization.




Pitchers John Lannan & Sean Burnett and three First Ladies from Our Washington Nationals (Maryanne Garry-John's Girlfriend, Jessica Burnett & Rachel Dunn--Adam's wife) joined Paula Deen for approximately 30 minutes to unload the Smithfield Truck and bring awareness to not only the cause but the upcoming Annual Food Drive at Nationals Park. In these tough economic times, many families have been hit hard in the pocket book. And this weekend when The Baltimore Orioles come to South Capitol Street, fans are encouraged to bring any non-perishable food items to Center Field Gate for drop off on May 22nd and May 23rd. All items to be distributed to The Capital Area Food Bank for their many needy programs.

"We are finding that there are a lot of people who were donators in year’s past..." concluded Paula Deen. "..that are now recipients of the food bank. It’s scary, It really is."

So if you can help, please drop off your non-perishable food donations this weekend at Nationals Park on May 22nd & 23rd. Items can be left at Center Field Gate beginning when the gates open for both games--and continue through the end of the 4th inning.


PS--After the conclusion of the event, Paula Deen shot a special Public Service TV Announcement with John Lannan and Sean Burnett by her side. There was a funny moment when Ms. Deen messed up reading the script at one point and Sean Burnett said something off the cuff about her miscue. Everyone started laughing and Paula Deen playfully slapped Sean and told him to "HUSH, Ya'll!" Her accent made the comment even better.

All Photos Copyrighted--Nats320--All Rights Reserved

That Knack Was Lost

They somehow have a knack for hanging in there.

The fact that Adam Dunn actually stepped to the plate in the bottom of the 8th inning with the opportunity to tie up this game was a remarkable achievement by Our Washington Nationals. Down 10-1 in the top of the 6th to The New York Mets, Jim Riggleman started emptying his bench--giving some of his regulars a breather for the remainder of the night. Our Manager then witnessing Wil Nieves, Willie Harris, Mike Morse, Alberto Gonzalez and Cristian Guzman fueling a comeback--cutting the once nine run deficit to four after Ryan Zimmerman walked to force in Washington's 6th run in that 8th frame.

What was left of 23,612 cheering for D.C.'s Team, stood, pretty stunned that Our Number 44 now was at the plate--only a grand slam away from bringing this rally all the way back. Really, how was this possible after Our Washington Nationals had played one of their worst games of 2010 through the first nearly six innings of play? Poor starting pitching by Luis Atilano; a series of almost comical errors in the field--three official--two not. And a base running blunder by, of all people, Pudge Rodriguez--who got caught between 2nd and 3rd base with nobody out in the bottom of the 6th after Willie Harris had knocked in Dunn and Josh Willingham to begin Washington's Rally.

D.C.'s team was doing little right.

Yet baseball can be a strange game sometimes--and this unexpected Rally Time!! proved the point well. Our Washington Nationals, seemingly, had no right to be banging down the door of The New York Mets in the 8th after their performance over the first two/thirds of this game. Yet there Adam Dunn stood--tall in the batters box--facing Lefty Pedro Feliciano with the game back on the line. And everyone cheering for Washington was loving it.

Who wouldn't be thrilled after having witnessed what came beforehand?

"Can you imagine what this place will sound like if he hits it out of the park?--stated The African Queen. She was right, there might well have been pandemonium. And it would have been one of the greatest comebacks in team history.

Only that Yankees game at RFK in 2006, probably could rival this.

But it was not to be.

As most everyone stood and watched--Adam Dunn worked the count. Down early 0-2, he got even on Feliciano two balls later. But eventually, didn't get the pitch he needed to drive out the park. Dunn swung hard, but the result was not of the desired kind--a simple fly ball to left field taken in by The Mets Jason Bay. The rally killer that ended any more thoughts of a miracle comeback on South Capitol Street by Washington.

