2nd Washington Nationals Dream Foundation Green-Up

For the second year in a row, The Washington Nationals Dream Foundation will partner with The Earth Conservation Corps for the 2nd Neighborhood NatsTown Green-Up. Initiated in 2009 by Our Washington Nationals charitable arm, the first NatsTown Green-Up focused on cleaning up the nearby Anacostia River. A four hour effort photographed by Nats320 where over 100 volunteers pulled trash, tires, junk, you name it, from one of the main waterways that runs through the Nation's Capital.

This Friday, July 30th, is the set date for round two. This year's NatTown Green-Up will focus on community grounds nearby Nationals Park. The Matthew Henson Center (home of the ECC), 1st & Q Streets SW, 3rd & I Streets SW and the surrounding blocks are the designated work spots.

If you wish to volunteer for the NatsTown Green-Up, please meet up at the Matthew Henson Center at 8AM. The Green-Up will commence at 8:45AM. Lunch will be provided by Our Washington Nationals and Hard Times Cafe at 12:45PM. Nationals Pitchers Tyler Clippard and Craig Stammen are scheduled to appear and help out at some point during the morning's effort. Each Green-Up volunteer will be given a tee-shirt and two tickets to the Sunday, August 1st game at Nationals Park versus The Philadelphia Phillies--Washington Nationals Dream Foundation Day at the South Capitol Street Ballpark.

Here is the complete release from the team:

Washington Nationals Dream Foundation Hosts NatsTown Green-Up

The Washington Nationals Dream Foundation is once again teaming up with the Earth Conservation Corps to host the second annual NatsTown Green-up, which gives area residents and local businesses the opportunity to make a difference by beautifying the neighborhood surrounding Nationals Park.

Three locations have been selected to benefit from this year’s Green-Up:

• Matthew Henson Center, 2000 Half Street, SW
• 1st and Q Streets, SW and surrounding blocks
• 3rd and I Streets, SW at the park adjacent to the library

More than 100 volunteers from the Washington Nationals front office, Alion Science & Technology and various military branches and federal agencies will take part in the four-hour event. Nationals Pitchers *Tyler Clippard and *Craig Stammen will also join volunteers for a portion of the morning’s clean-up.

A variety of Nationals sponsors are contributing to the effort as well. Volunteers will meet at the Matthew Henson Center at 8:00am where they can enjoy coffee provided by Mayorga as they receive the day’s assignments. Additionally, True Value has donated tools and supplies for use at each location, while Waste Management will remove trash collected at each site later in the day. Following the morning’s activities the group will head to Nationals Park where they will enjoy lunch provided by Hard Times Café.

Each volunteer will receive a commemorative Green-Up t-shirt, courtesy of Waste Management, as well as two tickets to Sunday’s Dream Foundation Day at Nationals Park when the team hosts the Philadelphia Phillies at 1:35pm. The volunteers will also be recognized for their work during a pregame ceremony.

GREEN-UP SCHEDULE - Friday, July 30 from 8am to 2pm

8:00am: Welcome and orientation at the Matthew Henson Center
8:45am – Noon: Volunteer opportunities throughout the neighborhood surrounding Nationals Park
12:30pm – 2:00pm: Lunch at Nationals Park

*Players are subject to change

All Photos Copyrighted--Nats320--All Rights Reserved

God Had Spoken & It Was A Good One

Suffering from throat cancer, former National League Umpire, Doug Harvey was inducted into the Baseball Hall Of Fame & Museum in Cooperstown, New York today. Although on hand for the ceremony in upper state New York, "God's" induction speech was taped in advance because of his medical condition. Watching it live on the MLB Network this afternoon, Sohna and I believe it might have been the most inspiring speech in the history of The Baseball Hall Of Fame & Museum.

Doug Harvey talked about family. He spoke about believing in one's self. And he demanded of everyone listening--to succeed you have to be ready when the calling comes. There are no short cuts. Speaking totally from the heart, this Hall Of Fame Arbiter had his fellow Hall Of Fame colleagues and fans in attendance--all watching on a big screen--in tears.

Doug Harvey himself broke down and cried at the end of his taped speech.

