Ladies Night--June 5th, 2008

The Women started lining up well before the 5PM Start Time and they just kept on coming. Ladies Night at New Nationals Park was in full swing near The Grand Staircase located at 1st & Potomac SE. This was Thursday Evening, June 5th, 2008. Over 500 ladies on hand to celebrate the great game of baseball--together.

And The African Queen posting up to enjoy some fun with like minded women from throughout the Washington, DC Area. Joined by our neighbor in Section 218--Charlene--these ladies were ready for some action.
"How can WE GET IN THERE!!"-stated one man as he walked past the security enclosed tent with his male companions. "That place is hopping!!." The Guard responding: "Sorry guys, Ladies Night--Women Only." The Guys dejectedly walking away--while looking back over their shoulders at what they were missing.

They well knew--This Party Had It Going!!



And when your fingernails can become Curly "W" Promotional Items--what's not to like about that. This affair was all about Baseball--from a woman's point of view. These folks were having fun. Women of all ages gathering to share their love of the game. Nothing wrong with that.







Wine Tastings, Food Samplings, Honest Ade Teas, Massages, Nail Polishing, Mary Kay Cosmetics and Slumber Parties Inc--20 vendors in all--offering up their services to the ladies.




Of course My Best Friend!! Screech!! showed up to get the dancing rolling--along with Our Racing Presidents--sending the party into overdrive.


Later--four players for Our Washington Nationals joined the fun--signing autographs and taking pictures with everyone on hand.

And as usual--Luis Ayala was in a jovial mood. Always looking for fun--Our Number 56 went for a picture with The African Queen and followed up with a massage. A free service offered this evening by The Potomac Massage Training Institute. Luis looks like he is enjoying the moment--doesn't he?

Actor Ricardo Antonio Chavira from Desperate Housewives fame was a special guest.



As well as, The Savvy Girls of Summer also on hand--selling their best selling book--"It Takes More Than Balls" and autographing copies for anyone wishing.


And Of Course--Dwayne Herndon was also there with his staff of Noah's Pretzels offering up his Curly "W" Food Concession. This time with a slightly woman's twist. Pink Curly "W" Pretzels. The Noah's Folks--they are quite fun and always get into the spirit of the event.

Once again--Our Friend Janet was a lucky winner of a nice giveaway prize. The Past Winner of a Ryan Langerhans Jersey on "Shirts Off Their Back" Day--Janet this time won a very nice beaded necklace with matching earrings. She was quite happy.

Sohna had a great time and unquestionably--many others in attendance shared the same feelings. Taking a different approach--Our Washington Nationals are attempting to reach a diverse part of their fan base. Ladies Night was a pretty successful affair.


And this party did not end at Game Time-- continuing on--in Sections 240 through 243 inside New Nationals Park. The group cheered on Our Washington Nationals eventual 10-9 victory over The St. Louis Cardinals. If you missed out on this event don't worry. There will be a second chance for you and everyone else. August 14th, 2008--is the second scheduled Ladies Night at New Nationals Park for 2008. A Thursday Night Home Game against The New York Mets.

PS--Also Our Washington Nationals announced at Ladies Night--the "Baseball 101 For Women" date for 2008 is set for Saturday, June 28. For $85, any woman wishing to be instructed on baseball fundamentals by Washington's Coaches and Staff--are invited to New Nationals Park that morning. Not only will baseball skills be taught, but a buffet lunch will follow along with a special guest appearance of a player for Our Washington Nationals and his spouse. They will discuss their lives dealing with baseball and family. Included in the cost of admission are two tickets to that night's home game versus The Baltimore Orioles--Mezzanine Seats.

How Do You Like Me Now?!