Final Score from Nationals Park where the home side put on a display of baseball during the first six innings which let this game get out of hand early: The New York Mets 10 and Our Washington Nationals 7. Washington get's credit for nearly getting themselves back into this game, but well before that happened, D.C.'s Team didn't get their heads into this game soon enough. Complete details coming in the Game Notes & Highlights, but there were some miscues tonight on South Capitol Street that just had your heading spinning in disbelief. Washington has played well defensively most all year. Those skill sets have kept them in most every game--until this evening. That knack was lost--at least for tonight and with it--so was this game.

Game Notes & Highlights

For really the very first time since being called up, Luis Atilano didn't have it tonight from the start. He also got no help in the top of the 1st when Ian Desmond dropped a routine fielder's choice toss to second base thrown by Adam Dunn on a ground ball hit by Ike Davis. The subsequent error loaded the bases and that proved harmful when David Wright stepped to the plate and doubled to deep right--scoring three New York runs. In the 5th, Nyjer Morgan allowed an Ike Davis drive over his head to get past him as it caromed off the wall. And Ryan Zimmerman seemed to trip over himself while attempting to field a soft blooper off the bat of Jose Reyes in the same frame. The eventual game deciding inning that resulted in The New York Mets scoring the five game distancing runs.

Atilano leaving after 4.1 innings--giving up 9 hits, three walks, seven runs, six earned. His ERA balloned to 5.06 by the time he walked to the clubhouse for the final time tonight. Tyler Walker relieved him--made a fielding error of his own and proceeded to get whacked pretty good by New York too. 1.2 innings pitched, four hits, three runs-two of which were earned. To his credit, Sean Burnett looked mighty sharp again in his top of the 9th performance. He appears to be coming around after some early season troubles.

As poorly as Washington pitched early, The Mets got a gift horse when their starter John Maine went down with an injury after just five pitches in the first inning. A walk to Nyjer Morgan. Raul Valdes replaced Maine in what became basically an emergency starting assignment and proceeded to pitch five innings of pretty solid baseball. He kept The Mets in the game when D.C.'s pitching did not. Interestingly, Valdes faced Adam Kennedy first. And when Kennedy lined a rocket right at New York Second Baseman Alex Cora--Morgan found himself way to far off base again--and was doubled off 1st base. Another base running error.

Adam Dunn, Pudge Rodriguez and Ian Desmond all had two hits apiece for Washington. Of course, this was a night of strange sightings--Pudge popped what appeared to be a routine out to right field in the bottom of the 4th--only to see New York's Jeff Francouer completely lose sight of the high flying baseball--and watch it land a good 30 feet behind him. Pudge hustling all the way to 3rd base for a triple. Yeah, it was that type of evening. One in which Willie Harris entered late and proceeded to knock in three runs in three official At-Bats.





Tonight was Force 3 Military Appreciation Night at Nationals Park. For the first time in 2010, Our Washington Nationals wore their patriotic Blue Jerseys with matching Stars & Bars "DC" logos on their uniform and caps. Camouflage Curly "W" Caps were handed out to the first 15,000 in attendance. The Air Force Honor Guard performed before the game in Center Field. And Military Salutes were given throughout the evening to the men and women of our armed forces.



Tom led from basically start to finish to win the 4th Inning Presidents Race--his 8th of the season. Teddy finished second. The Rushmores just raced tonight--no gimmicks.

And finally--isn't The Red Porch sign usually lit up during night games? It wasn't this evening. Just wondering.

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

Ian Desmond ESPN Zone Transcript

Radio Broadcaster Charlie Slowes hosted the first ESPN Zone "Meet & Greet" for 2010 today in downtown, Washington, D.C. The monthly in-season get together with a player or official from Our Washington Nationals. Rookie Shortstop Ian Desmond was the guest of honor as he answered questions for approximately 30 minutes for fans in attendance. Here is the complete transcript from the May 20th, 2010 ESPN Zone "Meet & Greet" With Ian Desmond:

Charlie: The road has finally brought Ian Desmond to the Nation’s Capital. And now he is making those plays up the middle, going into the hole, diving for balls, showing off that throwing arm in his first year in The Major Leagues. This is one of the most exciting young players in the game, I think, as a rookie. This has been a great run for you and the team is playing real well.