Just like everyone watching in Coooperstown, New York, there wasn't a dry eye in our house either. "God" had spoken and proved once and for all--Doug Harvey is a Hall Of Famer, not only in baseball, but life itself.

If you have the opportunity to watch the replay on the MLB Network, YOU MUST, because Doug Harvey's Hall Of Fame Induction Speech is MUST SEE TV.

Riveting.

P.S. Two of the best quotes from Hall Of Fame Induction Day:

Harvey: "As an umpire I know it's important to touch home plate. To be a true baseball fan, you must touch home too. And Cooperstown is home plate. Every baseball fan must come to Cooperstown at least once in their lifetime."

Whitey Herzog: Ending his induction speech, Whitey Herzog said people always ask him since being voted into Cooperstown--what's it like to be a Hall Of Famer? His response has always been: "I won't know what it's like until July 25th?"

After today: "Now I can tell you--being inducted into the Hall of Fame is like going to heaven while still alive."

Quirky

Quirky is when it took the official scorer and the umpires nearly two innings for Our Washington Nationals to officially be awarded a run at Miller Park.

Ian Desmond lined into an inning ending double play in the top of the 5th thanks to a tremendous diving and over the shoulder catch by the 40-year old Jim Edmonds in centerfield. The Defensive Play of This Game that found Michael Morse running all the way from 1st base and never heading back to tag, while Josh Willingham tagged up from 3rd and scored. But for some reason, the scoreboard operator and official scorer didn't tally up the run--until the end of the 6th?

Quirky is when Washington calls up Collin Balester for, supposedly, just one game from AAA Syracuse to pitch in relief. Only to be forced to put him in the game against The Milwaukee Brewers in the third inning after J.D. Martin's bulging disc problem in his back recurs. Two batters later, Edmonds took Balester deep for a solo home run.

Quirky is when Alberto Gonzalez gets the start at first base in an attempt to give Adam Dunn a needed breather and night off. A position he has never played.

And things only got quirkier when Our Manager Jim Riggleman went with the following double switch in the bottom of the 5th: as Miguel Batista replaces Doug Slaten on the mound, Adam Kennedy comes into the game at second base, Cristian Guzman moves to shortstop from second and Ian Desmond (the starting shortstop) is removed. Why not just move "The Attorney General" to shortstop where he is more comfortable and put Kennedy at first where's he played backup all season?

Now that's quirky.

Quirky is also watching that gigantic banner hanging from the ceiling at Miller Park showing Trevor Hoffman, the sure to be Hall Of Famer Closer, now of the Brew Crew, counting his saves to a new record 600. Only thing is that Hoffman hasn't recorded a save since May 7th and isn't even Milwaukee's closer anymore.

How quirky to see Washington completely run out of position players attempting to score the tying and go ahead runs in the top of the 9th off The Brewers new closer John Axford. Adam Dunn pinch hit and knocked a bases loaded sacrifice fly to center that Ryan Zimmerman scored the game tying run on--thanks to a terrific slide home at the plate to get around the tag by the Z-Man.

Even quirkier to then watch Wil Nieves step to the plate as Washington's final hope to pull ahead and watch him stroke a liner to right, down the line that Milwaukee's Joe Inglett caught--but proceeded to throw a terrible toss home that ended a good 15 feet up the 3rd base line. Good enough to score the go ahead run, that is if Josh Willingham had run. Instead, Willingham hesitated and the inning was eventually lost when Alberto Gonzalez grounded out to second to end the frame moments later.

Quirky is also watching Drew Storen struggle on the mound in the bottom of the 9th, see him give up the game winning run on a double laced to left off the bat of All-Star Ryan Braun and realize Our Washington Nationals are fortunate to have Matt Capps still anchoring the back end of their bullpen. Despite the talk from some that Capps' value will never be higher, Matt's benefit in anchoring the back half of Washington's bullpen was never more apparent than last evening. Drew Storen needs a little more seasoning in the Big Leagues. Matt Capps being on the roster helps that development.

At one point during this game at Miller Park last night, Charlie Slowes said on WFED as "The Boys Of Summer" went to break: "We interrupt this broadcast to bring you total confusion." Charlie and Dave Jageler didn't really know the score as the 5th inning moved to the 6th. How quirky is that? Neither did the official scorer know for sure.

