Comedy of Errors

Old Vaudeville broke out on the field at New Nationals Park in the 8th inning tonight. Slap Stick Comedy performed so well--A Tony Award might well be awarded for it's hilarity. Unfortunately, Our Washington Nationals were playing a team that calls Hollywood one of it's homes. The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are more familiar with Oscars, not Broadway. The resultant award slapped on Our Washington Nationals this evening was just another defeat in the loss column.

You see this was no act.

Instead what played out on the big stage of The Major League Baseball Field was Our Players seeming inability to handle the routine play. Practiced precision directed poorly. Mistakes that would exasperate any director.

You had to feel sorry for Jason Bergmann tonight. He pitched a solid seven innings. Wasted.

You had to feel sorry for Willie Harris tonight. A Home Run & Triple. The igniter on offense. The scorer of Washington's two runs against The Angels. Both wasted.

You had to feel sorry for Our Fans. Having waited out a 70 minute rain delay--they were left holding their tickets to an uncompleted play.

Resetting the scene.

Washington had fought back to take a slim 2-1 lead to the top of the 8th. And Our Manager Manny Acta called on Saul Rivera to get this game into the hands of Big Jon Rauch to close it out. A curtain call that never came for Washington thanks to some very sloppy performances.

Comedy Act Number One: Facing the speedy Chone Figgins leading off the top half of the 8th--Rivera got The Los Angeles Leadoff Hitter to tap a slow roller between the mound and third base--slightly in front of the mound. Late Defensive replacement--Pete Orr--came charging in from third base. Saul from the mound. This was Orr's play all the way. Can you image ANY PLAYER for Our Washington Nationals not conceding this effort to Ryan Zimmerman under the same circumstances? It was questionable whether the speedy Figgins could have been thrown out at all. But when Our Number 52 did not give up on the rolling ball--he collided with Orr looking to barehand the baseball. Both players falling hard in a heap on the grass. Shaken, but not stirred--Saul slowly got up off the ground--and continued in this game.

Comedy Act Number Two: On Rivera's very next pitch--Figgins took off for second base in an attempted steal. Our Catcher Jesus Flores sailed the baseball on flight into centerfield. Chone to third with nobody out. The restless crowd now murmuring.

Comedy Act Number Three: With Washington looking to protect the lead, Our Infield is now playing in. Erick Aybar is now at the plate for The Angels. Saul induces a perfectly played routine grounder to FLop in on the grass. A sure out. Only to see Felipe Lopez Completely Miss The Ball--pulling his head up to look over at Figgins prancing off third--the baseball scooting right under his glove into right field. A play most any fielder will make in his sleep that allowed the tying run to score unprotected. And set off the boo birds at New Nationals Park. The audience not liking the performance.

Comedy Act Number Four: With FLop's error still fresh and the play not yet over, Elijah Dukes reacts late to the now rolling baseball on the wet outfield grass. Seeing the play develop in front of him, Aybar does not stop running--rounding first and charges toward 2nd base. Dukes finally picks up the baseball--having time to make a good, hard throw. Instead he tossed the baseball back to "The Guz" UNDERHANDED. UNDERHANDED!! The ball lofting well over Cristian Guzman's head--rolling toward third base. Erick Aybar easily safe at second.

Honestly, you had to laugh at the performance. The sounds of the upset audience during these ever continuing comedy of errors--now escalating to crescendo level. People were upset and Rightfully so.

Cat Calls which only became worse when Garret Anderson sliced a liner to centerfield off Our Number 52 scoring Aybar with the third and final run of this evening. In the time than it takes to throw 12 pitches--Our Washington Nationals had blown a lead, soured a fine performance and given away any chance of victory tonight over a very good Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Team.

Acting as Baseball Players, direction had been lost. The Play Amateurish. The Outcome Funny--In A Bad Sort Of Way.