Ian: Yes, absolutely. The team is playing great. We are getting solid starting pitching and we are playing good defense. And in doing so, giving ourselves a chance to win.

Charlie: I know you went into spring training not knowing if you would make the big league club. You came up last September, your second game you get four hits at Florida. You hit that home run in your first game. The wind was blowing in, you could have hit three balls out that night against The Phillies.

Ian: I was fortunate to get Joe Blanton (on the mound). He was scuffling at that time. He left some pitches out in the zone and I took advantage.

Charlie: And then you had another four hit game just a few days ago--you second of your career.

Ian: Yeah, I got lucky.

Charlie: Did you hear that, he got lucky? I don’t think so. When spring training came to an end, when did you find out you had made the club and would be the starting shortstop?

Ian: With about two weeks left, Jim (Riggleman) came up to me in Viera and told me he was going to give it to me. But with respect to (Cristian) Guzman, he was going to give Guzman some time at shortstop, also.

Charlie: It’s been an interesting--the three of you with Adam Kennedy--and the team talking about getting all three of you 400 at-bats each. And so far, that is working out.

Ian: Yes, it’s been great. All three of us are fine with it. Each of us has their own role and we know when we get in there, there is a job to do. There are no emotional feelings towards it.

Question: Who is the person you give credit to the most as you went through the farm system before you got here this year?

Ian: Probably my family because you may not know, or do now, the minors were pretty much a struggle for me the whole way until last year. They were always behind me: ‘Keep on going...keep on going..you are going to get it.’ And I am here.

Question: In the six years you spent in the minors, did you ever feel watching people go by you, that you might never get out of here and make it to the bigs? Were you discouraged at all?

Ian: No, not really because I knew every time I went to the ballpark that I was getting better. I knew that everyday was a learning process. I knew I was young. That is why when I signed out of high school, I knew it was going to take me a little bit longer in the minor leagues. I was just a little baby. I was just 18-years old. I didn’t know how to do anything--living by myself. But no, I just knew that every day I was getting better and my time would come eventually--whether it happened before I turned 30 or not. I would just keep on going.

Charlie: You told me there was a point before last season where you put it in your mind that nothing was going to stop you. I don’t know if it was an attitude change, but you felt like you had turned a corner and were on your way. Then early last year, you got hurt when the ham-mate bone set you back. What changed?

Ian: I think what you are talking about is 2008. I went to the (Arizona) Fall League and I played well against some upper echelon talent. I felt then I could hold my own. At that point, I started to believe in myself. Now, who knows how far I will go.

Charlie: Is there any one person in the organization, whether a manager or a coach, a teammate, that really helped you make a difference turning that corner?

Ian: Not really, the Nationals/Expos always had great staff--as far as coaching, hitting coach, people both on and off the field--like GM’s. Everyone has been great. I learned so much from every single person that has had a hand in my career--that I just can’t give credit to one guy.

Question: Socially, how do you like being in Washington, D.C.? And what do you like most about Washington and what do you miss most about Florida and home?

Ian: I have got to be honest. I really haven’t been out in D.C. much. I usually wake up, eat breakfast, go to the park, come back home. The biggest difference for me is the one-way streets, the big buildings. In Sarasota, you have beaches and that’s pretty much it. A little different.

Charlie: The weather is warmer so we are going to have to get you out to see the sights.

Question: The team is playing so much better this year than last year--and you were there at the end of the season. Do you attribute that to the chemistry from a few of the people they (baseball management) have brought in? For example, Pudge Rodriguez.

Ian: First of all, our manager Jim Riggleman has had a huge hand in that. He’s been great with us. Like Ryan Zimmerman says all the time. He doesn’t get too high and he doesn’t get too low. He’s very consistent and that helps us play better. When we win, we don’t get all giddy about it. But yeah, Pudge, Adam Kennedy are real winners on the ball club. Jason Marquis, although you guys are not seeing him that much, he’s still in the clubhouse and rooting us on. It’s a team/family right now. We’ve got a good family vibe going on right now.