A total communications breakdown.

Final Score from Miller Park where oddities and strangeness ruled the night: The Milwaukee Brewers 4 and Our Washington Nationals 3. Loss number 56 in 98 games will go down as being just quirky, nothing seemed quite right all evening. The Baseball Gods were having their fun and The Brew Crew and D.C.'s Team were the focal point of that humor.

If you watched that game you know what we are talking about. There was something bizarre, unorthodox, unconventional, even wacky about the proceedings in Wisconsin last night. Everything was just a little off-kilter. Only in baseball can two teams play nearly two innings without anyone really knowing the actual score.

Only baseball can be so quirky.

Last Night's In Game Photos--Morry Gash (AP)

He Deserved A Few More Hacks

Craig Stammen again was cruising through nearly five complete, then had trouble recording the third out in the bottom of the 5th inning. Tyler Clippard didn't look sharp during his brief stint on the mound, nor did Sean Burnett, each allowing two runs apiece. Pitching was the issue last night at Miller Park in Milwaukee, not Our Washington Nationals offense or their defense. D.C.'s Team scored more than enough runs to win. But even after sleeping off the latest 7-5 loss to The Brew Crew, the only thought that comes to mind is why was Michael Morse taken out of this game on a double switch in the bottom of the 6th?

To that point, the man that Our GM Mike Rizzo originally stated can "flat out hit" was having a career night at the plate. A three run blast to left in the top of the 2nd inning and a solo shot to dead center in the 4th, both off The Brewers' Chris Narveson. Morse had been Washington's offense. When any player is in the groove, you can't take him out of the game. Despite the fact the pitching spot in the batting order was scheduled to hit second in the top of the 7th, swapping Roger Bernadina for Michael weakened Washington's offense. There was still three full innings to be played, plenty of time to get back into this game. Yet Our Manager Jim Riggleman chose to take out his hot bat.

Understanding Our Washington Nationals were playing one man short after Luis Atilano was placed on the Disabled List, patience shown by leaving Michael Morse in the lineup would have been a virtue. Pinch hitting for the pitcher in the 7th would have sufficed. Morse has done nothing but sock the baseball around and out of every park he's played in during his limited stints in Washington's lineup. Michael deserved a few more hacks, not a seat on the bench as this game was lost.

Last night, Michael Morse's potent bat could have been a difference maker.

But he wasn't given the chance to be one.

Last Night's InGame Photos--Morry Gash (AP)

Pulling Out All The Stops For MS--"A Night At The Park" Update

Original Nats320 "Ryan Zimmerman's A Night At The Park" Story can be read at this link.


"We are leveraging everything we have at CAA," boldly stated Brodie Van Wagenen, Ryan Zimmerman's Agent from the Creative Artists Agency. "From David Blaine who is a CAA artist, to Amos Lee who is a CAA artist, to the auction items that you will see--all of those auction items are sourced through CAA corporate clients or through CAA talent that have really come out and shown support--which is really exciting and really cool."

Mr. Van Wagenen was speaking to Nats320 for an extensive interview chatting up the upcoming ziMS Foundation Premiere Event in Washington. D.C. "Ryan Zimmerman's A Night A The Park" is set for Monday night, August 9th at Nationals Park. A high profile charity function to help raise awareness and seek new funding in the effort to combat and find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis. As many that read Nats320 know, Ryan's Mom, Cheryl, has MS. Therefore, the ziMS Foundation hits home for The Z-Man and his family.

"The thought is to bring Ryan’s philanthropic efforts to Washington, D.C. so he can actually capitalize on the political muscle that exists there," continued Brodie. "And that’s why we have three honorary co-chairs (Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND), Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX) and Congressman Russ Carnahan (D-MO)) and people that are a part of the MS Caucus on The Hill to really help get the word out. They can not only give a media boost to Ryan, but also raise awareness and help Ryan gain traction within the D.C. community."