Aaron Boone tightly held Elijah Dukes in Celebration. Truly happy for his teammate. Team President Stan Kasten was TRIUMPHANTLY thrusting his fist in the air. Our General Manager Jim Bowden and his Front Office Staff were High Fiving in his Private Suite. And while Our Players were dancing all over the field along with Our Fans in the stands--Our Manager Manny Acta stood clapping--like a Proud Father--watching his young reach far above and beyond--early expectations. Yes, on the very day Our Washington Nationals looked to the future with The 2008 Major League Baseball Entry Draft--a 23 Year Old--already on Our Team--displayed the promise so many believe he possesses.

How fitting the game winning song played at New Nationals Park is always "How Do You Like Me Now?!"

What a performance by Our Number 34 this evening. Talented, troubled, watched closely, criticized and looking to turn his life around--Elijah Dukes displayed tonight what every single baseball scout in America has drooled about. He can be The Difference Maker, The Game Changer. The Force On The Baseball Diamond. A Feared Big League Player.

And Did Our Washington Nationals EVER NEED HIM TONIGHT. Nearly singlehandedly, Elijah Dukes prevented this game, and this day from becoming an embarrassing doubleheader loss.

After losing Game One 4-1 in a listless affair.

A Seven Run Lead--Was Lost by Washington in Game Two.

A Two Run, Two Out--Top of the 9th Lead--Lost by Washington in Game Two.

A Sure Win--Seemingly Lost by Washington--in the top of the 10th in Game Two.

The St. Louis Cardinals now swooping in for A Season Series Sweep in Game Two.

A WILD ONE playing out at New Nationals Park. One of those games--where "He who bats last--wins."

For all his publicity, and all his past problems--no one can ever say Elijah Dukes does not give his all on the baseball field. That man hustles every single play. EVERY SINGLE ONE. Never does he appear to give up. I like that. A lot.

Already this evening--Our Number 34 had tripled, singled twice, knocked in two runs, scored two runs and made one seriously nice catch on a sinking liner to rightfield. Directly accountable for four of Washington's 8 runs heading to the bottom of the 10th--Dukes now found himself facing Ryan Franklin with nobody out and "The Guz" standing on first base. Down 9-8, Elijah was looking for a pitch to drive.

Not hitting the ball well early this season--Dukes has shown some patience at the plate over the past few weeks. Drawing key walks to continue rallies--Our Number 34 has shown an ever growing confidence to hit Major League Pitching. Now facing the journeyman in Franklin--Elijah did not give in to pressure. Nor did he get himself out. Taking a two strike fastball for ball two and fouling off an off speed pitch to stay alive--Dukes showed the savvy of a veteran--when he waited for Franklin to make a mistake.

The Game Deciding Moment which happened on the sixth and last pitch of this Amazing At-Bat. What was left of the 32,357 were mostly on their feet, arguably half of whom were St. Louis Fans cheering on their Cardinals to finish off a supposed come from behind victory. Their feel good moment quickly turning to disappointment--when Dukes HAMMERED Ryan Franklin's Fastball and CLUBBED IT DEEP OVER THE CENTERFIELD WALL. A drive smacked so hard--not a sole on the premises DID NOT REALIZE--THIS GAME WAS OVER!! LIKE NOW--setting off a frenzy on the field and in the stands.

Did Elijah Dukes EVER CRUSH THAT BALL!! What a Shot!!

As Washington's Fans and Team Personnel at New Nationals Park rejoiced under The Bang!! Zoom!! Of The Fireworks!!--Elijah Dukes knew he had decided the outcome and saved this game. And when he thumped his chest in delight--seconds after the baseball left his powerful bat--you had to wonder whether Our Number 34 was telling the Baseball World: How Do You Like Me Now?!"

Curly "W" Number 25 was a feel good moment for Our Fans, Our Team and a Young Man looking to right himself on the field of play and in life itself. Running into Our General Manger Jim Bowden immediately after the game--I said to him: "That's the Elijah Dukes I WANT TO SEE!!" JimBo--shaking hands and smiling broadly responded "You got that right!!"

You Better Believe It.

