Maybe, Just Maybe

Maybe, it was the heat of the moment.

Maybe, the sweltering 93 degree temperature at Nationals Park finally got to Home Plate Umpire Hunter Wendlestedt.

Or maybe, the blinding light of the setting sun--streaking through the Gallery Level Rooftop and Seats at the time and now shining down brightly between home plate and the pitcher's mound--had affected play too.

No matter what the reason for the outcome of this one play-- the final call was incorrect.

In fact, no maybe's about it.

With The Kansas City Royals leading by the slimmest of margins, 1-0, in the bottom of the 6th, Roger Bernadina came swooping around 3rd Base on Adam Dunn's sharp single to right field. A smacked baseball hit toward Former National Jose Guillen that appeared to set up the game tying score. As virtually the entire crowd of 31,913 rose to their feet in anticipation, Guillen (a good outfielder with a cannon arm) pounced on the ball and fired a rocket liner toward his catcher Jason Kendall. It was going to be close. A near perfect throw on the fly--slightly toward the left batter's box side of the plate--had made it so. As Josh Willingham stood nearby waving for Bernadina to slide to his right away from the possible tag--Umpire Wendlestedt placed himself in front of Josh-his body in the shadows--his head in the sunlight. But BEHIND KENDALL--NOT TO THE SIDE.

Knowing it was going to be a close play, Our Number 2 slid, left foot first toward home plate. Kendall caught Guillen's toss, wheeled around to his left and came down on the plate. Bernadina slid right into him--AFTER TOUCHING HOME PLATE FIRST. No question Roger had beaten the tag. And after Hunter Wendlestedt gave the emphatic OUT CALL!!--there was also no question the Men In Blue had gotten it wrong.

The resultant boos and catcalls cascading down from all over Nationals Park--said it all. Even the television replays showed Bernadina safe.

But this one turnabout play did not cost Our Washington Nationals this ball game.

No, there were a whole lot more maybes to consider by the time the final out was recorded.

Like maybe, if Our Washington Nationals Offense had not gone blistering cold as the scorching heat of a D.C. summer had arrived. Just 11 runs scored by Washington during this just completed six game homestand. And JUST ONE RUN TOTAL in support of Stephen Strasburg in his last two starts.

Maybe, one can ponder a managerial decision earlier in the very same bottom of the 6th. Nyjer Morgan led off with a walk, Bernadina batting next. Why bunt him? And why now? Each can fly and with outs so precious--why give one out up for free--in an attempt to advance an already speedy baserunner? It didn't make much sense at the time, and after Bernadina executed his sacrifice poorly--Morgan was thrown out at first.

Or, maybe it was this odd series of moves in the bottom of the 5th that directly resulted in Washington scoring no runs after having runners on 1st & 3rd with no outs. After Adam Kennedy grounded to first base for out number one--Willingham stood on 3rd Base and Pudge Rodriguez on second. As Ian Desmond came to the plate with Stephen Strasburg the next scheduled hitter--Our Manager Jim Riggleman sent Willie Harris to the on-deck circle to pinch hit.

Fine. We need to score some runs.

But after Desmond struck out against K.C.'s Brian Bannister, Harris was recalled to the dugout and Strasburg sent to the plate to hit as planned--where he grounded out and ended the threat. With Washington's Offense providing such limited support of late, maybe the wiser decision would be to send Willie Harris to the plate? Better yet, maybe even Michael Morse, to possibly break the game open with a deep fly?

Why not? The game was still on the line and very much in the balance. Two runners were in scoring position. You have to make a serious attempt to get those guys home.

Understanding that maybe most every single person who bought a ticket today at Nationals Park came to see Stephen Strasburg pitch--they also probably wished to go home having seen a Curly "W". We sure did, and Manager Jim's decision to let Our Number 37 hit for himself under such a key game situation in the bottom of the 5th--maybe the most confusing situation this day.

As was, maybe, the decision by Stephen Strasburg to throw a bunch of two strike fastballs--instead of using his changeup or wicked curve. Many of his nine hits allowed this afternoon on South Capitol Street came with the facing Royals batter down in the count--not ahead. Which made us think--maybe the steamy heat and humidity had gotten to Our Number 37 too. Maybe, the sweat dripping from his wet hand was affecting his pitch grip. The outcome which can really only make us chuckle (over the fact that he was still effective) because although Strasburg wasn't overpowering this day--he was still more than good enough to win this game. Not deserving of being saddled with the loss.

The first of his career.

Final score from Nationals Park where maybe a series of odd decisions led to the latest defeat: The Kansas City Royals 1 and Our Washington Nationals 0. Loss number 40 of 2010 featured a close play at the plate gone bad, a home side offense that just can't put a series of hits together, some questionable managerial decisions, and the 4th start of Stephen Strasburg's Major League Career that wasn't perfect, but pretty darn good. All adding up to, maybe, the most frustrating defeat of the entire season.

