"THE GREATEST NO FRILLS PARK IN SPORTS!!"

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I have found it hard to write about my beloved Nats play this week in Florida. Its looks like the team quit. So I've decided to write about something more positive and worthwhile--Our Stadium.

"RFK Stadium is a DUMP!" "ITS RUN DOWN"--"SHABBY" "A TERRIBLE PLACE TO WATCH A GAME"

That's all I ever read or hear about the HOME FOR OUR WASHINGTON NATIONALS. The press continually harps on the topic. And many people, many that have never even attended a game at the Stadium on East Capitol Street, continually pass on these half truths and nonsense.

Yes, the ARAMARK Food Service has been TERRIBLE!!; After a game ends, it can take some time to move your way out of the park along the narrow concourses. The audio system is far from perfect. There are broken seats here and there, The stadium could be a little cleaner. There has been many other problems, well documented, but mostly due to Poor Management by MLB, DC Government and the RFK Stadium Authority--Game day functions, that should not take away from what RFK STADIUM ACTUALLY DOES PROVIDE.



And, I want to state CLEARLY, I am looking forward to the NEW Stadium, as I truly believe, if its done correctly, and not cheapened, by budget considerations---The GLASS, STEEL and CONCRETE STRUCTURE WILL GLEAM!! Like the NEW WEMBLEY STADIUM outside London that was built in a similar way.

None of those issues, though, has taken away my enjoyment of watching the Nats at RFK. If fact, I lOVE ATTENDING GAMES AT RFK!! And, when the Nats move to their NEW STADIUM on the Anacostia Waterfront, I will miss all of the following.




The stadium was built with a tremedous ease of commute in mind. Whether you come to the game via Downtown DC, The Southeast-Southwest Freeway, Anacostia Freeway, 395, 295, 495 & Route 50 or Benning Road, RFK is an easy reach for anyone living in the Capital City or the suburbs of Maryland and Virginia. And, when Metro opened it doors in 1976, Fans attending Stadium Events came in DROVES on the subway. The Stadium Armory Station is covered by both the Blue and Orange Lines and easy access for Yellow and Green Line Transfering Passengers. In 2005, Metro estimated over 18,000 fans used Metro for EACH AND EVERY GAME.

On game days, when we drive, I can make it from my house, near the Franconia-Springfield Metro, in less than 25 minutes--even during RUSH HOUR. The Drive Home, at times, has been less than 20 minutes.



The South Capitol Street Stadium will not be providing such immediate access for some years. South Capitol Street is TOTAL GRIDLOCK during rush hours.




The stadium parking lots, which surround the stadium--HOLDS 10,000 Vehicles, enough for almost any event and provides in Lots 7 and 8 two of the GREATEST TAILGATE PARKING LOTS OF ALL TIME!! Sohna and I can never remember driving into Lot 8, on any game day, and not seeing a host of folks enjoying themselves---cooking, drinking and having fun before the game's start. Last October 2, Sohna and I hosted a final game of the season tailgate for Section 320--WE HAD MORE THAN ENOUGH ROOM. And, Hundreds more were having their tailgates at the same time.

The DC Government and The Lerners are fighting over parking for the "wealthy", well documented by many. But, no one is considering parking for you and me. In fact, the DC Government is "HOPING" lots pop up around and near the Stadium Site. Say Goodbye to $10 and $12 parking that RFK provides.

At night, RFK GLEAMS FROM THE OUTSIDE with the lighting and distinctive RIPPLED Rooftop that surrounds and encloses the Stadium. After every night game, walking to the car in Lot 8, I always take a good look at the structure shining against the night with all the lights. If you haven't, you are missing something very special.

And, its that Cantilever Roof Top that gives RFK STADIUM the HUGE HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE for all DC TEAMS that have played there. That great roof TRAPS THE SOUND inside, sending the crowds noises right down onto field level.




RFK has some of the very best, close to the field seats, you will ever enjoy at a baseball game. The Upper Deck hangs out far towards the baselines. In fact, the lower ring of seats in the upper deck are closer to the field than the rear sections of the lower bowl. How many stadiums today have more seats in the UPPER Deck than the lower deck?? I have not heard many complaints from fans sitting in the upper deck, especially the lower view seats, between 1st and 3rd base. Those seats might well be the BEST BARGAIN in all of the Major Leagues. From those seats it looks like you are sitting right overtop the action. You can see every play develop. Its PRIME FOUL BALL CATCHING TERRITORY!! From most any seat in the house, you have a decent view of the field.



Our fabulous SECTION 320, in the lower bowl, sits only 25 rows from the Nationals 3rd base dugout. And its under the overhang, protecting us from, not only rain and bad weather, but the HEATING STROKING SUNLIGHT that shines down on the field on nearly every single day game. How many people have you seen, move from the MOST EXPENSIVE SEATS in the house, to a far more comfortable, cheaper seat under the stadiums roof and overhang. Its a regular daytime event at RFK.

The Drawings for the New Stadium shows very little overhang, with the UPPER DECKS much farther back on each successive level. People are going to BAKE each summer on the Anacostia Waterfront and EVERYONE is going to be sitting MUCH FARTHER FROM THE ACTION. We are not looking forward to that.

Those portable stands that move from along the 3rd baseline to left and centerfield for football and soccer, accidentally provided the "Bouncing Sea Wave" effect of heads jumping up and down that so many people enjoy to this day. It was a STAPLE at REDSKINS GAMES for years. And, is an integral part of most every Nats game. The "JUMP" song is played after every 7th inning strech to get the heads bobbing up and down behind the Nats Dugout.



The Sounds at RFK STADIUM from the CROWD can be DEAFENING. You ask anybody that once played for the Dallas Cowboys during the HEY DAYS of the Redskins/Cowboys Rivalry, and I would guarantee you that they would ALL say that RFK STADIUM was their favorite road city to play. The ROAR OF THE CROWD WAS LOUD and only GOT LOUDER as the games continued. RFK stadium has a LIFE OF ITS OWN--IT CAN SHAKE AND SWAY to the STOMPING and RUMBLINGS of its fans. The Crowd noise at RFK was such a HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE for the Washington Redskins, that football games in DC have NEVER BEEN THE SAME, since Jack Kent Cooke moved the team, out of RFK, building his new Stadium in Landover, Maryland. I don't know the actual numbers, but during the George Allen, Joe Gibbs era of Redskins Football at RFK, I would bet WASHINGTON had one of the very best home records of any team during that time frame. The Redskins, under Daniel Snyder, may well be the wealthiest franchise in American Sport. But their games are no longer "EVENTS" that ALL Redskins games were on East Capitol Street.



Nationals fans got a GOOD TASTE of the DECIBEL LEVEL that RFK can reach when, on June 18, 2006, before a packed house of 45,157, Ryan Zimmerman hit his DRAMATIC, Bottom of the 9th, 2 run homer off Chien-Ming Wang to defeat the NEW YORK YANKEES 3-2. RFK has not ROCKED LIKE THAT SINCE THE WASHINGTON REDSKINS LAST PLAYED A HOME GAME IN DC. It was THE SIGNATURE MOMENT so far for the YOUNG NATIONALS FRANCHISE, and it brought back so many fine memories of attending Washington Redskins Game for so many years.