Question: We see what it is like after the games--shaving cream pies in the face--guys having a really good time. But after the just completed road trip, you had your first real stumble on the season. What is it like in the locker room after the highs of winning and then feeling the lows of losing when you drop five in a row?

Ian: During those five games, it seemed like the team got closer--which is something that never happens. With adversity, instead of pointing fingers at each other, saying this guy needs to step it up, that guy needs to step it up--everyone was fine. We knew we were playing good baseball and wins & losses are only determined by the game. Both teams can go out and play as hard as they can--but one has got to lose. We played some really good ball games during that stretch and we knew the wins were bound to come. It’s a long season. But to answer your question--what is different about this team that is different from any I’ve ever played on is that we have such a family bond--with Pudge, Jim Riggleman and the veteran guys--we are so close, I don’t see us having scuffles.

Charlie: When you got called up last September, it was kind of past the rough point of the year. The team was playing well at that point.

Ian: Yes, we won our last seven in a row. and I think 10 or our last 15--we were playing good baseball.

Charlie: Was it tough for you coming in at that point and wondering what went wrong earlier in the year?

Ian: No, I was watching. (laughter)

Question: What inspired you to play baseball?

Ian: Oh man. I think when I was a kid, I just wanted to play. When I turned 12-years old, something happened. I wanted to be a Major League Baseball Player. Every wish I had from the time I was 12-years old until now--whether it was blowing out candles on a birthday cake--I always wished I was a Major League Baseball Player. I don’t know why? I just wanted to be on TV. I wanted to play baseball in front of people. And I thought I could help the game out a little bit.

Charlie: Did you play other sports?

Ian: When I was a kid I played soccer, football. I played basketball for a year--and baseball.

Charlie: Was it always baseball for you?

Ian: Yeah, football was getting a little serious in high school, but it was too much of a job. I would rather go out and play ball.

Charlie: You told me last year that in high school ball (Sarasota High), you had a star shortstop on your team and that forced you to play other positions--including second base--because you couldn’t get the shortstop position until your senior year.

Ian: Yes, Marcus Sanders was a big time prospect for The Giants-but he had a bum shoulder and had surgery. He played short (in high school). He was a great player and I had to wait my turn to get my turn at short.

Question: When did you start playing baseball?

Ian: When I was 10-years old, I had my first tryout. From then on--I’ve played all my life.

Question: What is it like inside the clubhouse before the game?

Ian: Pretty calm, quiet. (chuckling) No--it’s not quiet. There a lot of music, people drinking energy drinks.

Charlie: What he doesn’t realize is that there are different stages in the clubhouse. There is early in day--before Batting Practice. Then there is the time after BP when you are getting ready for the game. So there are different stages of what can go on in the clubhouse--isn’t there?

Ian: Oh yeah--from 12:30PM to 6:45PM you find a range of sleeping, to dancing, to yelling...

Charlie: And then the serious part with watching video, hitters meetings on the first day of a series....pitchers meetings--all that kind of stuff. The phenomena this year before you go out for batting practice--is the flip game--more of a latin game from those that played winter ball. You’ve made a couple of plays where the ball has been deflected, or you juggled it, and just took the ball out of the air--like the flip game--and got it to the second baseman for the out--or grabbed the ball out of the air and threw to first base.

Ian: For me, I’ve had to improvise a lot over the years. So that is where those plays come from. The flip game adds to the family atmosphere we’ve got. There are not too many activities that you see 10- 12 guys involved in the same activity. It’s really hard to find.

Charlie: It gets so loud with all the laughing and the camaraderie before the Nationals stretch--or on the road when the home team is taking batting practice--the other teams are looking over to see what is going on--because it’s getting so loud over here.

Question: You are one of the last links to The Expos here in D.C. Should the team do something to honor that?