Game Notes & Highlights

Its a good thing Dukes played Superman this evening--for if not for Elijah--June 5th 2008 would have ended with a mighty sour taste in the mouth for Washington. Game One of this Day-Night Doubleheader was an uneventful loss to St. Louis. The third in a row and 5th straight to The Cardinals in 2008. Home Runs by Troy Glaus and Albert Pujols sent Our Washington Nationals down in a pedestrian 4-1 defeat. The sight of John Lannan picking off The Cardinals' Brian Barton at first base--then Washington allowing Barton to return safely to first in the pursuant rundown--set the tone for Game One. A loss never really in doubt.

A defeat that not many watching Game Two on Ryan Zimmerman Bobblehead Night felt was possible by Our Washington Nationals. On the backs of not only Dukes, but Cristian Guzman, Aaron Boone and Kory Casto (14 hits among them)--Washington built a seven run lead after three innings. The makings of a laughter. Only to see St. Louis laugh right back. Especially after Our Starter Tim Redding was mostly ineffective and eventually gave up a two out, three run homer to The Cardinals Pitcher--Mark Worrell. A clubbed shot into the leftfield bleachers for his FIRST MAJOR LEAGUE HIT--His First Major League Home Run--ON HIS VERY FIRST MAJOR LEAGUE AT-BAT!! Hall of Fame Material--Buddy Boy. Mark Worrell better retire right now--as a hitter. Not going to get much better than that. The HUGE CELEBRATION in the St.Louis Dugout had brought The Cardinals within two--the score now standing at 8-6 after six innings.

A victory still in the hands of Washington, especially after Big Jon Rauch struck out the dangerous Albert Pujols for out number two in the top of the 9th. Down to their last out, St. Louis got the best of "The Wookie" when Skip Schumaker tripled off the centerfield wall scoring Brendan Bryan and the pesky Aaron Miles slapped an infield single that "The Guz" really had no play on--scoring Schumaker with the game tying run and handing Our Number 51 a blown save--sending this game into extra innings. An affair that seemed all but lost after Brian Sanches allowed The Cardinals Joe Mather to take him deep and over the left field wall for a home run and 9-8 lead in the 10th. The game winning stroke, until Elijah Dukes turned this game around--for good.

"The Guz" continued his hot hitting ways. Six hits in the two games this day--raising his average to .310. Kory Casto looks nothing like the overmatched rookie of 2007. Our Number 5 playing a solid third base and provided key blows at the plate over his first few games. This evening, his first three hit game of his brief Major League Career. Like Dukes taking advantage of the opportunity to play in the wake of another's injury--Casto is getting his shot to find out whether he belongs in The Big Leagues or not--with Ryan Zimmerman now sidelined.

What a hot and humid day at the ballpark. For the first time all season--SUMMER ARRIVED. Was it ever muggy. The winds not moving and baseballs flying all over the park. Any baseball hit up in the air--had distance. Nothing cheap about any of the long balls this day.




Finally--before tonight's Game Two--Sohna attended The Ladies Night Pre-Game Festivites located under a special tent at 1st Street & Potomac Avenue, SE. Over 500 ladies participated in this promotion to get women more involved in the game.


Much more coming later on Nats320 on this well attended event. Here are a few pictures to sample the fun of the party. It's safe to say--many had a very good time. Dancing, wine tastings, food, massages, books signings and appearances by four players of Our Washington Nationals--among the many choices available for the ladies this Thursday night.




Tonight's InGame Photo--(AP) Nick Wass
All other photos--Nats320

Getting That Green On--Despite The Rain Out

Yeah, the game was canceled. Our Washington Nationals and The St. Louis Cardinals will make up the game tomorrow (Thursday afternoon) at 1:10PM. The First Day-Night Doubleheader in New Nationals Park's History. Of course, making that 1:10PM start Thursday is a little problematic. Real Work comes to mind that just might interfere. So, we shall see--playing it by ear.
But, the torrential downpours and lightning didn't take away the fun Sohna and I had--Getting Our Green On. Dressed appropriately for the occasion--we sported Our Green Nationals Tees and Green Caps with RED Curly "W"'s. Teddy got really excited upon seeing The African Queen wearing matching Green--insisting on taking a picture.