You could not take the SMILE OFF MY FACE for the entire week that followed.

One of RFK's greatest oddities, just a green wall, and not stands behind the outfield fences, has given great credence to UPPER DECK SHOTS!! Home Runs of Mammoth proportions. "Wow!!--Did you see that rocket into Section 464!!" "Daryle Ward just launched that into the front row of Section 541--THE YELLOW SEATS!! What beauty to watch!!" Alfonso Sorino reaching Section 445. Barry Bonds reaching DEEP into Section 461. Earlier this year, on May 22nd, Lance Berkman of the Houston Astros Launched a LINE DRIVE that barely went over the Nationals Starter's, Zach Day, head and just kept on rising, it was stopped by the second row seats of Section 456 in DEAD CENTERFIELD!! Berkman WALLOPED IT!! If would have hit the ring road surrounding RFK if it had not hit the seats.

Anybody can appreciate the MAJESTY of those UPPER DECK HOME RUNS!! RFK HOME RUNS to the UPPER DECK are to be cherished, because you know how far away it really is, and how high the Upper Deck sits above the playing field. Batting Practice at RFK is a MUST SEE at times. I can vividly remember, last season, watching Mike Piazza, then a NEW YORK MET, launching 2 balls on consecutive Batting Practice swings into Section 535, the YELLOW SEATS well above the leftfield wall.

All of Piazza's Teammates stopped and applauded the moment, and there was not a sole in the stands that was NOT TALKING ABOUT IT.

Love watching BOMBS into the upper deck at RFK. The New Stadium will not have that same feel. I will miss that TREMENDOUSLY!! If fact, had this very same conversation with some of the Section 320 faithful during the last home games.





I attended my very first Major League Games at DC Stadium (now RFK). From 1966 through 1971, as a youngster, I was fortunate enough to make about 10 Washington Senators games per season. Loved FRANK HOWARD, was in his FAN CLUB, and could not wait to see him LAUNCH ONE INTO THE UPPER DECK. Whether during a game, or batting practice. We always went to the game early to see BP. And, I attended, as a 12 year old, THE VERY LAST GAME OF MY BELOVED WASHINGTON SENATORS AT RFK on September 30, 1971. I am proud to say, I DID NOT RUN OUT ONTO THE FIELD THAT NIGHT--which led to the Senators forfeiting their last game to the New York Yankees. RFK is where I first fell in LOVE WITH BASEBALL--and I am happy to be able to enjoy that game I love, once again, in THAT VERY SAME VENUE--for a little while longer. I am 47 years old, and I had spent most of my entire adult life, NEVER EXPECTING TO A SEE A WASHINGTON HOME GAME AGAIN--until, by all miracles, the Montreal Expos actually moved here in 2005.




Finally, on any given night during a Washington Nationals home game, when Section 320 is in Full Force, you can hear us throughout most of the stadium. The Overhang above us echo effects our cheering and helps send our noise out toward the field. Its a great site to see SO MANY turn their heads, to see it might be anywhere up to 16 folks in Section 320 causing all that noise. Their expressions of Awe and Amusement--FABULOUS.

RFK Stadium is the last of a dying breed. The one time MULTI-PURPOSE Stadium, a stadium so many cities copied to maintain their costs for housing professional sports team. A stadium style that fell out of fashion, just a few decades after being built. RFK is far from modern, with little frills. I have always called it the "GREATEST NO FRILLS PARK IN SPORTS!!"

People can say all the disparaging remarks they want about it. BUT I WILL ALWAYS LOVE RFK, for what it does provide--A GREAT PLACE TO WATCH A BALLGAME!!

RFK FIELD CONDITION

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During the last homestand that ended August 17 against the Atlanta Braves, the RFK STADIUM Field was noticeably in bad shape. There were distinctive brown and bald spots all around the outfield and in front of the pitchers mound. Even grass in front of both dugouts was in deteriorating condition. This, after the field had looked quite presentable right up until the July 27th home game against the San Francisco Giants.

When the Lerner Group talks about making the BEST OF THE FAN EXPERIENCE AT RFK, with what they were handed, A TOP QUALITY FIELD, ALL SEASON LONG--has to be high on their list. A baseball diamond is a beautiful field to look at. A SYMMETRICAL DELIGHT!





When the African Queen and I got on the field for the Sunday Team Picnic for Season Ticket holders the first weekend in June, the field was quite magnificent.

During the Inaugural 2005 Washington Nationals Season, the field was in TERRIBLE shape by the last home game on October 2. The RFK Stadium TURF WAS BROWN AND DEAD!! In fact, then team President, Tony Taveras, was quoted as saying he was "EMBARRASSED" by the sloppiness of the field. And, he would do everything in his power to make the playing surface better for 2006.




Some of this has to do with the fact that the Nats share the field and RFK Stadium with long time tenant, DC United--the most popular and most supported team in Major League Soccer. Between the 2 teams, the field is used over 100 times during the course of both teams overlapping schedules. In fact, for soccer, the pitchers mound retracts into the ground, flat, and is covered along with the dirt basepaths with sod. Sod that, DC United players, complain is too loose, and dangerous on wet gamedays--when a slip could lead to a major knee problem. I have no doubt the changeover from the Baseball Configuration to Soccer stresses the field to no end.

That's alot of use, and football(soccer) is a wear and tear sport. And those movable stands along the 3rd base side during Nationals Games (YES THE SAME STANDS THAT HOUSES SECTION 320), The ones that allow fans to jump up and down--causing the WONDERFUL "Sea of Bouncing Heads Wave Effect" a Distinctive Scene to DC Sport, that is so cool to view, are moved to left and centerfield for DC United Games---causing even more grass abuse.



But down the right field line, at the corner, near the foul pole and in front of the Nationals Bullpen the grass is absolutely DEAD. During DC United games, do they park a GIGANTIC TRUCK there?; or cover that portion of the baseball field with some sort of tarp? Whatever is done is just killing the baseball field.

I realize it hasn't rained much in the past 6 weeks, but water should be no problem for either teams grounds crews.

It also didn't help, in 2005, that before the Nats ever played their first game, the Bermuda Grass Sod, the team wanted to use, was not available locally due to the colder than normal winter season leading up to Opening Night, April 14, 2005. So, the Nats President, Tony Taveres, had to install 100,000 square feet of a lesser quality Georgia sod, that was overseeded with Rye Grass. Unfortunately, there was more RYE than Bermuda Grass. The Rye did not hold up in the heat and humidity of Washington, DC.

According to former Stadium Groundskeeper, Jimmy Rodgers, the heat & humidity combined with the little air movement inside the stadium to cause fungus to form on the grass roots. Killing the grass.

For 2006, Rodgers convinced the Stadium Authority to replace the barren turf with a locally produced Riviera Bermuda from the DelMarVa Peninsula. Sod that was suppose to be more durable. Obviously, that has not worked to full effect, and New Groundskeeper, Larry DiVito has similar problems.

Since both DC United and Washington Nationals had peacefully coexisted together for one year, you would think that they could have worked out a deal with the RFK Stadium Authority to install a better turf.



Or, Better yet, for DC United GameDays, roll out those removable Turf Trays, like they do at Giants Stadium in the Meadowlands, used overtop many American Stadiums (both grass and artificial) that would save the baseball playing surface from excessive wear and tear, and giving DC United a quality playing field all their own.