In the effort to give "A Night At The Park" a more "Inside The Beltway" feel, CAA is working with The White House to encourage administration participation there and NBC News' White House Correspondent and Political Director Chuck Todd will be the Master of Ceremonies. Magician David Blaine will give a private performance to VIP Ticket Holders in The Presidents Club that night, while Amos Lee and Mutlu will perform on a specially designed stage that will sit ON TOP OF the Presidents Club seats. And some of Ryan Zimmerman's Washington Nationals teammates will be on hand as well to "Meet & Greet" guests purchasing Elite and VIP tickets.

Brodie Van Wagenen: "A total of 1000 tickets will be sold. Roughly, 300 at the VIP level, 300 at the elite level and 400 at the general admission level. The custom stage will have two wings where podiums will be set for guest speakers. Essentially, the stage will be elevated about three to four feet above the seats. And will be more eye level to the front row of the Diamond Club seating. All the (concert) seating will be within the Diamond Club."

All guests can enter Nationals Park through Home Plate Gate beginning at 6:30PM. From that point, everyone will be directed to the right toward the PNC Diamond Club where all Silent Auction items will be displayed on the main concourse (in front of Giffords' Ice Cream and those concessions behind Sections 127-129). Cash bars will be in place for General Admission ticket holders surrounding the silent auction. Elite Level Ticket holders will be escorted to The Diamond Club where drinks will be available and passed appetizers are parts of that package. VIP Ticket Holders will be escorted down to The Lexus Presidents Club via the walkway next to Section 127. A gourmet meal, drinks and the David Blaine performance will all take place there.

What Mr. Van Wagenen believes will really be cool about the evening is that David Blaine likes to have the face-to-face, hands on, individual experience with each guest. Blaine will be inside the Presidents Club essentially going from table to table and group to group. The ballpark will be lighted with spotlights to give Nationals Park more of a Gala feel. Valet Parking is tentatively set for Potomac Avenue. SE (next to Lot A) and a Red Carpet is expected to be laid down on the walkway leading to the Home Plate Gate entrance.

Brodie Van Wagenen: "I really think it is going to be a fun night. I think people are going to have a great experience. We’ve had an unbelievable amount of interest and response from people who are going to buy tickets. We are anticipating that the tickets will sell out pretty quickly. Just in the past few days, email blasts have gone out to about 200,000 people. And our ticket sales have gone through the roof in the last 72 hours."

CAA targeted Washington Nationals Season Ticket Holders, the national MS Society, The Head First Baseball Camps, The University of Virginia MS Association and The UVA Athletic Foundation in those emails. And thanks to corporate sponsorships, CAA--which is running the event for the ziMS Foundation & "Ryan Zimmerman's Night At The Park"--has already paid the evening's costs--meaning every ticket sold and auction item purchased from now until August 9th will go directly to the ziMS Foundation. Over $200,000 gross is expected to be raised for "A Night At The Park"--over $100,000 to be given to Ryan Zimmerman's Charitable cause. Net funding which would double money raised for the ziMS Foundation's Gala & Golf Tournaments held each fall in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

When Nats320 spoke with Ryan Zimmerman about this event two weeks ago, it was clear in Ryan's heart, this premiere Washington event for the ziMS Foundation is a stepping stone for something greater. A belief Brodie Van Wagenen couldn't agree more:

"There is no question that is a possibility. When Stan (Kasten) and I first finalized Ryan’s long term deal with The Nationals, we negotiated one-day per year in the contract where Ryan can have access to use the stadium for a charitable event like this. And the goal this year is to have a great experience, hopefully sell out our events, and give everyone a real taste of what is possible. As we grow, we certainly hope we can continue to bring in talent, and attract talent, that wants to be a part of it. And in a perfect storm, I can see having annual events where we have 40,000 plus people in the stadium to have a great evening and enjoy a great night of performances for a good cause."

Various CAA artists and sponsors have donated a healthy list of live and silent auction items. Some of the goodies up for bid include a tour of every Major League Ballpark, a private workout with Ryan Zimmerman and other Big League players at Saddlebrook Resort in Tampa, Florida, an Atlantis Resort vacation package in the Bahamas and a Canadian Train Adventure. An updated list of silent and live auction items can be seen at this link. You can also purchase tickets at that link.