And we found out--many others had done the same.

Not only was The Centerfield Gate emblazoned with a Green Carpet.

5000 Fans riding Metro received "Green" Metro Farecards of $2.35.
The NatPack & Clint & The Presidents Wore Green.
So Did My Best Friend!! SCREEECH!!

Even The Ushers wore Green Curly "W" Caps.
But no one beat Tom--Our Washington Nationals Event Coordinator--who wore ONE WILD!! Green Combination Suit. I mean, this thing was OUTRAGEOUS--in a good way. I swear, even in a power outage, those threads would GLARE!! What a SUIT!!

Throughout the evening--The African Queen and I had good time--with everyone else wearing Green. Really it was fun. Folks were having a good time with it.

And since tonight's game was washed out--we will all have the chance to do it all over again. A do-over, as Our Washington Nationals have RESCHEDULED "Get Your Green On" for this coming Monday Night, June 9th when The San Francisco Giants are in DC. So you have another chance to participate--five days from now.

Walking around New Nationals Park tonight during the Rain Delay and subsequent cancellation--the number of people that came up to Sohna and I inquiring about Our Green Caps with RED Curly "W" emblazoned--was stunning. Two guys--at separate times--offered to buy them from us. Our Washington Nationals where selling a White Curly "W" Version in the Team Stores--but for some reason, The Red Curly "W" worn on our heads was attracting attention. Strange actually. For the record--we bought them at Target some time ago around St. Patrick's Day.
Finally--Sohna and I were stopped by Tige tonight. He mentioned that his wife, Elizabeth reads Nats320 regularly. So--as a surprise--The African Queen and I took a picture with Tige for tonight's post. His wife has no idea--until she reads about the moment here. Elizabeth--thanks for reading. Sohna and I appreciate it.

Ladies Night Location Switch

Our Washington Nationals announced late this morning that the location for Thursday's Ladies Night Promotion has been moved. First scheduled for the Upper Deck of Garage B, now everyone will be invited to a special tent located below The Grand Staircase and in front of the First Base Entrance to New Nationals Park--1st & Potomac Streets SE.

For those who may not be aware--this second Ladies Night includes a Pre-Game Party, Book Signing, Drinks, Foods and samples from a host of vendors. The idea being to help build the fan base for Our Washington Nationals and give woman a chance to express themselves in the game. $30 Ticket includes entrance to the festivities and ticket to the game. The entire group will sit as one under The HDTV Scoreboard in right field.

The African Queen has purchased a ticket to attend.

Here are the details from the teams' release:

The Ladies Night Pre-game Happy Hour has been relocated to the Grand Plaza at the corner of 1st & Potomac Avenues (outside of the first base gate) under the tent. Look for the pink signs with the Ladies Night Logo.

Happy Hour is from 5-7pm and will include music by DJ Chris Styles, Nationals Player appearances, special guest appearance by Gabrielle Union and actor Ricardo Chavira (Desperate Housewives), Savvy Girls book sales & signing, 15 minute massages, manicures, samples, beer/wine/food tasting, demonstrations, games, and much more. Be sure to get here early to take full advantage! Your specially priced game ticket will admit you to Happy Hour. Please be sure to have it with you for entry.

Tickets are still available at www.nationals.com/ladiesnight – bring your friends! Go to www.nationals.com/waytogo for parking and directions.