And it's not because Washington lost to The Kansas City Royals. It's because maybe if a few better decisions were made by Hunter Wendlestedt, Washington's offensive lineup, Roger Bernadina, Jim Riggleman--and even Stephen Strasburg--the game's sole run scored by David DeJesus on a, two out, two strike, no balls pitch to Jose Guillen in the top of the 5th would not have been so insurmountable. A simple single the margin for this day.

No, you can't win them all and neither will Our Number 37, but after all was said and done today--maybe, just maybe--Our Washington Nationals could have done a little bit more to win. And help their young starting pitcher by scoring at least a few runs.

Game Notes & Highlights

Scott Podsednik will be the answer to the trivia question: Who did Stephen Strasburg strike out in the bottom of the 6th on June 23, 2010 to set a new Major League record of striking out the most batters ever in their first four Big League starts--41? The previous record held by The Cleveland Indians Herb Score (40 in 1955).

Strasburg's final numbers: six innings pitched, nine hits allowed, nine strikeouts, zero walks, and that one run. His ERA now at 1.78 for the season. Strasburg also notched his first major league hit--a single in the bottom of the 3rd off Brian Bannister.

Sean Burnett pitched a solid two innings in relief of Stephen. Doug Slaten finished out the game for Washington in the 9th.

For some time now, I've wanted to see Joakim Soria pitch for The Kansas City Royals in person. The 2008 All-Star is arguably K.C.'s Most Valuable Player. Even coming off an elbow problem in 2009, he's again been mostly lights out in 2010. Rarely does he walk a batter and his slider is sharp enough to record the high strikeout totals. Joakim didn't disappoint this afternoon at Nationals Park. Called on in the 9th inning to protect the lead, Soria mowed right through Washington's lineup getting Adam Dunn to ground out before striking out both Willingham and Rodriguez to win the game for Kansas City and record his 17th save of the season. Joakim Soria is really good and despite the loss for Washington, I was pleased to see him pitch--in person--for the very first time.

How ironic that Jose Guillen was personally involved in the two key plays of the game. First, his two out single in the 5th scoring DeJesus and later his wonderful throw home on Dunn's single to right in the 6th that led to Roger Bernadina being called out at the plate on The Defensive Play Of This Game. You can say all you want about Jose Guillen and his attitude and temper, but you can never deny the fact that on the field--he gives it all. He lays it all out there. The man plays hard and that's why we appreciated his efforts while a member of Our Washington Nationals. That and his wonderful RFK Stadium Section 320 Chant: Jose!! Jose!! Jose!! Jose!! Jose!!, Jose!! Jose!!. Those of us in Old Section 320 began that chant in 2005, well before The New York Mets copied it for Jose Reyes.


And finally, George took the Presidents Race after Teddy attempted to cheat by cutting across the outfield and Abe fell down nearing the finish line.

Bernadina Sliding Photo--Manuel Balce Ceneta (AP)
Soria Photo--Greg Fiume (Getty Images)
All Other Photos Copyrighted--Nats320--All Rights Reserved

The Firefighter

What was left of the small but very vocal crowd of 13,592 was now on it's feet looking for the final out.

They had already witnessed Livan Hernandez pitch seven strong innings of his patented woop-di-doop slop.

Pudge Rodriguez proving again way he's a Hall Of Famer In Waiting by throwing out three base runners.

Marveled at Michael Morse absolutely jacking a baseball so deep over the left field wall at Nationals Park off Bruce Chen--it might have been the closest baseball to ever nearly reach the Center Field Plaza Walkway.

And jumped for joy when Cristian Guzman hammered out his first home run of the season over the left field wall in the bottom of the sixth inning--also off Chen--to give Our Washington Nationals a 2-1 lead over The Kansas City Royals.

Problem was--the top of the 9th inning had yet to come.

The had yet to see the firefighter.

Called on to protect the slim lead, "Cardiac" Capps instead started a blaze of his own. Former National, Jose Guillen, singled to lead off the bottom of the 9th--Willie Bloomquist ran for him. K.C.'s Mike Aviles followed one out later with his own single to right--moving Bloomquist to 3rd. The game tying run now just 90 feet away. A fire line, if crossed, putting D.C.'s lead in jeopardy. Another precarious situation for Washington's Closer--who has been anything but automatic over the past three weeks.