VIP Tickets cost $500, Elite Level $175 and General Admission $75. Wrist bands will be given to all attendees to signify what section of park access will be granted for the night's events. All seating for the live performances will be in Diamond Club. Gates open at 6:30PM. Food will be served beginning at 7PM. The David Blaine (VIP Ticket Only) performance at 7:30PM. The live auction at 8:30PM and the concert at 9PM. A special After Party will take place in Presidents Club for VIP Ticket Holders Only.

"We are pulling out all the stops," concluded Brodie Van Wagenen. "This has been fun for all of us (at CAA) to be involved in on not only a personal level but a professional level. A charity event I am really proud to be able to help with and offer."

More special guests and auction items could be announced by the August 9th date. If so, Mr. Van Wagenen has promised to update Nats320 on the details.

"Don't Worry. I Got This!"

The fielding Defensive Play Of This Game Gem came in the bottom of the 6th inning when The Cincinnati Reds Jay Bruce ripped a liner into short rightfield. One of those running in--diving in catches--that if missed results in an inside the park home run. Our Washington Nationals Roger Bernadina not only didn't miss the baseball, but he quickly righted his sprawled body and threw out Orlando Cabrera well before the Cincinnati shortstop could safely return to 1st base. A second inning ending double play in as many games thanks to Bernadina.

But the mental Defensive Play Of This Game Gem came in the top of 9th inning, after Jay Bruce had singled to right with nobody out for The Reds. Washington was well into the lead at 7-1. Livan Hernandez had gone the distance to this point for Jim Riggleman's Team. But Our Manager was worried that Ole Number 61 was, perhaps, losing his effectiveness in the late afternoon heat of southern Ohio. Out stepped Pitching Coach Steve McCatty to chat with The Big Cuban. Not three seconds into McCatty meeting up with Livo and his catcher this day--Wil Nieves--at the mound--Hernandez starts laughing. He then puts his right hand on McCatty's chest and clearly says: "Don't Worry. I Got This!"

Perfect Livan Hernandez. Never a worry, nary a doubt, always composed, forever having fun.

Ole Number 61 was on again today. Solid most all season long, Livo went the distance for the second time in 2010. The only pitcher for Our Washington Nationals to even accomplish the feat once. And he wasn't going to let Steve McCatty, Jim Riggleman or anyone else for that matter, to not allow him to finish this game. Few battle with less than overwhelming stuff and succeed without being savvy like Livan. And less understand how to take a big lead given by his teammates jumping out in front 6-0 early and nursing their way home.

Up big, Hernandez knew he had the chance to go the distance. Experience tells him to just let the opposing batters hit the ball. Composure allows him to trust his defense. Which The Big Cuban did until his final and 102nd pitch was thrown this afternoon. A ball swatted to the deep left field wall at The Great American Ballpark by Drew Stubbs--hauled in by Willie Harris for the 27th and final out. A near home run that left Livan Hernandez again laughing and smiling, then taking in the special moment--his 49th complete game of his career.

Yes, Washington's offense erupted for a second straight day against The Reds. Adam Dunn and Bernadina both homered. Nyjer Morgan continued to resurrect his nearly full season slump by slapping two more hits, knocking in his fifth run of this just completed four game series, while scoring one run and stealing three bases. The first National to steal three bags in one game since baseball returned to Washington in 2005. This Getaway Game was another complete team effort at the plate and in field--punctuated by Livan Hernandez going the distance this afternoon in Cincinnati.

"Don't Worry. I Got This!"

Fabulous!!

A near perfect ending to another Livo Gem, joked about to Steve McCatty in the top of the 9th inning. Livan Hernandez knew in the final frame, just like he did in the previous eight--everything was still under control.

Final Score from The Great American Ballpark where D.C.'s Team gave their starting pitcher needed offense for the second day in a row and he ran with it: Our Washington Nationals 7 and The Cincinnati Reds 1. The generic game story will say Livan Hernandez went the distance and his Washington Teammates provided more than enough support for Curly "W" Number 42 to be put in the books. But what everyone watching until the end should remember, was a Big Cuban comprehending he was in position to save his team's bullpen, provide a much needed rest and start a new winning streak--just by keeping the game as it came to him--under control.