Threatening Skies, Non Threatening Performance

Sorry for the late post. When the game ended early this morning--Sohna and I noticed a good friend of ours who works at New Nationals Park stranded without a way home. So, without thinking twice--we drove this nice man home--near the DC/Maryland Border. Arriving at our home at nearly 2AM--there was no way the gamer was going to be completed by early this morning--especially with Barack and Hillary both speaking in DC this morning at 10 AM. NO--NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.

Reminder--Lot 7 Tonight for Nats Express. DC United is playing at RFK as Lot 8 is being used by their fans.

There was only one memory worth saving from last night's sloppy and rainy affair at New Nationals Park--because this game should have never started. But, at least this moment was a good one.

With Cesar Itzturas of The St. Louis Cardinals off and running from first base on a hit and run--Brian Barton (the man with the great dreadlocks under his batting helmet) lofted a liner to right field in the top of the second inning. Our Washington Nationals Kory Casto charged in and caught the baseball. Having plenty of time to throw to first base--Casto tossed his own liner to Dmitri Young at first base. As Home Plate Umpire Dana DeMuth ran down the first base line to cover the call--Odalis Perez was sauntering over toward first--to supposedly back up the throw. But really, was just watching the action develop before him--not realizing he was soon to become The Center of the Action.

Not paying attention to DeMuth charging to first--Odalis Perez blindsided DeMuth and sent the umpire sprawling. As Young caught the baseball well before Itzturas returned to the bag--Dana proceeded to somersault on the white chalk line--flipping over, losing his balance, and WHILE STILL ROLLING AND ATTEMPTING TO RIGHT HIMSELF--all in one motion--SIGNALED THE OUT CALL!!--Flamboyantly with his right arm.

A Defensive Play of The Game made special by the quick reactions and recovery by Home Plate Umpire Dana DeMuth. DeMuth, Dmitri Young and Odalis Perez LAUGHING afterwards. That was great stuff--thanks to a heads up play by Dana DeMuth. Too Bad Our Washington Nationals couldn't provide more fun throughout this dreary evening.

Because that moment was just about the only heads up play by Our Washington Nationals in nine elongated innings. While the skies threatened all night to end this game early--Washington provided no threat whatsoever for St. Louis. The rains came, again and again and again. So much so--by the time this scheduled affair was actually completed--"Friends & Family Status" had been reached in the stands. If there were 250 people left at New Nationals Park--I would be surprised.

The rain began moments after the singing of The National Anthem, torrential at times in the very first inning. Yet, for some reason, the game was not delayed. The conditions providing an incredibly sloppy and poorly played top of the first inning by Washington. A Key Error by FLop and a badly played liner to left by Ryan Langerhans opened up the floodgates to a four run inning by St. Louis--capped off by a Three Run Homer to left by Yadier Molina. 4-0 Cardinals, before most anyone had returned to their ticketed seat.

And these downpours did not stop throughout most of the night. A first game stoppage of 1 Hour & 51 Minutes, then a second rain delay just 16 minutes after first one ended. Not only were Our Washington Nationals never in this affair--neither were Our Fans. Hardly anyone remaining for the 12:19AM end time. No real reason to stay--The St. Louis Cardinals had threatened. The Skies had threatened. Our Washington Nationals had never posed a threat. The Cardinals even stealing home plate on a double steal in the 4th.

Final score from just dreary New Nationals Park--The St. Louis Cardinals 6 and Our Washington Nationals 1. The first time in memory--a late night wet and rainy Home Game had not ended in dramatic fashion. It's night like these--we always stay to the end. You never now what might happen. For some reason though, The Baseball Gods decided there would be no miracles tonight for those few fans that went the distance. Too bad.

Game Notes & Highlights

How fitting that before and after the end of the first rain delay--"The Human Rain Delay" himself was on the mound for Our Washington Nationals. Jesus Colome actually throwing some SMOKE with the wet baseball. Not overly effective but twice reaching 97 on the radar gun. Jesus Flores' Mitt was POPPING. With the thin crowd still on hand--the sound could be heard throughout the park.