Producing a comedy of errors in the game deciding 8th inning, Our Washington Nationals blew a winnable game this evening at New Nationals Park. Their reward, not only a loss, but the sight of The Angels celebrating a victory on Washington's Home Stage. The Curtain now falling on a performance no one rooting for Washington wanted to see.

Final Score from Wet & Comfortably Cool New Nationals Park--The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 3 and Our Washington Nationals 2.

Game Notes & Highlights

Jason Bergmann pitch a fine ball game. Seven strong innings, six strike outs, one run allowed. And that run came after he deftly shutdown a 2nd and 3rd no outs rally by The Angels in the top of the fifth. A run scoring sacrifice fly the only damage against Our Number 57 all night. He deserved so much better--like a victory. Saul Rivera nowhere near as sharp as his three inning performance last Friday night against The Rangers. Our Number 52 not only received a blown save, but the loss this evening.

Willie Harris was a one man offense tonight for Washington. He HAMMERED a John Lackey Pitch deep over the right centerfield wall in the bottom of the 4th. His second home run in consecutive days. His 4th Home Run of 2008 (three more than Wily Mo Pena). Then, in the bottom of the 7th--Our Number 1 hammered another Lackey pitch to right center--this to the wall. The speedy Harris ran hard all the way--easily stopping at third base with a triple. A crowd pleasing jaunt that got even better when Pinch Hitter Paul LoDuca lines a screamer right back to the box. John Lackey--reacting only--makes a nice catch. Only to blow open the play by attempting an off balance throw over to Aybar at third base in an attempt to double off Willie Harris. Bad mistake, poor decision--that found Lackey tossing the baseball past Aybar. The fast moving Harris charging home--safe for Washington's 2nd and eventual final run of the night.

To bad--Harris couldn't do it all tonight. In the bottom of the 9th, with Ronnie Belliard on 2nd base with two outs--Our Number 1 was attempting to work the count against The Great Francisco Rodriguez--The Angels Closer. K-Rod was not overly sharp and was bouncing many of his pitches in the dirt in front of home plate. Just when you thought Washington might come back one final time--Rodriguez didn't give in and struck out Willie Harris on an off speed pitch in over his knees. Game Over.

Speaking of K-Rod, I had never seen him pitch before in person. His intensity level is quite energetic. From the moment he receives the baseball in his mitt--he's appears to be talking to himself, encouraging himself and just plain getting himself psyched up. So much so--he was overthrowing early on in the bottom of the 9th, then settled down for his 31st Save of 2008. 31 Saves and the season is not even HALF WAY OVER!! What A Pitcher!! That man is good.

Just like most of The Angels starting lineup. Their first seven hitters are all really good. And Vladamir Guerrero is still a GREAT, GREAT PLAYER. The only man out there today that could hit a pitch well off the plate, up around his neck, maybe even bouncing five times and wallop it all over the park. One of the best pure hitters to ever play this game. As many of you know--he was THE MONTREAL EXPOS, their star, before they became Our Washington Nationals. Still, it was pleasure to see him perform again tonight and for the next two games to follow. I just love the guy.

The Angels John Lackey--a quality starter. Effective, but not overpowering. Lackey just pitches with confidence. And has the ability to throw all his pitches for strikes. One of these days--Our Washington Nationals are going to have just such a Number One Starter.

Teddy & GW got revenge of Abe for knocking Teddy down during the Presidents Race yesterday. As The Rushmores ran out of the centerfield gate--GW & Teddy proceeded to kick, beat and stomp Abe to the ground--while Tom ran untouched all the way to The Finish Line for the victory during the middle of the 4th inning race.

Finally, how about that RAINBOW over New Nationals Park after the rains went away!! From Club Level you could see all the colors vividly running from The South Capitol Street Bridge over the ballpark to the northeast. A GORGEOUS SIGHT. Everyone was talking about it.