But, considering the amount of money both teams bring to the coffers of the DC Government and Stadium Authority, it seems the tray solution is a solid temporary measure, since both teams are expecting to move to new stadiums on the Anacostia Waterfront, directly across the river from each other.

Curious to know why the removable trays were not used, or just not considered acceptable.

Loving baseball as much as I do, I can vividly remember the very first time I saw a spendid GREEN GRASS baseball field, in 1966, when I attended my very first Major League Game, against the Yankees, at DC Stadium (now RFK)...The sight of walking up the stadium ramps and getting that first peek of green, between levels, was exciting. I just couldn't wait to get to the upper deck!! It was, at that time, the greenest grass I had ever seen.

It would be great to see other youngsters viewing that sight for the very first time. But, the current condition of the field, certainty takes that initial JOY away. Gotta be a way to fix this.



Mr Lerner, Mr Kasten, DC United, RFK Stadium Authority-can we work out a system to give both teams a quality field for the last season together in 2007? A field all the fans would be proud to view---ALL SEASON LONG.

My Take On Jimbo!!

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For a few weeks now, I have been considering this post. I have never been a big fan of Nats General Manager, Jim Bowden. The Montreal Expos players had suffered through tremendous hardships in the few years leading up to the transfer to Washington, DC. They players were close knit, they just needed someone to cheer for them and a place to call home. Despite the cheapness in the MLB Ownership of this franchise, money was in place, to be creative, and build a competitive team. All they really needed was a competent GM to get the ball rolling. And, I have felt for some time, JIMBO was not the creative person needed to lead this franchise to the promised land.






Jamey Carroll, Tomo Ohka, Claudio Vargas, Brendan Harris, all serviceable baseball players the Nationals in 2006 could have used, improving the teams depth. But, Jim Bowden decided to just give these players away, receving nothing in return during his reign as Interim and now Vice-President, General Manager of the Washington Nationals.

Bowden is a flashy showoff that makes every move in dramatic fashion, drawing attention to himself. And, in putting the spotlight on himself, has personally destroyed any chemistry the Nationals orginally had when they first arrived here from Montreal for the 2005 season.




Bowden has overpaid for free agents (the god awful Cristian Guzman--who the Nats still must pay for 2 more seasons and $8 million). Traded away an aging Vinny Castilla for a potential innings eating starting pitcher in Brian Lawrence, yet, not even consider a precautionary MRI exam to make sure the goods were not damaged. Lawrence threw out his arm during the very first few pitches of spring training this season.




Benched and demoted a rising Rookie Sensation in Ryan Church--just because he got INJURED RUNNING INTO A WALL IN PITTSBURGH LAST SEASON MAKING A GAME SAVING CATCH--Church never being the same the rest of the season. And, replacing him with the very Minor League--Brandon Watson--who, except for raw speed--HAD NO TALENT!! NONE!! Messing with Ryan's Head. Since Church's promotion back to the Majors, he has shown that, despite some holes in his swing on curve balls--the guy still can hit and help.

The man who always claims we need "PITCHING, PITCHING, PITCHING" has rarely picked up any pitching--in fact, traded away the Nationals top rising lefthander prospect, Bill Bray, along with the overused Gary Majewski, and 3 others for some his "HIS BOYS" from the Cincinnati Reds--Austin Kearns, Felipe Lopez and Ryan Wagner. Oh Yeah--Jimbo threw in Brendan Harris just for the fun it.

This trade also set up another ugly situation in 2007, similar to the Vidro/Soriano debacle of spring training 2006. Who plays shortstop for the Nationals next season? Who plays second? You have Guz/Lopez/Vidro and Bernie Castro. Not one of these players, all 27 years old or above is going to be happy riding the pine.

And, that Cincinnati trade is killing us now that EVERYONE realizes how AWFUL Damian Jackson is. Yet, the Nats can't get rid of Jackson, because their backup 3rd baseman, Harris is now in the Reds Organization. And, we have NO BACKUP SHORTSTOP.

And the most BELOVED of all 2005 Washington Nationals, Jamey Carroll, was sold off for chump change, to Colorado to make room on the roster for--DAMIAN JACKSON!! Carroll is batting .100 points higher in batting average, and plays a smoother infield (2nd, 3rd or short). THE ULTIMATE TEAM PLAYER!! Could we have EVER used this guy, not only this past Sunday in Philadelphia, but throughout the season. You BETTER BELIEVE IT!! And, unlike Damian Jackson, Carroll would not be throwing chairs around the clubhouse. DAMIAN IS A CANCER. CARROLL AN ANGEL!! Of course, Jackson once played for Cincinnati and Bowden. If you have ever been drafted and played for the Reds, you are guaranteed a spot on a Jimbo team--whether you are deserving or not.



And, one day before selling off Carroll in February, Jim tried to sneak promising right handed power thrower, Darrell Rasner, through waivers to remove him from the 40 man roster. Even though the Nats still had 2 spaces available and were getting a 3rd spot for Jamey. The Yankees jumped all over it, picking him up, where, despite being on the injured list, has been very effective for both Columbus and the Yankees in 2006. We could have used this guy too!!



To Bowden's credit, he did trade away the WILDLY Popular, but frustratingly inconsistent, Brad Wilkerson along with Terrmel Sledge and Minor League pitcher Armando Gallaraga for Alfonso Soriano. A trade that was hated, not only by me, but just about EVERYONE that follows baseball. Only to see Soriano show what a FABULOUS PLAYER and ATHLETE he is. A game changer on many nights--despite his free swinging nature at the plate.

Despite great PUBLIC PONTIFICATING about how ON FIRE his Blackberry was, Jim did manage to NOT Trade Soriano at the trading deadline. Setting up another OFF SEASON Soap Opera with Number 12.

And he traded for Jose Guillen for Macier Izturas and Juan Rivera--I know Rivera is having a very good 2006 season, but if Jose had remained healthy and actually rehabilitated his injuries instead of playing through them, Guillen would have been a steal. Esteban Loaiza was a good signing in 2005. Esteban went for the Dinero in 2006 and that's not Jimbo's fault. Ditto Hector Carrasco. Alex Escobar, one play away from an career derailing injury, has been very impressive at times.

But some good, does not even out the many, many, inconsistencies in his player management of this franchise.




Out of spite, for showing up Frank Robinson for taking him out of a game at RFK last season, Bowden gave Ohka away to Milwaukee for infielder, Junior Spivey--currently batting under .200 in the Cardinals system. Designated Claudio Vargas, 3 weeks after coming back from major shoulder surgery and struggling mightily last season. Only to see Vargas picked up by the Arizona Diamondbacks--has 10 wins already under his belt in 2006. 19 Win total since May, 2005. The Nationals have NO ONE on their current roster with that much success. Designated middle innings eater and spot starter, Sun Woo Kim, just so JIMBO could leave Rule 5 Draftee and Swinging Strikeout King, Tony Blanco, on the 40 man roster. Blanco is struggling this year at Single A Potomac. Blanco has no future. Of course, Tony was originally drafted by--SURPRISE--Jimbo and the Cincinnati Reds.