Ian: I don’t know about that. The Expos were The Expos. They became The Washington Nationals for a reason--people lost interest in The Expos. We’ve got a good thing going right now. The Curly “W” is where it is at. And we need to stay focused on the “W”. There might be a date or year we wear a throwback Expos jersey though--that would be kind of cool.

Charlie: With the Potomac Nationals being so close in Woodbridge, Virginia and having you, John Lannan & Craig Stammen all play there--does it feel pretty good to have so many familiar faces that were there when you first started out in professional ball?

Ian: Yes, it does. At the beginning of the season, I went back to see all my buddies there. People there (in Woodbridge) are very appreciative. There are not a lot of fans, but the people that are there--care about you and they want you to do well. I still get some pointers from them--here.

Question: What’s it like to be Ian Desmond?

Ian: Pretty Awesome. (laughter) I’ve got a good job. I’ve got a good family, a beautiful wife--it’s pretty good.

Question: Shortstop is supposed to be the captain of the infield. I’ve noticed a couple of times Zim will let a ball go through so you can field it in the hole. As a rookie, what did you learn to earn that type of respect?

Ian: I think it’s because I just work hard. I am there every day, early--taking ground balls and getting defensive work in with Adam Kennedy and Guzman and Pat Listach--our infield coach. And I think they see me work as hard as I can, everyday, and play the game as hard as I can. So I think that’s why I’ve earned a little bit of respect. I’ve got more to do, but I am moving in the right direction.

Charlie: Zimmerman usually takes anything he can get to to his left. Do you say: hey, let one get through for me sometimes?

Ian: What’s funny was that the other day, Livo (Livan Hernandez) was pitching and Zim was playing third. They both kept on cutting in front of me and getting the balls. Hey guys!! I want to play too!! (laughter)

Charlie: How about that Livan Hernandez on three days rest last night?

Ian: Unbelievable. What you guys see is fun. But I get to see the location of the pitches and every single time he throws a pitch--he throws it to where he wants it to go. Other pitchers can’t do that. And it’s amazing to sit out there and watch him do that. He’s gone 14 or 15 years without missing a start. And to be able to pitch on three days rest? That’s pretty special.

Charlie: You are right. His location this year is incredible. You were telling me before we got out here that if he wants to throw a ball on the corner--he can. If he wants to walk a guy or throw four pitches off the plate to get the hitter to chase--he can. He’s not worried about walking anyone. I’ve never seen a player--especially a pitcher--where it’s like a walk in the park for him. He’s so relaxed out there. And he’s a pitcher that becomes a defensive player. There are not many pitchers that field their position as well as he does.

Question: Being raised in Florida, did you have any hopes of being drafted by any of the Florida Teams?

Ian: I just wanted to be a big leaguer. Playing for The Braves would have been nice because coming home from school every day we had TBS broadcasting Braves games. So I always watched The Braves growing up. That would have been cool playing for them, but I couldn’t have picked a better spot than where I am playing right now.

Charlie: How old were you in 1998 when The Ray began as they were very close to your hometown?

Ian: I was just a little kid when they started. But they stunk so bad.

Charlie: I know!! I was there for seven years!!

Question: Who do you hang out with most on the team?

Ian: I try to spread it out evenly, but Adam Kennedy is the person I hang out with the most. We get a cab together and go the field on the road. Probably, AK.

Charlie: How did that happen? He’s a 12-year veteran, you are a rookie. You didn’t know him before this year. So how did that come about?

Ian: It’s funny actually, in spring training I hated him when I first saw him. That Adam Kennedy guy ARRGH. They were thinking about moving Guzzie back to short and I would have to wait again for my turn again. Then I got to know Adam Kennedy. We have the same workout ethic. I think that’s how our relationship built. We worked out with each other every day and we realized we had a lot more in common than we thought. He’s a good guy. He’s sorta taken me under his wings--looking out for me--and I appreciate it tremendously.

With that final answer the first ESPN Zone “Meet & Greet” for 2010 concluded. Fans were allow to line up for autographs and pictures before Ian Desmond headed off to Nationals Park for the May 20th game versus The New York Mets.