Tonight's InGame Photos--(AP) Nick Wass

Smithfield Youth Clinic

"Nothing beats the fact that you are on a Major League Field where your idols play. You are practicing in their bullpen, batting in their cage. And for a couple of hours one morning, you feel like a Major Leaguer yourself," stated Barbara Silva, Community Relations Director for Our Washington Nationals. "All these kids are then given tickets to come out to the game that same evening. So, when they are sitting in the stands, they can say: 'I was on that field this morning.' That's pretty exciting, for anyone."

Seven times over the course of the 2008 Baseball Season, Our Washington Nationals, in partnership with Smithfield, sponsor Baseball and Softball Clinics for Children. The Major League Coaching Staff of Our Manager Manny Acta provides the instruction. The third scheduled clinic for this season was conducted this past Saturday Morning at New Nationals Park.

"This gives us the chance to give something back to the community. Yes, it's a small thing, but its very worthwhile. The kids really enjoy it. The weather is great and it's wonderful to have all of them out here on a big league field," said Tim Tolman, Third Base Coach for Our Washington Nationals. "Our game is one where you can compete against the other guy, whether he is bigger than you or not. Baseball is about skills, not about being smaller than him, or not as strong. This gives us the chance to teach the kids teamwork, leadership and also be a part of a fun day of instruction in a unique setting."




Up to 150 kids from ages 6 through 17 attend each session. The Free Clinic is available to any child willing to take part in the Greater Washington, DC Area. You can sign up at the nationals.com/community page. Included in the two hour session is instruction in hitting, fielding, running, pitching, throwing (from a catching position)--even how to warm up properly and take care of the nicks, scrapes and bruises which occur on the baseball diamond each and every day.



On this morning--Tim Tolman, First Base Coach Jerry Morales, Bullpen Coach Rick Aponte, Bench Coach Pat Corrales and Assistant Trainer Mike McGowan were joined by the entire Nationals Batting Practice Pitchers and Catchers. The children are split into Age Groups and move around the field and into the Bullpens and Indoor Batting Cages on 12 minute intervals. Each and every kid gets personal attention.

"I am not sure if we are going to see the results for quite a while, but at least we are making the steps in the right direction," said Tolman. "These clinics are alot of fun. Just look at all the parents behind us. They are all smiling. They all have cameras. To see their kids run around the bases and on the field in this beautiful stadium is special. We are exposing these kids and their parents to Major League Baseball. That's how you maintain interest."



Of course not one of these Youth Clinics could be accomplished without a Sponsor. For 2008, Smithfield, The Virginia Based Food Company has stepped up to the plate. "Smithfield believes the kids are our future," according to Smithfield's Director of Community Affairs, Christine Eppstein. "This is new this year for Smithfield. We believe that sports are very important in the development of young kids. We wanted to get involved and felt this was the best way we could help get more kids involved with baseball. We think it's great that The Nationals have their own stadium here in Washington, DC. So, we wanted to do everything we could to support it."

Outside of another partnership with NASCAR, Our Washington Nationals are their only other partner in professional sports.



After the two hour ON FIELD Training ended--Our Washington Nationals Saul Rivera posted up to meet with many kids. While enjoy a light lunch and receiving two tickets to last Saturday Night's Game versus The Texas Rangers--a Goodie Bag of Nationals Memorabilia was handed to each participant. Saul Rivera then took pictures and signed autographs for each and every child wanting.


The Softball Clinic is scheduled for Tuesday, July 8th. The Next Monthy Baseball Clinic is set for July 12--but that date already has been filled with registrants. Space is still available for the Youth Clinics scheduled for August 30th and September 20.

Shirley Povich Media Center Dedication

There are Greats in any Sport. And there are Greats in the Journalists that cover the games we love. Some would say, there were not many Reporters better than the late Shirley Povich. From 1924 to the very day before he passed away in 1998, Mr. Povich worked for The Washington Post. At the ripe young age of 20, Shirley Povich became the youngest Sports Editor of a Major U.S. Newspaper. From those early days of the roaring 20's continuing for SEVEN CONSECUTIVE DECADES, Mr. Povich covered and reported on some the greatest sporting events in American History--including GAME 7 of The 1294 World Series. The only Champion of Baseball to ever call Washington, DC it's home.