No worries. No doubts. Total composure. Livan Hernandez was having fun pitching for Our Washington Nationals this afternoon in Cincinnati. The Mental Defensive Play of This Game Gem by a veteran pitching that never lets anything bother him--Win Or Lose.

Game Notes & Highlights

Livan's final numbers today: 9 complete innings pitched, seven hits and one run allowed to gain his 7th personal victory of the season while lowering his ERA to 3.12. Livan and Stephen Strasburg so successful of late it's almost like "Spahn & Sain And Pray For Rain". The only D.C. Pitchers that can consistently bring home The Curly "W". Livo and The Pied Piper Washington's most effective starters all season long.

Roger Bernadina continuing to show that he's an everyday player. His sixth home run stroked to right off former National Bill Bray in the top of the 7th, moments after his Defensive Gem Double Play was performed in the bottom of the 6th. Bernadina is making himself a legitimate Big League player wearing a Washington uniform. When no one else took advantage of the opportunity given--Roger seized a starting role. The question know whether he can be as consistent? Defense wizard, plus throwing arm, speed on the bases, occasional power--there is much to like in that type of package.

Becoming the pest everyone's expected all season, Nyjer Morgan has been just that since games commenced after the All-Star Break. In seven games against The Marlins and The Reds, Morgan has stroked nine hits in 27 at-bats, walked four times, knocked in five runs and stolen four bases. Sliding head first again into bases, Nyjer has ignited the top of Washington's lineup unlike his performance in the season's first half.

Adam Dunn broke out of an O-For Cincinnati Slump with an opposite field two run homer off Edinson Volquez in the 3rd. His League Leading 23rd. Willie Harris JUST MISSED moments later with his second home run in as many games, but his lofted ball to right field came down off the top of the green padded wall at The Great American Ballpark and caromed back onto the field--resulting in a triple. Harris scoring Washington's 6th run when Adam Kennedy singled him home through a drawn in infield.

And finally, this is probably the most important point to take out of today's game at The Great American Ballpark:

Edinson Volquez was making his second Major League start since recovering from Tommy John Surgery for The Cincinnati Reds. Like Washington's Jordan Zimmermann is attempting in his rehab, Volquez made a swift comeback--less than one year since surgery. Like J-Zimm, Edinson threw smoke in his minor league rehab assignments. Unlike "The Z with Two NN's", Volquez is already back in The Big Leagues and got hammered today. He didn't look right after pitching extremely well in his first start back for Cincinnati. In fact, Volquez looked hurt after allowing six earned runs on five hits and four walks in less than three innings.

Bottom line, it's time to calm down the great late season expectations being thrown around and take it easy with Jordan Zimmermann. No matter how hard he's throwing. No matter how well he feels. No matter how many shutout innings he's thrown for the Potomac Nationals. His future with Our Washington Nationals really begins with Spring Training in 2011, not as July is about to turn to August in 2010. Jordan Zimmermann is too valuable of a pitcher. He's capable of being the next Josh Johnson--who also had Tommy John Surgery. And everyone knows how effective The Marlins' Fireballer and 2010 All-Star has performed since fully recovering from his injury. It's time to dial back the frenzy on Jordan Zimmermann's 96 MPH heaters and rehab effectiveness. It's far more important to have JZ for 2011 and beyond, not before.

Edinson Volquez found that out the hard way today for The Cincinnati Reds.

Today's In Game Photos--Andy Lyons (Getty Images) & Al Behrman (AP)

More 2010 NatsTown Promotional Item Photos

Here are the latest photographs of upcoming NatsTown Promotional Items to be given out at Nationals Park during July, August & September of 2010 home games of Our Washington Nationals. There is no picture currently available for the August 13th Beer & Pitcher Cup Set when The Arizona Diamondbacks visit Washington, D.C. Nor has the official date been announced for the MASN DVD Giveaway of Stephen Strasburg's Major League Debut versus The Pittsburgh Pirates.