Having lost six in a row and eight of nine games, losing late to The Kansas City Royals after having played one of their better games of the season--would be devastating for Our Washington Nationals and their fans in attendance. Everyone knew that on South Capitol Street and that's why everyone was now standing and roaring after Capps battled back to record out number two on a called third strike by Home Plate Umpire Jerry Layne on The Royals Shortstop--Yuniesky Betancourt.

Sensing the victory but still nervous about the outcome--D.C.'s Fans were hollering their lungs out in support of Our Number 55 to close this game out. They cheered when Kansas City's last chance--Pinch Hitter Mitch Maier--swung at Capps first offering and fouled it down the left field line. They "woooo'd" when Matt's second pitch--a 96 mph heater was called ball one. And began the rhythmic clapping after Maier fouled off Capps 95 mph fastball for strike two.

Feeling the heat of the moment, Washington's fans were in a fervent state now. Baking in the atmosphere surrounding Nationals Park, the sweating palms and perspiration running down many backs having nothing to do with the 88 degree game time temperature, or the high humidity rate sticking everyone's clothes to their bodies--some to their seats. This sultry moment had everything to do with wanting to see Our Washington Nationals suffocate The Royals attempt to tie or win this game--not witness Washington's Closer get scorched himself by a badly placed pitched baseball.

The mercury rising so high--The Fire Chief himself--Our Manager Jim Riggleman-stepped to the mound to discuss how to snuff out the burning embers. The escape plan that now found Matt Capps looking in for the sign from Rodriguez--knowing he had to throw his best stuff. Not his curve, not his slider--but his blazing fastball. The good old fashioned hard stuff that "Cardiac" Capps set himself for, kicked his front leg slightly back--AND FIRED RIGHT OFF THE OUTSIDE CORNER OF THE PLATE!!

The perfect pitch that froze Mitch Maier on this hottest of nights, but didn't fool Jerry Layne. The Home Plate Umpire who emphatically signaled CALLED STRIKE THREE!!---ending this game. Having started this final inning blaze, Matt Capps had extinguished the self-inflicted flames with some well placed heat of his own. A white-hot fastball that found those still remaining on South Capitol Street shouting out in unison: YEEEEEEES!! while watching Capps slap Pudge's right hand so hard in joy over the successful conclusion--you might have thought Rodriguez's arm might fall off.

Capps was mighty jacked himself, hot as a pepper having danced his way out of trouble.

Final Score from Nationals Park where on one of the most oppressively hot nights for any game this season, Matt Capps found the strength and fortitude to not suffer a meltdown: Our Washington Nationals 2 and The Kansas City Royals 1. Curly "W" Number 32 should be remembered for solid starting pitching, three great assists by a catcher and two well launched home runs. But what everyone will probably recall was how Matt Capps started a three alarm fire in the top of the 9th--so very reminiscent of "The Most Thrilling Closer In The Game". And The Bang!! Zoom!! Of The Fireworks!! signaling--just like Chad Cordero, Our Number 55 has nerves of steel when in trouble. The ice in his veins needed to overcome the combustible nature of nearly blowing a lead.

Stoppers need to be cool under pressure. The heat of the moment can't get them down. Matt Capps put on display this evening at Nationals Park a firefighter's skills worthy of some of the best. With the temperature rising on the field, Matt Capps cooled the flames down, simmered the boil--by using the tool he knows best--his dazzling fastball.

Called Strike Three To End This Game!!

The Firefighter had completed his appointed duty--successfully.

Having to be up early tomorrow morning for an assignment, there will be no Game Notes & Highlights.

Tonight's In-Game Photos--Nick Wass (AP)
All Other Photo--Nats320--All Rights Reserved

Mike Rizzo Doesn't Mess Around

Mike Rizzo proved again today that he's never one to stand pat.

With John Lannan struggling most all season, Our General Manager decided to let Lannan experiment with his lost command and control at AA Harrisburg--not in the Major Leagues--for the time being. It's a wise move. A decision Rizzo executed before, in 2009, when he sent Elijah Dukes to AAA Syracuse to work with then Chiefs' Manager--Tim Foli.

Rizzo has also sent down Roger Bernadina multiple times, but he never gave up on him either. Craig Stammen was sent down earlier this season to AAA Syracuse too.

Remember, by all accounts, Dukes played well at Washington's Top Minor League affiliate last year and returned to the Major League Lineup later in the season. Our GM gave Elijah every chance to right himself--and find his way back to the big leagues. No, in the long term, it didn't work out for Dukes as he was released in Spring Training this season, but he clearly was given every chance to earn back a job.

Roger Bernadina is currently Washington's starting right fielder and finding his major league game. And Craig Stammen is getting that same respect pitching at AAA Syracuse--having some success retooling his game. If Stammen continues to pitch well--he will be back in the majors.

John Lannan will get the exact same opportunity.

There is nothing wrong with that.