Sold solid hitting, poor fielding, Rick Short, THE FEEL GOOD STORY OF 2005, to a Japanese League team, even though the guy was helping out on the few nights he got the chance to play.

Then spent the 2005-2006 off season signing every available backup 2nd baseman--Jackson, Marlon Anderson and Bernie Castro while stocking the lineup with DH's more suited for the American League--Daryle Ward, Robert Fick and Matt LeCroy. And forgetting--that its important to get a decent backup catcher--because Brian Schneider can not possibly catch every single game. Anderson has been good --as a Backup/PH, Ward has been Terrific as a pinch hitter, and we are just finding out whether Castro can actually play. But the rest of the guys have not helped. Wiki Gonzalez was TERRIBLE!! as a backup catcher. Another Career Minor Leaguer, Brandon Harper, finally made it to the Big Leagues over the past two weeks at the age of 30--had a 2 homer game against the Phillies, but you can't rely on repeatedly throwing stuff on the wall just to see what sticks. But that's how Jimbo plays GM.

And now, the man who consistently has traded for, attempt to sign or signed such stellar players as Preston Wilson, Odalis Perez, Sammy Sosa, Jeff Weaver, Wil Cordero, Ryan Drese and Deivi Cruz--claims ALL ALONG that "WE NEED TO BUILD THE FOUNDATION FOR THE FUTURE" as per the demands of New Team President, Stan Kasten.

Are you kidding me??

This statement came just weeks before Bowden traded Washington Loving, but inconsistent, Starting Pitcher Livan Hernandez to Arizona for two fireballing pitching prospects Garrett Mock and Matt Chico. With Livan gone, the last flames of solid relationships forged among Nats Players that flourished together under MLB ownership in Montreal was basically extinquished. Only Schneider, Vidro, Armas, Chad Cordero and Nick Johnson played reguarly in Montreal. Although Rauch and Church remain, they played sparingly for the Expos.

No one knows whether the trading of Livan for those 2 prospects will be a good one for some time, but it will always bother me that the trade was made by the new Assistant GM and VP Baseball Operations, Mike Rizzo--that just came over from the Diamondbacks. I really don't want us to NOW, ALSO sign or trade for every Arizona washout now!!

Jimbo's varous manuevers has left the 2006 Washington Nationals with a true Minor League Pitching Staff. Not one starter can be trusted on any given night. John Patterson has been injured all season. Luis Ayala put himself out by making a stupid decision to pitch for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic, despite recovering from elbow surgery. Not Bowden's fault, but everything else is stuck decididly on his shoulders. And, the bullpen has just flamed the fire after the Bray/Majewski trade. Cordero has been fairly consistent. Rauch gives up too many home runs. Micah Bowie was decent, until pulling a muscle in his back. The rest are poor. Why Travis Hughes is still in the Big Leagues is beyond me.


If the Washington Nationals still had Jamey Carroll, Claudio Vargas, Tomo Ohka, Bill Bray and Majewski (the not OVERUSED Gary)--(I am not convinced the Kearns/Lopez trade has actually helped us yet), and subtracted Damian Jackson, we would be a much more solid team. I get a kick out of reading from Bowden that the Reds Organization SCREWED UP Ryan Wagner's pitching mechanics, and once we get him straight, he will be light outs. Only to also read that Bowden wants to CHANGE AUSTIN KEARNS BATTING STYLE. The style that got him to the big leagues and made him a decent, but not all star caliber player. Seems to me JIMBO is talking out of both sides of his mouth. As always.

The retention of these few players, certaintly would not make Washington a contender, but the Nationals would be more competitive AND still be building for the future.

And the fans would be happier, knowing we have players that TRY!! Bowden has messed all this up. I still attend every single home game, as difficult as some are to watch. I love baseball. Love the Nats. Would love to see a NEW GENERAL MANAGER!! A General Manager with a real idea of how to build a tem. With JIM BOWDEN, we may well be doomed to being terrible for years to come.

And that is SAD!

Getting Even With Phillie Fans

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This one looked forgettable early, and since we had decided to not attend last nights 11-2 debacle at the hands of the Phillies and enjoy the night in Philadelphia. We thought we might escape the derogatory comments once again. But, down 10-1 in the 4th on Sunday at Citizens Bank Park, meant Sohna and I were going to get HAMMERED AGAIN by the Phillies Fans.

Today--we had box seats right behind the Nats 3rd base dugout, and as Pedro Astacio continued to struggle, the Phillies' Fan Ridicule reached its ZENITH!! "Your Team Sucks as much that President that lives in your town!!" (We actually enjoyed that one!!) "Washington's a city of LOSERS!! LOSERS!!" And-- "WASHINGTON SUCKS, WASHINGTON SUCKS!!" (by a chorus of fans). Not to mention the continuous drunken barbs, cursing us out to no end--throwing popcorn at us on 2 occasions.

It was a typical day in the "City of Brotherly Love!!"

But, then the tide turned--BIG TIME and the Nats STORMED BACK--and it looked like for some time that WE WOULD GET THE LAST LAUGH!! AND IT WOULD HAVE BEEN THE MOST ENJOYABLE MOMENT OF THE YEAR!!

Down 10-2 with only a Solo Home Run by Brandon Harper (His First MLB Homer) and a bases loaded walk to Felipe Lopez, Frank Robinson began to empty the bench and replaced Ryan Zimmerman with Damian Jackson (officially Waving the White Flag in the bottom of the 5th inning). With one out and the bases loaded in the top half of that 5th inning, Zimmerman would drill a shot right at Phillies Third Baseman Abraham Nunez, that Nunez only caught because it was right at him. And, Nick Johnson followed with a terrible K to end what looked liked the last possibility for the Nats.

And the ABUSE continued from the Phillies' Faithful!

But, in the top of the 6th, INCREDIBLY, our Nationals Rallied, knocking starter Randy Wolf from the game, then Rick White and finally getting to the unreliable Ryan Madsen.

Austin Kearns, on two strikes, would single to center. Alex Escobar would get ahead 3-1 in the count and lace a ground ball up the middle, moving Kearns to second. On the very next pitch, Brandon Harper (standing as straight up erect as any batter I have seen in some time) slugged his second Major League Home Run of the day, just over the left field fence, bringing the Nats back to 10-5.

Sohna and I cheered Brandon to no end, and received a conciliatory wave from Harper when he reached the end of the dugout, stepping out to acknowledge us!! We were very pleased. The Phillie Fans continued to BOOOOO!! Not only the Nats, Their Pitcher, AND US!! It WAS GREAT!!

Bernie Castro would then walk on a full count and Philadelphia Manager, Charlie Manuel had seen enough, bringing on the righthanded reliever White. Wolf was BOOED UNRELENTINGLY by their own FANS. And this guy is suppose to be their ACE! You got to love the Philadelphia Home Field Advantage.

Marlon Anderson would pinch hit for then Washington Pitcher, Travis Hughes, and down 1-2 in the count, would get a fastball right over the plate that MARLOOOON! would drill past Phillies centerfielder Aaron Rowand for a run scoring double. 10-6 Phillies. Soriano would come up FREE SWINGING as always and strike out on 4 pitches. FLop would then follow with a full count walk. And then, MY MAIN MAN!--(and least favorite Nat) Damian Jackson would come to the plate (would have loved to see Z in this position now) and, HOLY COW!---Walk! to load the bases.