FLop is returning to is mind boggling form. Poorly playing a easy double play 1-4-3 relay at second in the very inning, Felipe Lopez not only did not catch the baseball from Odalis Perez--but did not even have his foot on the bag to record the out--even if the ball had stayed in his mitt. Later, FLop decided NOT to run out two recorded outs. Sorry Felipe, not playing well can be understandable at times. Not giving 100% is NEVER acceptable. No Not Ever.

Tonight, The African Queen and I spent a lot of time in The Stars & Stripes Club--staying dry. But, the sight of Little Abby finally giving in to necessary sleep at the end of the second rain delay--great to witness and photograph. Even her dad, Mike--always in tow, was popping the pictures for posterity sake.

Just before the first stoppage in play, I headed upstairs after noticing EVERYONE hanging under the small lip of the Upper Infield Gallery--trying to stay dry. These folks were getting drenched in the rain. There is no place to hide upstairs. Like NONE.



Finally--after the final rain delay--Sohna and I had THE ENTIRE SECTION 218 to ourselves. Club Level was VACANT--except for a handful of die hards. And it paid off--when during the 9th inning--two consecutive foul balls headed our way. Having not caught one baseball all season--Sohna and I retrieved two in less than five minutes. With not alot of competition you understand--picking them up off the concrete floor was not a problem.

We like the 2008 Inaugural Nationals Park Logo on the Official Game Ball. Why do Our Washington Nationals NOT SELL this exact same ball in the gift shops? Seems like a no brainer as a collectible.

Get Your Green On

Free Metro Fares for the ride home is a good enough reason for me. 5000 Metro users arriving at The Navy Yard Station for tomorrow night's (Wednesday June 4th) game between Our Washington Nationals and The St. Louis Cardinals will receive a loaded farecard for the return trip home.

This promotion is conjunction with The Discovery Channel new channel called "Planet Green"--programming covering an eco-lifestyle. All fans are encouraged to wear Green and through the ballgame random fans will be chosen to receive gifts--just for wearing GREEN.

Emeril Lagasse will start tomorrow night's ball game by shouting out: "Washington Let's Play Ball!!. The famous Chef has a new show on Planet Green called Emeril Green. So, do you think we can get Emeril & Charlie Together. One saying "BAM!!" for the home run. Charlie with the "Bang Zoom!!"

More details in the Official Team Press Release below.

Washington Nationals and Planet Green Present “Get Your Green On” At Nationals Park on Wednesday, June 4

WHAT: The Washington Nationals have partnered with Planet Green, Discovery’s new 24-hour eco lifestyle and entertainment channel, for a “Get Your Green On” promotion on Wednesday, June 4 when the team takes on the St. Louis Cardinals.

All fans attending that evening’s game are encouraged to wear green and participate in the night’s promotion.The first 5,000 fans who exit the Navy Yard

Half Street MetroRail Station will receive a loaded farecard for their trip home.

Fans who enter the ballpark via Half Street, SE will walk up a green carpet to the
Center Field Gate. Nationals players and ushers will don green hats for the night and the Nat Pack & Racing Presidents will sport green t-shirts. Nationals fans will
benefit from “Random Acts of Greenness” throughout the game.


Planet Green will flip the switch to their new programming from Nationals Park at 6:00pm. Discovery President & CEO David Zaslav will throw out the ceremonial first pitch from the green pitching rubber. Capital Blend, an a cappella group comprised mostly of Discovery employees, will perform the National Anthem. The line-up card delivery to the green ceremonial home plate will be handled by Eileen O’Neill, Planet Green President and General Manager. Emeril Lagasse, star of Planet Green show Emeril Green, will start the game by announcing “Washington…Let’s Play Ball”.


Nationals Park is the only LEED-Certified sports venue in North America. The ballpark received LEED Silver certification on March 28, 2008.