As disappointing as it must be for Washington's Opening Day Starter to be demoted back to the minor leagues, we believe Harrisburg will provide Lannan a less stressful environment to work out his kinks--reportedly with a pitching coach in Randy Tomlin--he's comfortable with in working.

John Lannan's not out of Our Washington Nationals plans. He's just out of sync. He needs to be fixed.

But once again, Mike Rizzo showed he doesn't mess around. He's not afraid to make a move when things are not going well. He's a straight shooter when it comes to his players and you could bet Our General Manager also told John that once he found himself again--Lannan will be back up and wearing a Nats Uniform in no time.

Just don't give up. And don't get down on yourself either over the decision. Just come back better than you were before.

Photo Copyrighted--Nats320--All Rights Reserved

Inside Pitch Live With Drew Storen

The 5th installment of Inside Pitch Live at The PNC Diamond Club took place on June 19th, 2010. Before every Saturday home game this seaon, a player or official from Our Washington Nationals takes questions and give answers for fans with premium seat tickets at Nationals Park. MASN's Rob Dibble moderated the Q & A. For this session, Rookie Pitcher Drew Storen was the guest of honor.

Here is the complete transcript:

Rob Dibble: Welcome to another edition of Inside Pitch where today’s guest is Drew Storen, one of the newest members of The Washington Nationals. Drew, thanks for joining us today.

Drew Storen: Thanks for having me.

Dibble: Let’s get the tough portion of the program out of the way with the inquisition and then we will take some questions from the audience. You signed a day after you were drafted. Did you just want to get your career started right away?

Storen: Yeah, that was a big thing for me. I was really excited to be drafted by The Nationals in that spot (10th overall in 2009). I knew I wanted to pitch and I didn’t want to waste any time sitting at home and twiddling my thumbs. So I signed, so I could be here faster.

Dibble: One year ago, you are in college, you’re were an A Ball player in Hagerstown, now you are in the Major Leagues--what’s it been like for you since last April?

Storen: It’s been pretty crazy. A world of experience and it’s impossible to soak in. And I don’t know when it will, but it’s been unbelievable. It’s a privilege to put on this uniform each day.

Dibble: Obviously, a good friend of yours, the guy you came up with--Stephen Strasburg--has made a nice impression. What are your impressions of him?

Storen: Obviously, his stuff you just can’t mess with. But the way he has handled himself, so composed, under such a microscope. He’s winning those big spots in the game when the crowd is really into it. He’s got the 2-2 count and then throws a fastball at 100--blowing right past someone. That’s tough for any rookie to do. But for him with that type of pressure--and the why he’s handled--it has been great.

Dibble: Are you surprised? Now, your father (Mark Patrick) has worked in the media for years. I’ve worked with your dad for four years over at Sirius XM. So you are really savvy when it comes to media. I couldn’t handle what he’s been going through (Strasburg). Are you impressed by what he’s doing?

Storen: Oh yeah, unbelievable. It’s the fact that he doesn’t sit down and watch himself on TV. He doesn’t watch.

Dibble: Would you?

Storen: Yeah!!

Dibble: I know I dig me, so I would to: Wow!!

Storen: When you have your own timeline going on SportsCenter--that’s pretty cool. I am amazed at how he shuts all that out. And it’s not like he sorts through the good stuff and the bad stuff--he’s doesn’t listen to it at all. He just cares about pitching. I don’t understand how he can do it, but that’s why he is so successful.

Dibble: You majored in Product Design at Stanford. And there are a lot of different uniforms in the Major Leagues. Do you have a favorite? Do you have a favorite hat design?

Storen: I think my favorite uniform is our blues with the “DC”. Yeah, that one is pretty cool. Any of the cream colored uniforms I think are pretty cool just because they are so classic.

Dibble: What are you rocking right now with?

Storen: Mizuno.

Dibble: Mizuno came to you. Would you try to design your own spike?

Storen: Oh yeah. Whether they like it or not--that’s another issue (laughter). They probably have a few guys that can do better.

Dibble: You made your debut in St. Louis. Your dad used to take you to games there when you were little.

Storen: That was crazy. It really was one of those things that I wasn’t necessarily nervous, because I didn’t know what to be nervous about? It was so big, you couldn’t wrap your head around it. It probably wasn’t until the third or fourth appearance that I started to get butterflies because I understood what was going on. There were 10’s of thousands of people in Busch Stadium yelling--not for me--for Albert Pujols, and it was pretty cool. The coolest thing about it was that I got to hear the (P.A.) guy say my name: “making his major league debut”--which for me I thought that was only in the movies. So for me--that was pretty cool. It still brings a smile to my face when I talk about it.