At this point, I figured we had to win if Damian actually did something positive. Sohna and I were yelling and screaming "LETS GO NATS!!" to no end. The Phillie Fans were QUITE QUIET!! To our great delight!!

Nick Johnson would step to the plate, once again going DEEP into the count, drawing a FULL COUNT RUN SCORING WALK. 10-7 Phils!!

Manuel would then replace White with Ryan Madsen. White BOOED UNMERCIFULLY!! Austin Kearns, just not swinging the bat well at all, would ground to 3rd, forcing out Johnson, but FLop scored, Jackson moving to 3rd--10-8 Phils.

At this point, Frank Robinson decided to GO FOR THE JUGULAR. Sending Daryle Ward to the plate to pinch hit for Escobar. Frank sensing that this was their LAST CHANCE. It was a questionable/debatable move, Alex has been pretty good in the clutch. I would have left Escobar in the game and held out Ward for later, but if Ward hits as well as he has in the clutch, this game might be tied or the Nats ahead. Unfortunately, Daryle would K mightily to end the threat.

The Phillie fans sighing in great relief.

In the Bottom of the 6th, Saul Rivera would enter the game, and although it did not cost the Nats in this inning. Damian Jackson would throw away a grounder to Nick Johnson, his first of 2 errors today, and a harbinger of things to come in the 8th. I really can't stand Damian Jackson. But, Anderson would save the inning, when Lieberthal hit a looping liner to center, Marlon playing SO FAR BACK NEAR THE WARNING TRACK, no one expected him to get to hit. Anderson sliding on his left side, coming up to throw immediately, and doubling off Pat Burrell at second. IT WAS A FANTASTIC PLAY!! And totally unexpected.

After escaping the 6th, Rivera would get in trouble in the 7th when Abraham Nunez (3-5, 1HR and 4 RBI on the day) would double down the right field line to lead off the inning. Madsen would step to the plate, attempt a sacrifice bunt, Brian Schneider would pounce on the ball and CLEARLY THROW OUT NUNEZ at third. Abraham sliding into the glove and ball held by Damian Jackson. 3rd base umpire Paul Nauert called Nunez SAFE!! IT WAS A TERRIBLY WRONG CALL!! Schneider looked like he wanted to KILL SOMEONE!!

And it would cost the Nats when Jimmy Rollins walked, Shane Victorino grounded into a force out, Nick Johnson to Schneider, but with still one out, Danny Sandoval would Sacrifice Fly Madsen home on a deep fly to Marlon Anderson. 11-8 after 7.

Washington would continue their comeback in 8th, after Jackson led off the inning with a lazy fly to right. Nick Johnson would single to center, Kearns walked and, pinch hitter, Ryan Church (batting for Jon Rauch) would get behind 1-2 in the count, only to see Madsen throw a curve ball off of Church's foot--TO THE GREAT CONSTERNATION OF PHILLIES FANS. SOHNA AND I THANKED EVERYONE AROUND US FOR THE FREE BASE. We were starting to be hated, SERIOUSLY, in Philadelphia.

Lefthander, Aaron Fultz, would come on to replace Madsen and Schneider greeted him with a bases loaded rip to left field, scoring Johnson and Kearns, moving Church to 2nd. 11-10 with only 1 out in the 8th. Between the Nats and US--WE HAD SHUT UP THE PHILLIE FANS!! IT WAS VERY SATISFYING!!

It looked like we were going to come all the way back, but Bernie Castro would swing at the very first pitch and line a grounder, through the legs of 2nd base umpire Greg Gibson. If Gibson was not in the way, it would have been an easy inning ending double play, but Phillies 2nd baseman Sandoval was distracted by the umpire, bobbling the ball, before throwing out Schneider at 2nd. Then, Marlon Anderson would K BADLY to end the threat. As disappointed as we were, with one inning left, I still felt we could win it.

But, I had forgotten that Damian Jackson was in the game.

The Chief, Chad Cordero, would come on for the bottom of the 8th, and in typical fashion, gave up a leadoff single to Rowand. Philadelphia Catcher Mike Lieberthal would attempt to sacrifice Rowand to second. Jackson butchered the bunt badly, everyone safe. Zimmerman would have barehanded it, no problem. 1st and 2nd--NO OUTS. Nunez would ground to Chief, who would make a play, throwing to Jackson. Jackson's foot NO ON THE BAG!!, loading the bases, no outs still. Cordero would strike out David Delucci, but Rollins would swat a Sacrifice Fly, scoring Rowand, giving the Phillies that extra insurance run. Sohna and I were depressed. Just when it looked like we were going to steal one. The Nats gave it back. 12-10 Phils going to the 9th.

As Arthur Rhodes came in to close it out, there were not many left in the stands among the announced crowd of 36,023 So Sohna and I bellowed out the ALFONSO!! SORIANO!! Chant, clearly heard by EVERYONE on the 3rd base side as Alfonso stepped to the plate for the 9th. Zimmerman, sitting at the far left end of the Nats Dugout, lifted his head out of the dugout to look at who was making all the commotion. I raised my fist to Z approvingly. His FISTED BACK AN "ALL RIGHT" Z Smiling BACK HAPPY FOR THE SUPPORT!!

The Leftover Phillie Fans looked on in AWE!! At not only our NOT BACKING DOWN CHEERING, but Nationals Players Approval.
One lady sitting a few rows behind us to our left, commented to us--"Phillie Players Never acknowledge US" Sohna said--"That's too bad, because we know, in Washington, they appreciate everyone that comes to the game--AND THEY KNOW US!! We're Season Ticket Holders in Section 320, right behind the Nats Dugout!!" The Phillies lady nodded approvingly. Others looked at us like "WHO ARE THOSE GUYS!!"

Then, Soriano and FLop killed all the good will by striking out. Jose Vidro, would pinch hit for my LEAST FAVORITE PLAYER, Damian Jackson. Batting righthanded, Jose would HAMMER a 1-0 pitch to left center that LOOKED LIKE IT WAS OUT ALL THE WAY!! It hit the VERY TOP OF THE FENCE, bounced straight up, and landed back on the field, Vidro chugging into second for a 2 out double. WE STILL HAD A CHANCE.

Nick Johnson at the plate, struggling at the plate lately--And Nick just could not get it done, striking out on 4 pitches to end the game. We lost, but considering how far we were down, how quickly the Nats came back, how much CRAP Sohna and I were getting, and then able to turn the tables on Philadelphia FANS. It was really a great day at the ballpark.

And, it was all CAPPED OFF as we stood and cheered for Vidro and Johnson as they walked off the field, heads down, thanking them for their efforts, when, out of nowhere, Frank Robinson walked up to the side of the dugout, pointed to us and thanks us for "supporting us--we really appreciate it" Sohna called over to Frank that "We're the ones that sit with your Wife and Daughter in Section 320" Frank responded--"Oh, I know who you two are!! Thanks--I really appreciate it!!" And he dropped his head back down into the dugout.

You could hear the creak of jaws dropping among the Phillie Fans still in our section. SOHNA AND I WERE WALKING ON WATER NOW--at least to Philadelphia Fans. No ONE. And I mean NO ONE--bothered us as we excited the stadium to drive home. Even cranky Phillie fans were sober enough to realize that Frank Robinson had acknowledged us, and knew who we were.