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The Annual Food Drive Kick-Off Video

Complete writeup and pictures to come, but here is a short video clip from today's Washington Nationals Annual Food Drive Kickoff at Nationals Park. Smithfield Foods donated a truckload of hams to The Capital Area Food Bank to be distributed to needy families in the Greater Washington area. The Food Network & Smithfield Spokesperson, Paula Deen, joined Washington players John Lannan, Sean Burnett, Maryanne Garry (Lannan's girlfriend), Jessica Burnett (Sean's wife) & Adam Dunn's wife--Rachel--and officials from Smithfield, Harris-Teeter & Our Washington Nationals in helping to unload the truck.

This weekend, when The Baltimore Orioles visit Nationals Park on May 22nd & 23rd, fans are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to Center Field Gate until the 4th inning of each game. Volunteers will be on hand to gather any offerings for delivery to The Capital Area Food Bank.

Video copyrighted--Nats320--All Rights Reserved

Ian Desmond 1st 2010 ESPN Zone Meet & Greet Guest

Ian Desmond will the Guest Of Honor this coming Thursday, May 20th at the ESPN Zone in downtown, Washington, D.C. Each year since baseball returned to the nation's capital, Radio Broadcaster Charlie Slowes has hosted a monthly Q & A (during the season) with a select player or front office member of Our Washington Nationals at the ESPN Zone. Thursday's 12 Noon "Meet & Greet" is the first scheduled session for the 2010 season.

The ESPN Zone doors open for lunch at 11AM. The program commences around 12 noon--and is always followed by a picture and autograph session for fans with the player or official in attendance. One ESPN Zone "Meet & Greet" will occur each month during the remainder of the regular season. As always, these events are open to the public.

Drew Storen's Major League Debut

There was this endearing goofiness to Drew Storen's Major League Debut last night in St. Louis.

A lot of symbolism too.

Called on to relieve in the bottom of the 7th with one out, one runner on and Our Washington Nationals down by two to The St. Louis Cardinals, Jim Riggleman was throwing the Stanford Rookie right into the mix. Our Manager not letting Storen get his feet wet in a mop up role. Manager Jim was putting Drew right into the fire.

Storen came trotting out of Washington's bullpen amped, sky high, and you could see it in his darting eyes under his pulled-down flat-brim hat as he stood on the mound. He was trying to take it all in--as Felipe Lopez stepped to the plate to bat against him for the very first time in a Major League Game.

Yes, FLop. Somehow, The Baseball Gods had done it again.

If there was one player that hit the nerve of fans for Our Washington Nationals from 2007 through 2008 and symbolized all that was wrong with D.C. Baseball--it was Felipe Lopez. A talented underachiever that lost focus and eventually quit of his Washington teammates. Few players since The Nation's Capital returned to Major League Baseball were run out of town--and released--with such acclaim and cheers.

Felipe Lopez was the scapegoat then.

Now, two years later, wearing Cardinals white, red & gold, FLop stood with his bat in the lefthanded batters box facing all that is good about Our Washington Nationals in one--Drew Storen. Talent, hope, THE WANTING TO BE HERE. The excitement which arises knowing good times for D.C. Baseball are on the horizon. That contrast could not have been more stark. Lopez representing what was. Storen personifying what is today.

A New Look, Forward Thinking, Washington Nationals Franchise.

As Our Rookie wearing Number 58 threw his first Big League pitch to Felipe Lopez well off the plate for ball one--you could tell he was nervous--his facial expressions said it all. He was overly excited--rightfully so. But when Josh Willingham made a nice running backhanded catch into the leftfield wall on a FLop foul fly on the very next pitch--you could see a rush of relief settle over him.

At least until Storen hit Cardinals Slugger Ryan Ludwick with a pitch on his left hand. A stinger that brought out medical attention from the St. Louis Bench, some boos down from the Busch Stadium Crowd and this surreal smirk on Drew Storen's face. Trying to avoid too much attention--the righthanded reliever now had everyone in St. Louis focused on his debut.