Dibble: Now I know you collect hats, bobbleheads--but what was it like to be on your own baseball card for the first time?

Storen: That was pretty cool. I still have unopened sets of cards that Dad got me when I was a kid. Just to have one (a personal baseball card) that I hadn’t pasted together myself--was pretty cool. It’s something that’s still funny to see, especially when I am signing autographs. It’s surreal to see that. I still wait for them to take away my jersey because I feel I am in a fantasy camp right now.

Dibble: No, they are not going to take away your jersey.

Dibble: New age technology, texting, iphones, ipads--all those sorts of things. Does it make it easier to stay in touch with your friends from Stanford and how many texts do you get every time they see you pitch?

Storen: It really is easier, it works out well. Fortunately, at Stanford, it’s summertime. So the kids from Stanford are all around the country (on break). So wherever we play, I usually know someone in that city and they want to see me play. I will probably get a certain number of text messages depending on how well I threw. Some nights you are not getting very many because people feel awkward and don’t want to send anything. But on nights things go pretty well, you get about 35 or 40--and a couple of voice mails. It’s cool as it adds up--especially if you get on SportsCenter--that’s when my friends get really fired up about that.

Dibble: Yeah, but most times if you appear on SportCenter it’s because you just gave up a hit.

Storen: Exactly (laughing). Late in the game, you have got to do something remarkable in a positive way to get on SportsCenter.

Dibble: When you are not out there pitching--hanging around in D.C.--in this area, where do you like to hang out?

Storen: Well, I don’t know yet. I’ve just been roaming around.

Dibble: That’s scary.

Storen: Yeah. But we live in Arlington. That’s a good area and I’ve become a big fan of D.C. Like I said previously, I'm still wrapping my head around things. There are a lot of things to see. I’ve seen some of the monuments, been to a museum or two--but I need more time to do it.

Dibble: Who is your mentor in the bullpen? Who are you closest to?

Storen: I would say, back in spring training, Cappy (Matt Capps) really took me under his wings. He took me to dinner and kind of laid it out. Now, during the games, probably Tyler Walker. He’s kind of like the ring leader of the bullpen. He’s got the best sense of humor of anybody I have ever played with. He keeps things light. And if we have time, I will sit there with him and ask: What have you got on this guy? And he will tell me what he knows. We will still talk about pitching. Last night, we were talking about sinkers. You know, when you have that much time down in the bullpen, you must utilize a resource like that as it’s only going to help me. What he has done for me has been comforting.

Dibble: Now, I do see you walking down to the bullpen each night with a backpack on. What is in your backpack?

Storen: We’ve got a wide variety of things.

Dibble: Let me explain this to the listeners first. Rookie in the bullpen, what do you have to do every day?

Storen: Carry a backpack with all the goodies in it. So it’s water--and it depends on where we are at. If they have water, or gatorade, stuff like that out there. Usually I’ll pack up water, red bull, gatorade--a variety of things--snickers, sunflower seeds.

Dibble: Now they have everything available. When I was playing a few years ago, they had just one flavor. And that was salt (sunflower seeds)

Storen: Yeah, you get a wide variety of mixture. That way, if you are feeling for it one day, you want some ranch or some barbecue--you can go with that. Or, they even have dill pickle--which is one of my favorites (seriously).

Dibble: So they haven’t made you wear a dress yet (rookie hazing).

Storen: No, that’s why I am trying to get some sun on my legs so they can look nice (chuckling).

Question from Audience: Welcome to D.C. My question is, how do you adjust to playing in the Major Leagues?

Storen: Between the lines there is not much difference. Obviously, the hitters are much better and the players behind me are a lot better, but the biggest difference is getting into the routine off the field--because there is a lot more going on. There are a lot more opportunities to do some cool things. The media and things like this that you really don’t do in the minor leagues. So it’s a matter of falling into a routine to get your work done while doing things like this. That’s been my biggest thing, just getting into a routine of things. But you first need to know how to go about your business.

Dibble: As far a being a closer in college, and now you are a set up guy, 7th & 8th inning type of guy--how’s that adjustment going for you? And do you really care?

Storen: I don’t care. It’s still the same. It’s more the mentality. I really enjoy coming in with men on base and working out of jams. I do the same routine as a closer, as a set up guy. I’ve just moved everything up a few innings. Now I begin to get ready in the 4th and 5th inning--instead of the 6th and 7th inning.

Dibble: Any superstitions?

Storen: Not really.

Dibble: You wear the same shoes every game?

Storen: Same underwear. (laughter)

Dibble: You have a Stanford tee-shirt?

Storen: No. I just wear the same underwear. It’s washed!!! (laughter).