WHEN: Wednesday, June 4

6:00pm Planet Green “Flip the Switch”

7:10pm Washington Nationals vs. St. Louis Cardinals


WHO: Washington Nationals

David Zaslav Discovery President & CEO

Eileen O’Neill Planet Green President & General Manager

Emeril Lagasse Host, Emeril Green

Memos

Memo to Ryan Zimmerman: Please--NO MORE HEAD FIRST SLIDES ANYMORE.

Memo to Nick Johnson: Sadly, I can only feel sorry for you. At times you have NO LUCK AT ALL. Today's medical update must have been pretty depressing for you--as well as me.

Memo to Our Medical Staff: Please--no longer proclaim ANY OF OUR PLAYERS are Day-To-Day, unless you know for sure.

Memo to Our Washington Nationals: All good intentions aside, if any of Our Players from here on out are injured--please don't waste any more time determining (wishing actually) everything will be alright. Today's press release sure makes it look that way. Give each and every one needing--the proper and best possible care available--immediately. Find out the problem--then get the solution--STAT.

Memo to Our Manager Manny Acta: With Kory Casto added to the Major League Roster--you now have a full squad to use in each and every game. That's a good thing. And knowing you are always positive--please keep that charismatic smile of yours going. We are going to need it.

Memo to self: Eight players all key to the 2008 season are now on The Disabled List. Injuries happen and there is nothing you can do about it. So, make the best of the situation and watch some of Our Young Washington Nationals Players grow. There is no time better than the present to preview The Future of Our Washington Nationals.

Why all these memos?

Because, late this afternoon, Our Washington Nationals announced the medical results of Ryan Zimmerman's MRI today. As depressing as that news was to hear--the unexpected and less than stellar update on Nick Johnson's health felt like a quick double punch combination to the face. Expecting the first blow to "Z" to disable him--the added concern of Our Number 24's continuing woes felt like a knock out punch.

"Z" has a small labral tear in his left, non-throwing shoulder. Rest, medicine and a possible visit to the legendary Dr. James Andrews is in the works. That can't be much of a surprise. So, let's just get Ryan Zimmerman well. He's young and talented. Plenty of good baseball left for him to play in his Major League Career. One season lost--does not ruin a career.

A livelihood which Nick Johnson continues to see slowly slipping away. Nick Johnson's tendon sheath problem in his right wrist has not healed properly--too tender still. Now, NJ's wrist has been re-cast, checkup to follow--in two weeks time. Incredible actually, that Our Number 24 continues NOT to get a good break. Really, you have to feel sorry for the guy. Nick Johnson is so deserving of better health.

And finally--memo to everyone: 2008 is shaping up to be one strange season of baseball with Our Washington Nationals. Sometimes you just have to roll with the punches--no matter how hard they hit you. Just like life itself.

Here is the Official "MEMO" From Our Washington Nationals

The Washington Nationals today announced the following medical updates for third baseman Ryan Zimmerman and first baseman Nick Johnson.

Ryan Zimmerman underwent a gadolinium enhanced MRI of his injured left, non-throwing shoulder today and was then evaluated by Dr. Benjamin Shaffer, team orthopedist. The MRI exam revealed a small labral tear. Dr. Shaffer advocated rest and anti-inflammatory medications. The Nationals are consulting with the following renowned orthopedic physicians for additional evaluations: Dr. James Andrews of Birmingham (AL), Dr. Timothy Kremchek of Cincinnati (OH) and Dr. Robert Cofield of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester (MN).

Nick Johnson's wrist was evaluated today by Dr. Benjamin Shaffer, two weeks after his injury occurred.Because of persisting tenderness of the Extensor Carpi Ulnaris tendon sheath in his right wrist, the wrist was re-casted for an additional two weeks. He will be re-evaluated on June 16, at which time rehabilitation options will be determined.

Shorthanded

If any player in Baseball comes up lame, hurt or broken--Team Management has the right to replace that player with a fresh face.