Bobbleheads are limited to the first 15,000 fans at the gates during the date of the giveaway. The first 10,000 fans for Tee Shirt Tuesday. The first 10,000 children for kids giveaways and the first 20,000 for Knit Beanie Day--which is also Fan Appreciation Day at Nationals Park.

July 27th--Atlanta Braves--Script Washington Away Tee-Shirt Jersey

July 31st--Philadelphia Philiies--Nyjer Morgan Bobblehead

August 15th--Arizona Diamondbacks--Kids Back To School Supply Kit

August 28th--St. Louis Cardinals--Pudge Rodriguez Fan Choice Bobblehead

September 29th--Philadelphia Phillies--Knit Beanie

There are two more Tee-Shirt Tuesday's scheduled for August 26th versus The Cardinals and September 28th versus The Phillies, but photos of those promotional items have also yet to be released.

All Photos Courtesy of The Washington Nationals

Clarity

Stephen Strasburg can let loose like few pitchers in the game.

Every single pitch thrown is measured.

There is purpose to every single movement performed on the mound.

No wasted energy.

No convoluted thoughts.

Clarity reigns in the mind of Our Washington Nationals top pitching prospect even on a hot and humid summer night in southern Ohio.

Before another sellout crowd of mostly Cincinnati Reds Fans, The Pied Piper again proved why he's the talk of baseball. Pitching in the home run friendly Great American Ballpark, Stephen Strasburg let it be known that the size of the stadium played in didn't matter. And the powering thumping lineup of the competition didn't matter either.

All that matters is getting the job done.

Our Number 37's pitching focus so great, it's rubbing off on his new teammates.

Have you noticed how Washington plays better baseball when Stephen Strasburg is the starter? How his teammates seem to have greater confidence? How they are as looser at the plate? More focused with their tasks?

That's not coincidence. That's clarity.

When a 22 year-old playing only his 9th Big League game becomes the focal point of every single game he pitches, and when he continues to outperform the expectations--that's going to create a better atmosphere. An environment that raises the level of play in every single person surrounding Strasburg on D.C.'s 25 man roster. Just look at last night's win over The Cincinnati Reds, it's wasn't just Ryan Zimmerman coming to the rescue with his bat, but also Nyjer Morgan, Cristian Guzman, Roger Bernadina and Ian Desmond. Those four combining for six hits, seven rbi and four runs scored. Even Willie Harris jacking a baseball out of the park in the top of the 9th for an important insurance run.

The back end of Washington's bullpen coming to the rescue of each of the subsequent pitcher's they replaced. Drew Storen saved Strasburg in the 6th. Burnett saved Storen in the 7th. Clippard did the same to Burnett in the 7th and Matt Capps closed out Tyler in the 8th and The Cincinnati Reds in the 9th for the four out save--his 24th.

That's teamwork not consistently seen when any other pitcher not named Stephen Strasburg starts for Our Washington Nationals. As loose as Strasburg's mix-matched buttons kept flying off his jersey top last night, D.C.'s Team played just as loose on the field. A certainty to every movement was witnessed--not just from the starters's mound--but also at the plate and in the defensive field. Rightfielder Roger Bernadina throwing out Cincinnati's Jay Bruce attempting to score from 3rd base in the bottom of the 4th for The Defensive Play Of This Game--an inning ending double play set up by a Drew Stubbs' liner to right.

Stephen Strasburg makes everyone surrounding him better. A purity of play that needs to be exercised in those other ball games Our Number 37 doesn't pitch.

Final Score from The Great American Ballpark where there were no convoluted thoughts and no wasted energy, just purpose: Our Washington Nationals 8 and The Cincinnati Reds 5. Curly "W" Number 41 stopped a four game losing streak, becoming only Washington's second win in six games following the All-Star Break (both Strasburg victories). And put on display what D.C.'s Team can do--against a good team--if there is balance in their play.

They can get the job done.

There was no ambiguity to Washington's play last night. No reticence either.

Stephen Strasburg's professional manner brings clarity to the play of Our Washington Nationals. His let loose style relaxing his teammates. And in the long run, hopefully making them a better team overall.