Everyone knows, The Cardinals have a great hitting lineup. And after retiring FLop but hitting Ludwick, Drew Storen found himself in big trouble with a two out, two on situation and Matt Holliday coming to the plate. The Greatest Hitter In The Game--Albert Pujols--waiting on deck for St. Louis. Drew needed to get this out. But when he fell behind 2-1 in the count--out stepped Jim Riggleman from the dugout to slow things down. Storen was looking a little lost, a little frustrated and little bit out of his element.

Our Manager went to settle his rookie.

Whatever Our Number 5 said to Our New Number 58 must have worked--as Drew Storen pitched confidently the remainder of this At-Bat. And when he struck out Matt Holliday on a 94-MPH inside fastball for the final out of the frame--you could visibly see all the pressure of his Major League Debut wipe cleanly from his face. A huge smile now replacing worry. His catcher, Pudge Rodriguez, meeting him halfway to the visiting dugout, walking the rest of the way together--almost hand in hand--smiling, laughing and enjoying the success of Drew Storen's first Big League appearance.

It wasn't overly pretty and the goofy looks he expressed on his face were quite endearing. But the symbolism of Drew Storen first facing FLop in his Major League Debut should not be forgotten. It truly was like two ships passing through the night. Washington eventually lost this game 6-2 to The St. Louis Cardinals, but most Washington fans will just remember another future for Our Washington Nationals setting foot on center stage last night for the very first time--and not disappointing.

Photo Jeff Roberson (AP)

The Number 32

Back in January, 2010, Our Washington Nationals 2009 1st Round,10th Pick Overall, was making his first stop of the Winter Caravan. Drew Storen was standing inside The Unity Health Care Clinic in SW Washington along with Our Manager Jim Riggleman, fellow pitcher Ryan Speier and Infielder Danny Espinosa. The first thing I noticed: On Storen's Nationals Jersey back--the Number 58 was largely displayed.

How did you get that number?--I asked.

Drew Storen: "Not my first choice. In fact, I wish my number was half that. But I had no choice in the matter."

The Number 58 was odd at the time because if you recall last June, when Storen signed one day after the draft, Drew was introduced at Nationals Park wearing Number 26--his college number at Stanford. And the only player to wear that number on the Major League Roster in 2009 was Logan Kensing. But what was not public this past January, until Spring Training began, was that Jesus Flores had changed his number to 26--from Number 3.

Flores had seniority. Storen did not. 26 was no longer available.

Any Drew Storen thoughts of playing Major League Baseball in his well known number--had been put aside--for now.

Yet, with every disappointment, new opportunity arises, And when Brian Bruney was Designated For Assignment yesterday, the Number 32 might now become a new possibility for Storen--if Bruney's services are not retained by Our Washington Nationals over the next 10 games. There couldn't be a better match.

Since Chad Cordero was released by Washington in 2008, no player wearing Jersey Number 32 for D.C.'s Team has raised their game to such a level as "The Most Thrilling Closer In The Game". Not Brian Bruney this year, nor Jamie Burke or Kip Wells in 2009. Number 32 has become just another uniform number.

Undistinguished.

Time to change that.

Like Chad Cordero, Drew Storen advanced quickly through Washington's Farm System. They each wear The Flat-Brim Hat. They've even met once, back in September 2003, when Drew was Bat Boy for One-Day for The Montreal Expos in Cincinnati.

Jersey Number 32 was once a prideful number for Our Washington Nationals from 2005-2008. A Number worn by an All-Star.

As anyone that follows the game closely understands--Jersey Numbers are big. And Number 32 is an important numeral in the short history of Our Washington Nationals. There is no one more deserving than Drew Storen to wear that number again with The Curly "W". Drew Storen and the Number 32 are a perfect combination.

Perfect in every way. A nod to the past, a look to the future.

Of course, it's not half of the Number 58--as Storen wished for in January. (Drew will start his Major League Career wearing Number 58 tonight in St. Louis) But 32 is pretty darn close--and it's fitting for a potential closer.