I would call that a GOOD DAY!!

Citizens Bank Park

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The African Queen and I were in Philadelphia last night, continuing my birthday weekend celebration, attending the Nationals/Phillies Game at Citizens Bank Park. Sohna's Brother is a Financial Manager for Citizens Bank. He was able to setup some PRIMO SEATS as another Birthday Present for me.

Although surrounded in a Stadium District for all the Philadelphia Pro Sports Franchises, Citizens Bank Park is actually quite an attractive addition for South Philadelphia. With a nice view of the Philadelphia Skyline some distance away. What Sohna and I really enjoyed was the beautiful sightlines from ANYWHERE in the Ballpark. And, when Stan Kasten is talking about WIDE CONCOURSE WALKWAYS and the ability to see the field from all concession stands. THIS STADIUM IS THE MODEL!

As you walk around the park, the entire concourse is open, and the stadium has these terrific standing room areas around behind the seating area, but in front of all the concessions, with elbow high resting places to place your food, so you can enjoy your meal, standing, while still watching the game. We were quite impressed with the attention in ease of use by fans.

We also love the music played throughout the game, good beats, timely, but not BLOWING YOUR EARS AWAY--like at RFK. And the music was NOT PLAYED during every lull in the action of the field. We appreciated that tremendously. I don't need to be told what to do, sing or watch every moment I am in a baseball park.

But, after attending virtually every single Nationals Home Game at RFK Stadium, I don't want to hear ANYBODY BITCH about the Nationals Game Presentation and our Fans. Citizens Bank Park is a MORGUE!! Sohna and I have never been to a park that had SO LITTLE FAN PARTICIPATION!! We met another couple, down from Boston (obvious RED SOX FANS) and they could not believe how NO ONE was into the game.

The Phillies Fans barely got up during the 7th inning Stretch to sing "TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME". And, if it wasn't for The Phillie Phanatic, there would have been NO NOISE in the stadium.

At RFK, we have the NAT PACK, Screech, FAN PARTICIPATION Q & A, More Screech, THE PRESIDENTIAL BOBBLEHEAD RACE, 5th Inning Safeway T-SHIRT Lauch, 7th Inning Stretch followed by the 'JUMPING UP AND DOWN SONG", Capitol Shuffle, XM JAM, KISS CAM, etc. And, even when the Nats are behind, Washington Fans are still cheering on the team. And actively getting involved.

Citizens Bank Park has the KissCam, Phillie Bobblehead race on Video, SEPTA TRAIN RACE on Video, and their version of XM JAM, but everyone just sat on their hands, waiting for someone else to do something. IT REALLY SUCKED!!

I don't think I am underemphasizing how bad the IN GAME EXPERIENCE was in Philadelphia.



Of course the Nats jumped off to a 6-0 lead (which made the Phillie Fans restless), thanks to a TITANTIC LEAD OFF HOME RUN by THE AFRICAN QUEEN's main love, Alfonso Soriano, on the 3rd pitch of the game off Brett Myers. The 451 foot shot, travelled to deep centerfield and landed in Ashburn Alley and the Phillies Hall of Fame. And, a full count line shot 2 run homer by Ryan Zimmerman, the 3rd batter of the game, following a Felipe Lopez single to quickly make it 3-0.

As Sohna and I stood to cheer in our special box for the Night, the verbal assault began from the Phillie Faithful. First--"F-You you TRADER!! YOU'RE A TRADER!! TRADER!! GET YOUR FACES OUT OF THIS STADIUM" Sohna and I actually laughed at him for that one--he was plastered and there was not even 1 out in the first inning and 7:15pm.

In the second, Z would strike again after a Soriano single, Lopez walk, when he ROPED a full count pitch down the left field line, scoring 2 and putting the Nats up 5-0. We both cheered MIGHTILY, to then see a 9 Years old kid, in the box over to our right, wearing a Phillies Outfit, WITH HIS MOTHER AND FATHER, REPEATEDLY YELL AT US FOR THE NEARLY THE REST OF THE GAME--"WASHINGTON SUCKS!!!,, WASHINGTON SUCKS!!" This kid was relentless and his parents did nothing to quell the behavior. I was fully expecting this kid, and the drunk guy to the left, to walk out of their suite and come down to ours to continue the abuse.

Eventually, another parent in a 3rd suite, also attending with both his youngsters, would personally go over to the Parents of the kid and tell them to show some respect. The Good Guy then came over to apologize for the abuse from that family. We told him we were from DC and were celebrating my Birthday, thanks to a relative. We offered him a couple of cocktails and his kids came over for some munchies. Made for a much more pleasant night.

Zimmerman would eventually cap a early career high 5 RBI when FLop would double JUST OVER Phillies Centerfielder Aaron Rowand and Z would plate Felipe with a bloop single to right.



Tony Armas though would, despite the big lead, not be agressive around the plate. Tony is a frustrating pitcher to watch. He never shows enough confidence in his stuff. Rarely throws a first pitch strike. And, it cost him in the 6th, when he got in serious trouble.



Chase Utley ( who I like alot) would lead off with a walk on 4 straight pitches. Amazingly, Ryan Howard would strike out looking of a 2-2 count. But Pat Burrell, looking for a fastball all the way--would first pitch slam a liner right down the left field line. The ball caromed around the corner, moving toward center, before Alfonso could track it down. Utley scoring easily. Burrell stopping at second. Rowand would hit a high chopper to Z at third, Ryan had no play and Burrell advanced to 3rd base. Armas was seriously struggling, but once again, Frank Robinson did not take him out. And it costs the Nats BIG TIME, when Mike Lieberthal, honored as the game began for setting a Phillies record by catching in his 1,125 game, would step to the plate and hammer a fastball well over centerfielder Alex Escobar for a bases clearing double to make it 6-3.
And, just like that, Philadelphia was back into it. The Crowd into it for the first time tonight.

Frank would then replace Armas with Saul Rivera, who probably pitched his most important innings of the season. Striking out Abraham Nunez and pinch hitter Danny Sandoval on a pop to Z to end the threat, leaving the Nats in the lead. Saul would then get through the 7th after a leadoff walk to Jimmy Rollins by Striking Out David Delucci, Chase Utley and, surprisingly, getting Ryan Howard to ground to Nick Johnson at first.

I had yet to be impressed with Rivera, until last night, he was pounding some fastballs, agressive with the always dangerous Ryan Howard. Saul did a very nice job.

Only to see Jon Rauch, once again, get too comfortable on the mound, and give up a full count, 2 outs, fastball home run to Lieberthal--to make it 6-4. Rauch, who I have noted, gives up way too many home runs--seems to lose concentration at times--AND ITS ALWAYS COSTLY. Can't wait for Luis Ayala to return.

Chad Cordero came on in the 9th to close it out for his 23rd save. Sohna and I loved watching the Nats celebrate on the field after the win.

We thoroughly enjoyed our night a Citizens Bank Park. Loved the Stadium, but we missed all the excitement and fun provided by everyone at RFK Stadium. We have it better than you could possibly expect.

MY BEST FRIEND!! MAKES MY DAY!!