In-Game Photos--Al Behrman (AP)

PBATS 2010 "Play" Clinic

"A lot of people I know have desk jobs," stated Lee Kuntz, Head Athletic Trainer for Our Washington Nationals. "They sit around and you see that mindset filter down to their kids and you start saying to yourself: 'Man, when I was a kid we ran the neighborhood all day.' We need to get them away from that way of life. And I feel this program helps me give back a little bit of my childhood--by showing kids how to get out there and have some fun."

The Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society held their latest "Play" Clinic at Nationals Park last week. Over 100 children from the Boys & Girls Clubs Of Greater Washington were on hand to participate in a now annual event designed to get kids from out in front on their TV's and Video Game consoles and participate in a more active and healthy way of life. Over the past two decades, a more sedentary lifestyle has led to a higher rate of Type 2 Diabetes (formerly known as adult-onset diabetes). The prevalent eating of processed foods hasn't help either. The growing list of overweight children and adults has led to more hip replacement and knee surgeries later in life. Disabilities that will continue to rise unless something is done about it.


"This is an effort as trainers we thought was a worthy cause, promoting play, promoting a lifetime of activity for youth," continued Mr. Kuntz. "And being on the medical end of things, we’ve seen how later in life Type 2 Diabetes has affected a lot of these younger adults. And how that is now filtering down to an even younger population--the children. In our discussions with the physicians it has all come full circle. We need to maintain an active lifestyle and that will help take care of these problems later in life."

The PBATS "Play" Clinic is designed to show kids that physical activity can be fun, not something to shy away from. Four stations were set up around the South Capitol Street Ballpark. The children rotating through each activity session with Lee Kuntz, Mike McGowan (Washington's Assistant Athletic Trainer), Don Hooton from The Taylor Hooton Foundation plus Nationals' Pitchers Drew Storen and Matt Capps as instructors.


"When I was a kid, there was no encouragement needed," said Matt Capps. "We had one of the original Nintendo’s, but I was outside all the time. Rain, snow, sleet or hail, I wanted to be outside. I was out in the woods playing war as a little kid. I grew up in a neighborhood full of kids around my age. We were always playing sports. In the summertime, it was baseball, and in the wintertime it was basketball or football. It didn’t matter how many layers of clothes we had to put on. It didn’t matter how cold it was, or how wet it was out there--we were outside more times than not."


"But it’s different now because there are a lot more video games," continued Drew Storen. "For me, and I am sure Matt is the same way, I would go out and play in the front yard to play whiffle ball. I wanted to pitch a lot. And where I learned to love to pitch was in the front yard--acting like my favorite player pitching. Well now, the kids can do that by just turning on the video game equipment, start playing and acting like that. So it’s different now and it’s important that we encourage them to get outside, be healthy and have some fun. Video games are fun, but by actually getting outside and playing, you can’t beat the enjoyment of the physical competition. That’s where the fun really is."


Reaching the kids in a forum like this can be a tough task though, that's why Lee Kuntz always tries to speak to the parents whenever possible. Washington's Head Athletic Trainer believes if he can encourage the parents to get outside with their children participating in a physical activity, it's easter for the young men and women to understand the benefits.

Lee Kuntz: "For us it’s all about having fun. If you make an event fun, then that will stick in their heads. Hey, that wasn’t that bad. And maybe they will take a piece of that home. I try to do things with my kids at home. We try go to out and play ball-tag. Or we will throw a football or a frizbee. We will do something. But it’s a way for parents to become involved with their children and have fun. When the kids think it’s fun, both (parent and child) can take something away from it."









Mr. Kuntz led the Boys & Girls Club Participants through a series of agility drills. Mike McGowan taught the proper techniques for stretching. Don Hooton gave his "Hoot's Chalk Talk" discussing performance enhancing drugs while Matt Capps & Drew Storen instructed proper pitching techniques. PBATS "Play" Clinic concluded with Capps & Storen throwing soft toss to the kids in a Home Run Derby set up in right field at Nationals Park.

"We have to change the mindset and that’s what these clinics are for," believes Drew Storen. "Hopefully, we can open some eyes and get them to understand the importance of exercise."

"Let's get them out of the house. Let them do some physical stuff," concluded Lee Kuntz.

All Photos Copyrighted--Nats320--All Rights Reserved