Shirley Povich was a GREAT MAN, well respected and dedicated to his work. His biography alone is worth your read. So is the tribute given by his beloved Washington Post upon his passing. Elected to the Sports Writers Wing of The National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1975, Mr. Povich was also elected to The Sportswriters Hall of Fame in 1984. This man covered the famous 1927 Jack Dempsey--Gene Tunney Prize Fight; Lou Gehrig's Famous Farewell Speech in 1939; Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in The Major Leagues; even Don Larsen's World Series Perfect Game. Covering the gamut of baseball--Mr. Povich also was on hand on that famous night in Baltimore at Camden Yards when Cal Ripken broke Lou Gehrig's Consecutive Games Streak in 1995.

That my friends was a man on a mission. He cared about sports. He loved reporting on them. And he loved being a professional. How else can you explain a man that worked well past retirement age (92 upon his death) covering 60 World Series and 20 Super Bowls. Mr. Povich called Walter Johnson--his friend.

And Shirley Povich called Washington, DC his home.



This morning on South Capitol Street, Our Washington Nationals honored this man and his family by formally dedicating The Media Center at New Nationals Park as The Shirley Povich Media Center. Many of Mr. Povich's extended family were on hand for the ceremonies. His son's Maury & David, his daughter Lynn. Also on hand were Maury's wife--Connie Chung, as well as a countless number of Grand Children and Great Grand Children. This was a dedication at New Nationals Park Obviously Never Seen Before.

And it was very touching.

Team President Stan Kasten Lead off the Ceremony.

“We couldn’t think of anyone we could name the Media Center (at New Nationals Park) for more than Shirley Povich with his long tradition of excellence in this town. I know that all of you who grew up following sports in the newspaper did so by all the things that Shirley Povich taught you about sports. On behalf of The Washington Nationals. On behalf of The Lerner Family—we are thrilled, excited and proud to formally dedicate this Media Center after the Great Shirley Povich.”

Then, Mr. Kasten introduced Maury Povich to formally accept the dedication for his family.



“My sister Lynn and brother David are also here with me. We are just so delighted to be here. We know how much Dad would be so appreciative of everything The Lerner Family has done. I would think that this would not be the most appreciative about what The Lerners have done. What he would really be glad about is that The Lerner’s brought baseball back to Washington. And that is what he would dearly LOVE. That would be number one in his heart. That would be the great debt of gratitude he would owe Ted (Lerner) and The Lerner Family.”

“He (Shirley) would be very humble. He would feel undeserving of this honor. He would say this is not what he is about. What he really thought was when he walked into that Press Box/Media Center—that, that was his sanctuary. It was his ground. It was in effect for so many years—his office. And he knew what that meant from the very first time he went in there (The Press Box)—to write the very best he could. And like so many of the great writers, it was a struggle. And that is why George Solomon (Washington Post) so accurately described in the paper today—he (Shirley Povich) was always the last person to leave the press box. It would be him and the telegrapher. Then the lights would go out. That is the way it was for him every single day.”

So, we (The Povich Family) thank you so much. I think you get a good feeling about [Shirley Povich]. Frank Ceresi has done a marvelous job here (finding the artifacts and building the display). What you see here of my father is what he loved the most. Whether it be his typewriter, or his fedora or the dozens of World Series Pins. So, I wanted to thank you, Stan (Kasten) and I want to thank everyone connected with The Nationals. We are so appreciative for it. Thank you so very, very much (tears in his eyes).”