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He showed up, RIGHT AS THE GAME BEGAN!!-Pointing and Chirping, rotating his little belly--shaking his head, pointing that claw--RIGHT AT ME! As most people know, Screech and I have a long history, since early in the Inaugural Season. And as that relationship developed, there has not been a SINGLE TIME, NOT ONCE, that myself and the Section 320 FAITHFUL have not SCREAMED HIS NAME (sometimes followed by "DOWN IN FRONT")--Whenever he moved in or around our portion of RFK Stadium. We've even asked Screech to drive us home in the ScreechMobile ZipCar (That's not happened yet, figuring Screech doesn't have a Drivers License).

And he's been GREAT!! Getting into the spirit of the fun we all have, EVERY SINGLE GAME (WIN OR LOSE) in SECTION 320. And it HILARIOUS to see Screech bend down, almost walking on his hands and feet trying to move through our area without blocking the view. He's become a GREAT FRIEND, for not only me, but everyone else surrounding us.

Screech learned some time ago--that I was SCREECH'SBESTFRIEND (and for a very good reason as I previously blogged), and he got a big kick out of it. Even reads the blog, when he has the chance. Its amazing how you can communicate with someone without a voicebox.

But, Today--SCREECH HIT THE GRAND SLAM!! In honor of my 47th Birthday, Screech stopped by to wish me a Happy Birthday and presented me with a FABULOUS GIFT!! A Signed Screech BobbleBelly! He even led the Chorus in Singing Happy Birthday. And paused long enough to take pictures with myself and the African Queen, before heading off on his appointed rounds.

Sohna and I were very pleased and Section 320 helped bellow out the Birthday Song in Style. Thanks Screech!! Made my Day!!





And, considering the outcome of today's 5-0 shellacing by the Atlanta Braves---It was, UNQUESTIONABLY, the highlight of the day. Our Nats just didn't compete today. And, if it was not for Alfonso Soriano throwing two TERRIFIC throws home attempting to throw out runners attempting to score, THIS GAME WAS TOTALLY FORGETTABLE!!

On a beautiful summer 84 degree day with virtually no humidity, the Nationals slept through this one, after a rousing 9-6 win last night. The Nats could only manage 1 hit off Atlanta emergency starter Oscar Villarreal, making his first start in over 3 seasons, but raising his record on the season to 9-1. Washington only managed 4 hits all day off Oscar and 3 relievers. The Bats were pretty quiet.

Although, Braves Catcher, Brian McCann would hit a solo home run in the second inning, all the real action came in the 4th when the Braves sent 7 batters to the plate against Nats Starter, Jason Bergmann, who proved, hopefully for the last time, he is just not starter material. With one out, Matt Diaz doubled down the right field line, and advanced to 3rd on a wild pitch. Ryan Langerhans would walk, followed by a Villarreal sacrifice bunt, moving Langerhans to 2nd, but leaving Diaz at 3rd. 2 Outs-- It looked like Jason might get out of it, but then, the game fell apart.

Marcus Giles would step to the plate, and on the very first offering from Bergmann, would line a single to left, Soriano ran in on the ball, confidently, scooping up the ball with his glove hand and fired a SIDEARM HEAVE toward home. The ball arrived, just a split second late, before Brian Schneider could make the tag, Langerhans sliding to the left rear side of the plate, it was a FINE THROW, but Langerhans was safe. 3-0 Braves.

Edgar Renteria, he of 3 hits today, would then go deep into the count, 2-2, and line a single, again to left, right at Soriano. And, in a carbon copy play, Alfonso scoops up the ball and heaves it home, once again. A PERFECT THROW, that arrives a split second before Marcus Giles. Schneider catches the ball, just off the plate, to the front left side, and drags his glove hand right into the sliding GILES!! Giles knew he was out. Unfortunately, Home Plate Umpire, Ed Rapuano, thought otherwise. To the shock of virtually EVERYONE at RFK. Rapuano called Giles SAFE!! The video replays clearly showed the truth. Giles was out!! Frank Robinson, came running (well more like hobbling) out to Rapuano to argue the call--TO THE GREAT DELIGHT OF THE RFK FAITHFUL!! Finger pointing as well as FRANK could ever do!! It didn't change the umpires mind though, but it gave the Nationals Fans something to cheer about today. The Braves would close out the scoring in the 7th on another 2 out Renteria RBI single off Chris Schroeder.




It wasn't much of a game, especially after last nights raucous win. Future Hall of Famer, John Smoltz, just didn't have it on the mound last night for Atlanta, and admitted so after, but the Nats second at bats of the game, made for a MEMORABLE MOMENT. Already ahead 2-0 on a run scoring ground out by Bernie Castro and a rbi single by Alfonso Soriano, the Nats had starting pitcher Billy Traber on 2nd base and Alfonso on 1st with 1 out. Felipe Lopez (FLop) was at the plate and worked a 2-2 count from the struggling Smoltz. FLop would then get a pitch high, over the inside portion of the plate, and TURN ON IT, DRILLING THE BALL DOWN THE RIGHT FIELD LINE, about 10 feet left of the foul pole. For Whatever REASON, Third Base Coach, Tony Beasley, DID NOT SCREAM, YELL, and PROD Traber to get his BUTT moving!! Soriano and Lopez were FLYING AROUND THE BASES--Traber AMAZINGLY was standing on 3rd with Alfonso 5 feet away. Lopez hustling toward 2nd. Soriano DISGUSTED with the STUPIDITY of the play infront of him, Just stopped, Chipper Jones tagging him out at 3rd, leaving traber on the bag. AND THE RFK STADIUM CROWD BOOOOOOOOOOED TO NO END!! And deservedly so. For consecutive nights, Tony Beasley had NOT DONE HIS JOB!! Beasley does not react well to the action in front of him. He has too many jitters. Not the person a team needs as the third base coach. Too important of a position. Tony Beasley does not impress me.

Fortunately, the Nats would score 2 more runs on a Zimmerman infield single to Chipper Jones at 3rd, with Z SLIDING into 1st to avoid the tag, and Nick Johnson would clean single to right scoring FLop to make it 4-0. Traber would give most of it back in the 5th when the Nationals decided to give Atlanta 6 outs in the inning which included a Zimmerman error, and Johnson unable to track down a difficult foul ball down the right field line, that Castro should have called for and retrieved, but was hesitant to take command.

Zimmerman would fight back in the 6th by hammering a 2 run homer off Smoltz and Brian Schneider would put the game away in the 7th with , believe it or not, a 2 out, 3 run shot off Atlanta's Ken Ray, making the score 9-5. Jon Rauch would give up his 11th homer of the season, a TITANIC BLAST, by Adam LaRoche, 7 rows deep into Section 466, but would settle down to give the game to the Chief, Chad Cordero, who recorded his 22nd save of the season.

Rauch is really starting to worry me. As I have mentioned previously, he gives up too many first pitch home runs. And he did so tonight. "WOOKIE" needs to realize that just because you are the tallest player in Major League History, it doesn't mean you can overpower everyone.

The Nationals continue to struggle, and will as long as the pitching talent is mostly of the Minor League Variety. But, Sohna and I continue to enjoy attending every single game. We have alot of friends at RFK. And we can't appreciate enough the efforts today of MY BEST FRIEND--SCREECH!!