PS--Looking back on that Unity Health Care story, I also found it funny to remember asking Danny Espinosa why he was wearing Number 3 that day--then the well known Jesus Flores Number. Espinosa's reply: "It's the number they gave me." Just like Drew Storen.

Photo--AP

Odds & Ends

There have been a few things on our minds over the past week they we haven't had the opportunity to express. So we've cobbled them all together for this posting of Odds & Ends.

When Brian Bruney was Designated For Assignment yesterday, Our Washington Nationals continued their maturation as a franchise. Mike Rizzo has been stoic in letting players go--even if it's his own guy--in order to move forward. Our General Manager made a similar move when he released Elijah Dukes in spring training. And over the course of his first year in charge of making player personnel decisions--hasn't hesitated to move through any number of relievers named Taverez, Hinckley and Wells. Riz also didn't pause to trade Lastings Milledge & Joel Hanrahan to Pittsburgh for Nyjer Morgan & Sean Burnett.

Mike Rizzo gives every player their chance. And if any one fails, he moves that player on and doesn't look back.

Speaking of giving players a chance--can you imagine what Our Washington Nationals would be like WITHOUT Pudge Rodriguez in their everyday lineup? Yes, Ivan has slumped of late at the plate, and many in baseball laughed at Our General Manager when Washington signed him over the winter. But there were few signings that stabilized a needed position more than Pudge Rodriguez becoming starting catcher for Our Washington Nationals. Rizzo knew Jesus Flores would not be ready this spring and he knew Washington's pitchers needed leadership behind the plate. Rodriguez has done everything the team has asked him to do--and then some.


You can see this aspect of Jim Riggleman's managerial skills better when attending any home game as it plays out on the front steps of the dugout throughout the game. Riggleman wants to be near the action. And he wants to be able to get a point across to his players at a moment's notice. Watch the next time Washington is batting at Nationals Park and Our Manager is addressing something with the on-deck hitter, or the batter in the hole. Sometimes, you can see Riggleman, Ryan Zimmerman, Adam Dunn, Josh Willingham & Pudge Rodriguez all leaning forward on the home dugout steps and discussing things. And the subject is not where they are all going for dinner. There is a serious business approach there that's worth watching.

Jim Riggleman has also done a good job of rotating Ian Desmond, Cristian Guzman and Adam Kennedy throughout his lineups. He's given "The Guz" and Adam substantial At-Bats without hindering Desmond's rookie progress. That's good managing.

Nyjer Morgan needs to be a better leadoff hitter. His bunting has been less than satisfactory. He's capable of better. And when he gets on-base, Nyjer's been thrown out waaaaay too much. It's almost like Morgan is trying to do too much. He wants to be the catalyst. But instead of letting the game come to him, he's letting the game get to him.

You get what you get with Adam Dunn at 1st Base. He's not agile and Dunn's played better than anyone expected. But Adam really needs to catch those baseballs thrown directly into his mitt. It's really not that hard and Our Number 44 needs to do better.

Wil Nieves told The African Queen and I this recently and it just stuck in our heads. The difference between 2009 and 2010 is that when Our Washington Nationals report to the clubhouse each day--they expect to win. In 2009, and even in 2008, he said, Washington almost expected to lose. The attitude has changed so much and that development has made playing baseball more fun than ever again. Interestingly, Mike Rizzo responded in the affirmative when we asked Our General Manager about Nieves' comment. "We needed to change the culture here," he stated--as Rizzo went on to comment about the number of All-Stars, Gold Glove Winners and World Series Championship Ring holders that have helped transform Washington's Clubhouse Attitude.


Finally--we just had to mention the Mother's Day surprise at Nationals Park on May 9th when My Best Friend!! Screech!! showed up along with his Mom for the afternoon. Totally unexpected and downright funny. I don't think there was a soul sitting in Section 218 that was not rolling over in laughter each and every time Screech & his Mom showed up between innings. A great use of the Original Screech outfit and hilarious to see in person.

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