After Maury Povich finished his remarks--he along with his sister Lynn and brother David unveiled a special englassed legacy to their father. Included in the case are Shirley Povich's famous Fedora, his manual Royal Typewriter, his personally scored scorebook from The 1924 Champion Washington Senators World Series, Baseball signed by Shirley Povich, Walter Johnson and the entire 1924 Championship Team, 1948 Clark Griffith (Senators long time owner) Tribute Program and a personal letter form President Dwight D. Eisenhower showing admiration for Mr. Povich's work. This is a GREAT CASE OF WASHINGTON MEMORABILIA.



Only this dedication got even better, when Maury Povich unveiled a specially framed work containing many of his fathers famous World Series Press Pins--including a special medallion given to The World Champion 1924 Washington Nationals (Senators). Sorry folks, but being in the media--that was very touching. There was a huge cheer from those in attendance. And a few moist eyes also.

The Povich Family was quite touched with the honor. And as I am sure few of you are aware--The African Queen worked with Maury Povich at WTTG-TV here in Washington, DC for many years--dating back nearly 25 years. They are colleagues and Maury took a few moments after the dedication to speak with Sohna about this day.

“This is just a great capping off of everything my father would have ever dreamed," Maury said to Sohna. "Of course, most of all, Baseball back in Washington, DC would have pleased him more than anything. He never got over the fact that Washington did not have a Big League Team. And the very fact that his friends, The Lerner Family brought baseball back—and for them to honor him like this is just too much to ask. We (The Povich's) are very proud. I have no doubt my Dad is just a pleased."

June 22nd, 2008--Our Washington Nationals Honor A Great Man. From now and for years in the future--The Press Box at New Nationals Park will be named The Shirley Povich Media Center. This was a memorable day for Washington Sport. Our Nation's Capital has a rich history that many need to get reacquainted with. A history Shirley Povich reported on for over 70 years.

Nearly

Wily Mo Pena nearly caught Ian Kinsler's drive on the second pitch of the game tonight at New Nationals Park. Instead, Wily Mo deflected the baseball over the fence for a home run. The moment setting off a series of near misses all night long.

Washington Starter Garrett Mock nearly got out of a first inning of trouble before allowing The Texas Rangers David Murphy to torch him for a two run double over the head of Elijah Dukes in right field. The results--an early 3-0 lead for Texas.

Our Washington Nationals nearly fought back to tie and take the lead in the bottom of the 5th. Down by two runs, Washington loaded up the bases with nobody out--only to see Elijah Dukes hit into a run scoring double play and Lastings Milledge ground out to third base to kill the rally.

Followed in the 6th by FLop nearly laying down a bunt with runners on first and second, nobody out. Instead, Felipe Lopez struck out badly. But that was not all the near misses in that same bottom of the 6th as Washington loaded up the bases after FLop flailed. Only to see Pena and Kory Casto nearly drive in the tying and go ahead runs. Our Number 26 flying out meekly and Our Number 5--battling during a terrific ten pitch at-bat, eventually sending a looping liner to Rangers shortstop Michael Young.

Lead Nearly Taken, Game Lost For Sure--when Charlie Manning and Brian Sanches were sent to the mound in the top of the 7th for Our Washington Nationals and blew this game wide open. 10 Texas Rangers hitters would step to the plate to face them. Seven of whom scored. Nearly sending the Home Faithful to their cars and Metro before the 7th Inning Stretch even commenced.

Actually the sight of aisles and aisles of fans leaving the park was pretty amazing. A rain storm was actually coming, how fitting--"The Human Rain Delay" trotted out to put a dampening to the Texas 7th Inning Thunder. But that only set the stage for Jesus Colome to nearly make it out of this game unscored upon himself. Nearly no one for Our Washington Nationals was untouched tonight. The Rangers got to Our Number 43 for two more scores in the 8th and 9th to bring this near public flogging to an end.

Not many were on hand to witness the ending.

With the rains beginning, nearly the entire crowd had left New Nationals Park by the 9th frame. Leaving Our Washington Nationals pondering how they lost 13-3, in a blowout that hard as it may seem to believe--they nearly had the chance to win.