Vote For Pedro

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The crowd was standing on its feet, rhythmically clapping. A great majority of the 24,036 still in the stands, wanting to see something no one in attendance expected. Pedro Astacio stood on the mound, raising his right forearm and wiping his dripping wet forehead. The RFK Faithful continued to ROAR!!. Section 320 CHANTING "WE WANT A SHUTOUT!! WE WANT A SHUTOUT!!"

Astacio looked in for the sign from Brian Schneider. Dropping his right arm down so low it was dangling sweat on the mound from mere inches. Matt Diaz was down to his last strike. The Atlanta Braves down to their last out. Astacio reared back and threw pitch number 89 on the night. Diaz --SWING AND A MISS!! Slider on the outside corner of the plate!! And game IS OVER!! RFK STADIUM SCREAMED IN JUBILATION!! Astacio finishes off a COMPLETE GAME SHUTOUT!! 5-0 whitewash of the Braves. Bang Zoom Went the FIREWORKS!! Fans were dancing in the Aisles. You would have thought the Nationals had just made the playoffs!! The Crowd stayed for a STANDING OVATION for the Nationals as they walked off the field in triumph. Astacio nodding to the fans in thanks.

No one. And I mean NO ONE, could have expected Pedro Astacio to pitch the finest game of the 2006 season for the Nationals tonight. A two hour, one minute affair that saw Pedro throw 66 strikes, not walk a single batter, pitch a PERFECT GAME until a 2 out single by Jeff Francouer in the 5th and allow only one additional baserunner, a single in the 7th by Adam LaRoche--facing just 29 batters.

By throwing this complete game shutout, the Nationals avoided the possible embarrassment of being the first team, in the history of the game, to not have a starter pitch a complete game in a season. The Chicago Cubs are now the only team in 2006 yet to toss a complete game by a starter.

Astacio was outstanding, retiring the side in order in 7 of 9 innings. Number 34 struck out 5, only reached a 3 ball count on 2 batters. Mixed his pitches well, pitching confidently throughout the game. Not a single Braves hitter got good wood on the ball. Pedro had them fooled all night long.

As the game moved further along and the shutout continued, the crowd began to ramp up its anticipation of the possible final outcome. I can't recall a game in quite some time that no one seemed to leave the park early. And the 2 hour playing time certainty didn't hurt. Sohna and I made it home in Springfield by 9:45pm. The game started at 7:05PM The crowds approval at the end made the wait worthwhile for every Nats fans in attendance. And shut down the TOMAHAWK Chop for the entire night.

To help along Pedro, the Nationals received a couple of clutch base hits with runners in scoring position, a sacrifice fly and, for once, a terrible fielding play--this time by Atlanta--leading to 2 additional Washington runs.

Bernie Castro continued to show promise as an igniter of the offense. In the second with 2 out and nobody on, Alex Escobar would beat out an infield single to 3rd that Chipper Jones really didn't have a play on. Schneider would then ground a single into the hole between 1st and 2nd moving Escobar to third. Castro stepped to the plate, and realizing the Braves were playing deep, laid down a perfect, first pitch bunt between pitcher Lance Cormier and Braves first baseman LaRoche. Marcus Giles gave up on the play, seeing Castro BURN HIS WAY DOWN THE LINE!. Escobar scored easily to make it 1-0 Nats. There could not be many, IF ANY, faster runners in the game than Bernie Castro. THAT GUY CAN FLY!! AMAZING SPEED RIGHT FROM THE GET GO!!

The RFK Stadium crowd applauded its approval of, not only a DECENT BUNT, but a GUTSY ONE with 2 outs. A very nice surprise. Castro has potential to be a game changer, but on a much smaller level than Alfonso Soriano.

The Nats would actually put the game out of reach in the 3rd, but not without a bizarre play involving Felipe Lopez (FLop). Soriano led off with a soft liner to center for a single. Lopez would work a 2-2 count, and with Soriano running, would hit a softly hit grounder deep into the hole at 2nd. Soriano was going to easily make second, Marcus Giles hustled all the way to eventually pick up the ball on the outfield grass. FLop believing it was an easy single was just jogging down the line. Giles, seeing he could still get FLop, hurried his throw, as Lopez speeded up. A good throw would have had him, but the throw went wide of LaRoche and down toward the Braves first base dugout. Soriano looked around at second, and did not see 3rd base coach Tony Beasley waving him on to third, but Alfonso seeing the play develop was smart enough to jog to 3rd. In the meantime, first base coach, Davey Lopes, NEVER ONCE, told Lopez that the ball got past LaRoche. It actually appeared that FLop thought he was out as he rounded first base and stopped, briefly, between 1st and 2nd, until realizing the ball was still in play. Seeing Braves Catcher Brian McCann setting to fire the ball to 2nd to throw him out, Lopez speeded up again, barely beating the throw at second.

It was just an amazing sequence of fundamental incompetence, on the part of 2 coaches and FLop. SenatorNat and I discussed this for about 10 minutes in Section 320. Very few Nationals seem to be able to accomplish the basics. Felipe just doesn't seem to have his head in the game--like ever!!

With runners on 2nd and 3rd, no outs, Ryan Zimmerman would come to the plate (and not having a good night) and strike out for the second of 3 times tonight. Atlanta would intentionally walk Nick Johnson, setting up the force play, to bring up the struggling Austin Kearns. Kearns would oblige the Braves by hitting a perfect slow rolling double play grounder to shortstop Tony Pena. Pena COMPLETELY MISSED on the charging pickup, the ball rolling into left field, Soriano and FLop scored. Johnson to 3rd. Austin safe at 1st. 3-0 Nats. Escobar would get Johnson home with a deep enough fly to right that Jeff Francouer threw up the line as Johnson scored Washington's 4th run.

Another interesting Note about this inning, was that SCREECH was visiting around our section during this rally. As Kearns was batting and about to swing on the decisive error of the night, Screech wanted to move from 320 down toward 319. As he walked, MY MAIN MAN!! POLITELY GOT "DOWN IN FRONT" No one else noticed, but it cracked me up something awful!! After the 2 runs scored Screech jumped on top of the railing in front of 320 and put on his show. It was great.

Screech its OK to walk through Section 320 during game action. JUST DON"T STOP. I love you nonetheless. I really did appreciate your attentiveness to the action though. THANKS!!

The Nats would close out the scoring in the 5th when Johnson walked with 1 out and Austin Kearns drilled a deep liner to the left centerfield wall that Matt Diaz eventually tracked down, Johnson running all the way ( and running as if he's pulling a tractor load behind him--the guy seems to run in perpetual motion, knees completely locked up) and was able to beat the relay throw from Pena to McCann with his usual awkward slide somehow ending up completely on his stomach sliding backwards across the plate. But you just got to love his hustle. Johnson never gives up on a play, EVER!!

Not often that National Fans get to enjoy a no doubter. Although the Chief, Chad Cordero, was warming up in the 9th, this one was ASTACIO ALL THE WAY!!!. Good pitching, defense and timely hitting always wins. We just don't have enough of it. But WE DID TONIGHT. FUN NIGHT AT THE BALLPARK!!

Thank you---PEDRO ASTACIO.