So--why do Our Washington Nationals continue to leave Our Manager Manny Acta shorthanded in most every game?

From the get go in 2008, Washington has competed with less than the 25 players available to use--most every night. No, I don't get that. These scenarios started early on--in April--with Dmitri Young's back problems, Chad Cordero's shoulder, Paul LoDuca's knee (later hand), Johnny Estrada's elbow, eventually on to Nick Johnson's wrist and has continued through Ronnie Belliard's infected finger and subsequent hamstring--then on to Austin Kearns' elbow and finally with Our Franchise Player--Ryan Zimmerman's shoulder. None were put on The Disabled List until time had passed--to the detriment of Our Team. Is "The Z-Man" next?

Considering the fact that Our Washington Nationals are struggling in nearly every offensive statistic in the game. Last in The Majors in most categories--why limit what little aggression is available at our disposal?

For the past week--Our Number 11 has sat out each and every game played on the just completed West Coast Swing. A 2 Win, 4 Loss trip--dropping Washington to 10 games below .500. What was first diagnosed, and reported, as a slight irritating shoulder strain--"nothing big"--now has aggravatingly moved from Day-To-Day to maybe "Z" will have to deal with this problem for the remainder of the year.

Say what? Have we not heard this exact same "floating" diagnosis from the medical staff in each of the previous season's since baseball's return to Washington for like every single player that has ever donned a Nationals Jersey?

OK, fine--I understand the fact--as frustrating as it may be--they are injured. And each and everyone needs to the time heal--properly.

But, why do Our Washington Nationals continue to give Our Number 14 less than a full roster of players at his disposal because someone can't go--for an extended period of time? Sorry, someone has got to know the truth. This is not a guessing game. And that makes no sense to me. If Ryan Zimmerman should be put on the Disabled List--please put him there. His absence for 14 days is not going to have an overall effect on the progress of Our Team THIS SEASON. Washington is not going anywhere this year. Why not do what's best for HIS, and OUR FUTURE, and sit him down for a required period of time?

If "Z" goes on the DL, it would disappointing. But--his extended injury is not going to drastically change the outcome of 2008.

No matter if those available down on the farm are of supposed lesser talents--or simply not ready for the Big Time--should Manny not be given a Full Fighting Chance to Win? Every single player will have their day in the sun. On any given day--anything can happen. Our Manager should not have to maneuver with a less than full compliment of players.

Shutting yourself down is one thing. Shutting yourself out of every opportunity to win is another.

Someone, Anyone, Is Always Better Than No One.

YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN--UNTIL YOU GIVE SOMEONE A CHANCE.

Many times in the first two months of 2008 and now continuing into June--Our Washington Nationals have positioned themselves where their bench players and even their closer were unavailable due to a "nagging" injury. Situations that had nothing to do with giving someone a deserved rest. Being cautious is fine. Medical conditions are sometimes difficult to determine. But this is getting painfully silly.

Hockey teams are forced to play shorthanded when a penalty is called. Soccer teams play shorthanded when a red card is waved. Both are ruled decisions. Our Washington Nationals are playing shorthanded by choice--not by a judgement on the field by an arbiter. And in doing so--are limiting Our Manager Manny Acta's skills to manage each and every game to his fullest capability.

Please JimBo--just make it happen. You know as well as I-- playing shorthanded is a huge disadvantage.

PS--My workload has been quite significant over the past week. A never ending Presidential Primary by The Democratic Party, The Scripps National Spelling Bee (which Steinberg even admits is really a great event) and the busiest weekend in some time---has made it impossible to closely watch all the games from San Diego and Phoenix of Our Washington Nationals. Considering the fact that Washington was shutout over their last 18 innings played--maybe I was more fortunate than I realized.

But you can bet--Sohna and I will be there for EVERY SINGLE GAME this coming week against The St. Louis Cardinals and The San Francisco Giants at New Nationals Park--as always.