Really they did--until that awful seven run 7th inning. Instead, they NEARLY got their brains beaten out.

Game Notes & Highlights

Garrett Mock deserved better tonight. Wily Mo Pena didn't help him when he made a terrible play at the wall in left field off Kinsler's eventual leadoff homer in the top of the 1st inning. The replays showed Wily Mo closing his glove too soon--before the ball reached his padded mitt. Mock struggled through the remainder of the first frame--but settled down nicely to complete sixth innings. A decent effort--striking out eight and showing he has the talent to be a Major League Pitcher. Maybe not a top of the rotation pitcher--but an effective 3rd or 4th starter. Garrett just needs some more experience in The Big Leagues--which will not happen anytime soon when he was optioned back to AAA Columbus immediately after tonight's game.

Paul LoDuca got absolutely NAILED by Marlon Byrd on a close play at the plate in the top of the 1st inning. Retrieving the relay throw on David Murphy's double, Byrd barreled into Paulie as LoDuca swept his glove around on an attempted back handed tag. Marlon's big body caught Our Number 16 on the bottom of his face--knocking down hard--but not out. Did he ever get WHACKED though!! Byrd scored the third run of the first inning for Texas. LoDuca stayed in the game.

Lasting Milledge slugged a Kason Gabbard pitch deep over the left field wall in the bottom of the 4th inning his sixth home run of 2008. Our Number 44 must have been stoked after diving head first onto the warning track in deep left centerfield for a fabulous catch of an Ian Kinsler drive in the top of the 4th. By far, the Defensive Play of this Game, and a nice effort on Milledge's part. Lastings, not only used his athletic ability to track down the drive, but showed some baseball instincts in making the catch. Not bad for a guy that so far this season has not looked comfortable playing centerfield.

Why can't Major League Hitters consistently bunt? Again tonight--FLop couldn't lay one down in the bottom of the 6th with runners on 1st and 2nd with no outs. Felipe Lopez's inability to move the runners up and his eventual awful strikeout on Gabbard's very last pitch of the game--on a toss well off the plate in the dirt--hurt Washington's chances for a big inning.

Dmitri Young had three hits tonight raising his average to a more respectable .283. And in the 4th added to his running resume video--when laced a liner to left that The Rangers David Murphy had to chase down into the corner. Our Number 21 motoring as fast as his large girth would carry him--slung off his batting helmet in full stride rounding first base--revealing his Red Curly "W" Skull Cap and lumbered into the second base with a double. He was safe, but the jaunt to second had to make you smile. Watching Dmitri run is sometimes like watching someone run in slow motion. And with the announcement that Nick Johnson will now seek a specialist for his continuing tendon problem in his wrist--its a good thing Young is beginning to heat up with the summer temperatures. Our Washington Nationals need some punch from their first baseman.

The Rangers can hit. 18 hits this evening. A starting lineup where most every hitter has a batting average above .270. Pretty impressive. A sight I would love to see from Our Washington Nationals some day. Of course, Texas has very little quality pitching.


While attending Saturday Morning's Youth Clinic at New Nationals Park for an upcoming post--Saul Rivera and I got into a conversation about his three inning performance in extra innings on Friday Night. Pleased to talk about his effort, I asked Our Number 52 whether he felt good enough to go a 4th inning--if Our Manager Manny Acta needed him. Saul's response was classic. "Yeah, because I wanted to bat!!" Not expecting such an answer--we both broke out laughing. "I have only batted one time previously (this season) and that was against (Barry) Zito. I was up to the challenge." Understand, Saul Rivera was just joking. But his comment was very funny.

Finally--Nolan Ryan was in the house tonight. The Hall Of Famer was spotted sitting in the very front row of Presidents Club--in the The Lerner Family Seats.

Tonight's InGame Photo--(AP)Pablo Martinez Monsivais