Dibble: How nice is it to have the carte blanche--staying at the Ritz-Carlton everywhere. People are picking up the luggage for you--stuff like that. Pretty much the only thing you have to concentrate on is the baseball.

Storen: It’s unbelievable. Now you need the extra concentration knowing how good these guys are (in the Majors). So you really come to appreciate that stuff. And it’s amazing to see the difference in that. It goes to show you how much bigger things are here. There is a bigger side to everything. I was so flustered the first four or five days. I just followed around guys and asked plenty of questions.

Dibble: As far as you getting meal money--per diem on the road. You seem like a smart, savvy young guy with your money. What are you doing with the extra meal money?

Storen: We had an off-day in Detroit and there was a nice mall that we went to. And we tend to stay next to malls on the road. So a full wardrobe change can happen. There could be a dark side to it, but I enjoy shopping.

Dibble: I know you enjoy clothes--do you buy anything extravagant?

Storen: I got a real nice watch. I’ve become a watch person of late. I got myself a nice watch. I got myself a nice briefcase. All of the things my mom probably wouldn’t want me to get if it were her money.

Question from a kid: How fast can you pitch?

Storen: Usually, a good 97 (MPH).

Question from another kid: What’s you favorite pitch?

Storen: That’s a good one. (Dibble mumbles “strike”) Yeah, a strike is my favorite pitch. But I would say my favorite pitch is my slider. That’s my favorite one to throw. You are a little young to be throwing one--so go without one for a little bit.

Dibble: When you are looking at the catcher, what do you concentrate on--for these young guys? I know I used to always look at his shoulders and knees and throw to the whole box. Some guys are more on his glove and stuff like that. I found that at the lower level, it was better to pound the box.

Storen: I actually aim off the hitter. I do it all off feel. If you look at my head, which is probably not a good thing, I don’t look at the catcher until late. So, if I am struggling I have to tell myself, hey--look at the catcher. But the majority of the time, I throw to the hitter. I aim off the hitter.

Dibble: Off shoulders and hips, yeah, I did the same thing. I threw it right at them.

Storen: Yeah, but I don’t have that luxury. If I can’t handle it, they will come out and talk to you about it.

Question: You just said earlier, you like to come in to the 8th and 9th innings, where do you find that nerve, that I want to be there with the game on the line?

Storen: I kind of became a junky for it in college. I started doing it my freshman year--right off the bat. I got thrown into tough situations. Once I learned to deal with the nerves of it all--I still get nervous--but I get more excited about that stuff now. And I kind of like being that guy on the mound. Some say they don’t want to be that guy on the mound coming in to the game. But that’s just what I like to do.

Question: Have you been a pitcher all your life?

Storen: I started when I was eight years old. I started doing it in the front yard. I watched Tim Wakefield throw and I thought it was cool he was throwing a knuckleball. So I started to try to do that. Then I told my dad I wanted to pitch. So immediately, he took me to a pitching coach because he didn’t want to mess me up. I didn’t even know until high school that I was really going to go anywhere pitching because I didn’t throw very hard. I kind of grew (up). At first, I thought I was going to be a hitter. I wanted to be a shortstop. Pitching just became my thing.

Dibble: Before we go, I wanted to ask about your dad making you switch hit?

Storen: My first tee-ball practice, I come back, I’m pretty fired up because I had to do more work than the rest of the kids. My dad, I don’t understand him. I had to hit from both sides of the plate on the tee--while everyone else just hit on one. He says: look, you will understand one day. One day you will understand. And that’s how it worked out. So that’s why in my first Major League At-Bat, I hit with the batboy’s helmet because I need full (ear) flaps. (and got a single)

Dibble: It took me four to five years to get my first hit in the big leagues. You step up your first time and single.

Storen: That was not something that crossed my mind. You go in and pitch, and oh yeah, you have to hit and get a base hit. I was just trying not to fall down, throw the bat in the stands. On an 0-1 fastball, I took a big hack on it--trying to hit it. Then I got a curve ball--just trying to make contact--and I got a hit. That’s still a lot of fun to think about. Still, one of my favorite moments.

Dibble: The first hit I ever gave up, I got Gary Templeton’s bat. The first home run I ever gave up, I got Tim Raines bat. Anything else you have collected so far?

Storen: I just keep all the balls. I give those to dad. The big thing for me is I want to keep the jerseys. I am a huge jersey person. I got to keep the throwbacks. The throwbacks from the other day (against Cleveland).

Dibble: I’ve got some cheap Nasty Boys clothing if you want it.

Storen: I would absolutely love to have some.

With that final answer, Inside Pitch Live at The PNC Diamond Club concluded on June 19th, 2010 before Our Washington Nationals took on The Chicago White Sox. The next Inside Pitch Live will take place on Saturday, July 3rd before Washington takes on The New York Mets. The Guest to be announced at a later date.

All Photos Copyrighted--Nats320--All Rights Reserved

They Need To Get Their Groove Back

When Cristian Guzman beautifully palmed slapped home plate in the bottom of the 4th inning, Our Washington Nationals had scored a run for the 1st time in their last 19 frames played. "Guzzie's" electrifying dash from third base on a slow roller hit toward first base by Adam Dunn had JUST BEATEN the toss home by The Chicago White Sox Paul Konerko. The game tying score which found another strong crowd of 31,763 at Nationals Park--on their feet cheering--again for the home side.

Most everyone rooting for Washington really needed this.

Because except for Stephen Strasburg's third start to his Major League Career this past Friday night (an eventual defeat in the loss column), there has not been much fun in NatsTown this Father's Day Weekend. In fact, zero Curly "W's" since last Sunday in Cleveland. Washington's offense has gone mostly silent of late. The starting pitching staff has needed to be perfect to win. With D.C.'s team now on the board in the bottom of the 4th, "The Guz" had actually brought renewed hope. Even more so after D.C.'s Team continued their upward trend by putting two additional runs on the board moments later against The Sox Freddy Garcia.

It appeared Our Washington Nationals had finally gotten their groove back.

At least until John Lannan returned to the mound in the top of the 5th inning.

For the third straight start, Our Number 31--Washington's most dependable starter in the first two seasons of play on South Capitol Street--allowed the opposition to get back into a game. He had given up the lead again. Yes, he had given it right back. Although in this particular instance, The Chicago White Sox didn't necessarily pound Lannan, but John left far too many pitches up in the hitting zone and was hit all over and around Nationals Park. The ChiSox scoring the game tying and and go ahead runs that became the game deciding moments.

The big letdown the majority on hand at Nationals Park really do not want to see.

Having fought back to take a two run advantage in the bottom of the 4th, Our Washington Nationals found themselves on the disadvantaged side now--two runs down. The heartbreaking and four run turnaround that washed out the promise witnessed less than 15 minutes earlier after Our Number 15 had maneuvered his left hand down and around Chicago's catcher--Ramon Castro's--sweeping tag. And it's worth repeating, no one hustles on the base paths more than Cristian Guzman. He knows how to cut corners and make every single step important. He understands how to beat the tag.

Unfortunately, his thoughtful gamesmanship in the bottom of the 4th had mostly been long forgotten by the bottom of the 5th.

Chicago's counter assault against John Lannan had withered the enthusiasm of the assembled crowd. When Our Washington Nationals couldn't answer with their own offensive at-bats over the final five innings--this once large and vocal following dissipated ever so slowly. Many probably heading off to special Father's Day celebrations of their own with family--as Washington's Baseball Playing Family could not muster any further fight.

D.C.'s offensive woes continuing while another defeat was recorded in the record books. Number 39 after 70 games on the schedule.

Our Washington Nationals are not playing well. Little production from the top of Jim Riggleman's lineup. Virtually no power for Our Manager's middle of the order. Now, losers of six straight and eight out of their last nine--their near freefall putting a damper on the early excitement garnered in April & May. But, the problems are not all offensive. Washington's starting pitching is taking a serious hit out there on the mound. Stephen Strasburg has been better than expected. J.D. Martin and Livan Hernandez OK. Everyone else--hit pretty hard.

In fact, it's sort of hard to believe that John Lannan, once considered a stopper and ace of this staff--is now struggling to keep his spot in the rotation.

Hitters go into slumps. Ryan Zimmerman looks mighty uncomfortable at the plate right now.

Pitchers have a series of bad games. Our Number 31 has many wondering whether he is physically and mentally OK?

And errors are made in bunches. The results of which give opposing teams more outs and more chances to score runs over the past few weeks.

The very fact Our Washington Nationals are not playing well as a team, the reason, more than anything else, for their sudden collapse.

You can't keep leaving runners in scoring position.

You have to score at least one run to win--usually more.

You can't keep giving up every lead from the mound--once you do have the advantage.

And you can't make key errors (physical or mental) at the most inopportune time.

Looking to get their groove back in the bottom of the 4th this Sunday afternoon, Washington only found out their direction is still lost. A course correction still needed. A fresh route to be re-programed and navigated.

Final Score from Nationals Park where Father's Day spent with family at a Major League Baseball in the Nation's Capital did not turn out well for D.C.'s fans: The Chicago White Sox 6 and Our Washington Nationals 3. The second consecutive sweep administered by an American League Central Team (The Tigers earlier this week in Motown the other) was shocking in that many had figured this portion of the Inter-league schedule would be easier for Washington's Team. The competition supposedly not up to the level of the National League rivals seen so far in 2010.

Yet it was.

As so pointedly stated this weekend when The ChiSox defeated Washington in all three games played, you can never put a single Curly "W" in the books before the final out is recorded--because you most always have to PLAY WELL to win.

Our Washington Nationals have not done that of late. They need to get their groove back. They need more players to step up and be difference makers. And they need to change the current downward course of their season beginning this Monday night at Nationals Park when The Kansas City Royals come to town. If not, there needs to be consideration whether some changes should be made and can be made--on the Major League Roster--as the trading deadline approaches in less than six weeks.

P.S.: Amazingly, Monday night will be the very first time The Royals and Nationals have ever met since baseball returned to Washington in 2005. How after each team has played nearly 900 baseball games in the past five plus years--is this their first meeting since The Montreal Expos were still in existence? Just like The White Sox--who thankfully just left town.

Game Notes & Highlights


John Lannan allowed 11 hits and five runs in just four plus innings pitched. His ERA ballooned to 5.75. He does not look anything like the confident pitcher seen over the past few seasons. When he needs to make an important pitch, it's almost always up in the strike zone. He was actually saved a few times by his defense today when Nyjer Morgan made a nice running catch on a deep fly to right center off the bat of Rookie Chicago Daylan Viciedo in the top of the 2nd. And when Wil Nieves pounced on a bunt attempt by Freddy Garcia moments later in the same frame--after Gordon Beckham had singled--and beautifully turned two by throwing to Ian Desmond crossing 2nd base--who threw to Adam Dunn at 1st Base for The Defensive Play of This Game.

Something's just not right with John Lannan and Our Washington Nationals need to find out what that is. He's better than shown.

Miguel Batista replaced Lannan and pitched three scoreless innings--but not before he allowed one of John's inherited runners to score on a double play after allowing two more singles himself. Chicago scored their final run off Drew Storen in the top of the 9th. The sight of Alex Rios knocking a hard slapped grounder up the middle with two outs scoring Omar Vizquel for The White Sox 6th and final run--also found Storen turning dejectedly around in front of the mound and slapping his mitt in disgust. He was pissed at himself.

Rios knocked in two runs today. He also scored two runs and had three hits. Virtually given away by The Toronto Blue Jays in mid-2009, after years of unfulfilled promise, Alex Rios is having a renaissance year and looking more like the player everyone first envisioned when he came to the Major Leagues.

After Adam Dunn reached first base safely on his ground ball that scored Cristian Guzman--Josh Willingham, Roger Bernadina and Wil Nieves all singled to bring home what became Washington's final two tallies for this game. Guzman, Willingham and Bernadina with two hits apiece today. Ryan Zimmerman is really in a hitting slump. Zero for four today at the plate, after striking out four times in as many appearances Saturday. 1-11 for this series and 4-34 over his last nine games. Zimmy looks like he is pressing at the plate. And getting himself out.

Question: With things not going well offensively, why does Michael Morse not get the call to either spot start more often in the outfield or pinch hit with the game on the line? The man has contributed more times than not during his limited playing time. Why not now when his bat is needed? Very puzzling.





The first 20,000 into Nationals Park on Father's Day received a special NatsTown Travel Mug. Section 218 regular Anna brought her Dad, Leon, to celebrate the special day. Then got her groove on a little bit later to everyone's great enjoyment.





Throughout the game, players for Our Washington Nationals were shown on the HDTV Scoreboard giving Father's Day wishes and thanks. And during the game, players for both teams and the umpires wore blue wristbands and blue ribbons on their uniforms to help get the word out about Prostate Cancer Awareness for men. Screech wore a special blue cap too.





Of course, this Sunday could not have been a better day weather wise. Just a beautiful day to take pictures around the South Capitol Street Ballpark. During the 6th inning, I headed up to Gallery Level to take in the views.






In fact, the afternoon so nice, Teddy decided to take the 4th Inning Presidents Race off. While his Rushmore Friends ran the usual race, Teddy--dressed in his new Number 26 Cabana Shirt--was fanned and taken care of by some NatPack ladies. Tom actually wining the race while Abe seemed to be miffed at Teddy relaxing with his margarita.




Teddy always taking a break, which some father's didn't do this afternoon by taking up Our Washington's Nationals offer for all Dad's in attendance to Run The Bases with their kids as a Father's Day Present. Many, many did so. Mom's were allowed the same opportunity this past Mother's Day Sunday in May.

And finally, considering all the hype surrounding Stephen Strasburg after his performance over three Major League starts, it's probably not a surprise to see a specially made Red Curly "W" Jersey on a fan sitting just below us in Section 127. Strasburg Uniform Number 37 with "The Messiah" as the name on the back.

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