tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post3703489685906063500..comments2023-10-20T04:28:04.547-04:00Comments on Nats320 -- A Washington Nationals Blog: The Continuing SagaScreech's Best Friendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01094199653375184305noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-680075389266328912007-07-27T11:23:00.000-04:002007-07-27T11:23:00.000-04:00From Friday's Washington Post - Letter to the edit...From Friday's Washington Post - Letter to the editor:<BR/><BR/>Treat the Anthem With Respect<BR/><BR/>Friday, July 27, 2007; A20<BR/><BR/>Come on, Nationals -- get the national anthem right!<BR/><BR/>We stood at attention before Sunday's game and were subjected to yet another embarrassing mutilation of "The Star-Spangled Banner."<BR/><BR/>This has become an all too common occurrence before Washington Nationals games.<BR/><BR/>The "American Idol" approach may be acceptable for other portions of the game, but the national anthem (especially when sung in the nation's capital) must not be butchered.<BR/><BR/>We humbly suggest a different approach: Pick a few members of our fine military bands to share the workload. There are many highly able people who know exactly how the anthem is to be sung and who would bring honor to the Nationals.<BR/><BR/>The fans attending the games deserve better.<BR/><BR/>DEAN HESS<BR/>STEPHEN HUNT<BR/><BR/>Falls ChurchAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-31439389906601853652007-07-23T21:12:00.000-04:002007-07-23T21:12:00.000-04:00"Then - next year, the new stadium should mean an ..."Then - next year, the new stadium should mean an average of 37,500 per home game, or 3 million,gate, plus;"<BR/><BR/>Senator Nat, I really hope you are right about those attendance projections, but although I am pretty sure the Nats will draw more fans solely because the new ballpark has better amenities than RFK, I don't think we are going to draw three million until we get more wins. But if we stick to The Plan and don't panic---I think we are going to be better. <BR/><BR/>The Orioles have been going in circles for about ten years and that's why they haven't gone anywhere. We're moving in a direction and I like the direction we're going...Edward J. Cunninghamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11925008506185290162noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-23193023016850473812007-07-23T13:37:00.000-04:002007-07-23T13:37:00.000-04:00Jorge Julio, he brings a tear to my eye. Seriously...Jorge Julio, he brings a tear to my eye. <BR/><BR/>Seriously, could this guy be any worse? In spite of his talent, he's had a tragic career.<BR/><BR/>I remember back in the day, he'd have the habit of looking at the radar gun readings at Oriole Park.<BR/><BR/>The singing by Ms. Johnson was painful; however, I'd never sing in front 20k people in my life.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15252895705916946248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-88579375250356662302007-07-23T12:53:00.000-04:002007-07-23T12:53:00.000-04:00"natsfanoutwest said... You do understand that the..."natsfanoutwest said... <BR/>You do understand that the Presidents are never the same person twice, they change everygame and are booked in advance...." <BR/><BR/>NOT TRUE! I promise you! There is a rotation this year of a select group of folks. Try outs were held in March. I can also promise that the Presidents loooove standing next to 320! The folks in the Presidents do tend to stick to the same costumes when they race. Trust me on this one... I know. I really know!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-57096282711311711542007-07-23T12:23:00.000-04:002007-07-23T12:23:00.000-04:00Anonymous (Mick) Actually, on saturday afternoon w...Anonymous (Mick) Actually, on saturday afternoon we all talked at length about the 3:55PM Start. Its true that start is VERY FAMILY FRIENDLY. Folks can come to a game and still get their children home at a reasonable hour. At the same time, this allows adults to enjoy a ballgame, then go out afterwards--to dinner, or whatever else interests them. I wouldn't doubt that Nationals Management noticed this also. Good Comment, and it will be interesting to see if other such games next year begin at that late afternoon time.Screech's Best Friendhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01094199653375184305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-80172690418218387952007-07-23T11:41:00.000-04:002007-07-23T11:41:00.000-04:00I was at both games this weekend (great games to b...I was at both games this weekend (great games to be at) and one thing that left me scratching my head was the difference in the sizes of the crowds. 31k+ on Saturday and only, what, 21K+ Sunday? Can anyone make sense of that for me?<BR/><BR/>Did the 3:55 start time have anything to do with that? I know they're so the networks can televise them if they want to, but I (with two young kids) frankly love the 4pm Saturday game. Why not do more? They obviously draw fans. I guess the shadows on the field can be tough to play in though...<BR/><BR/>-MickAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-50541861871165871892007-07-23T11:15:00.000-04:002007-07-23T11:15:00.000-04:00"From the valleys..." Rossanne-styled stylings and..."From the valleys..." Rossanne-styled stylings and mangling the lyrics...The sound of Kate Smith's ampleness rolling in the grave could be heard as far away as Alexandria. We want the five-year old guy back - he is terrific!!<BR/><BR/>Back to the Game: the Nationals have the best bull-pen in baseball currently, and Micah Bowie and Colume are rehabing!<BR/>The starting rotation for the balance of this year could actually begin to resemble an embarassment of riches, should Shawn Hill continue his progression to returning, and one of the young studs come up and shine. Clearly, the Saint has put new life into Bascik and Redding, and knowing that you only have to go 6 strong innings really helps too...<BR/><BR/>Is Young going to go this week? My instincts are that the offers are not enough to justify it. His value could be much higher in the off-season, as American League teams evaluate what they need, and/or their DH goes as a free agent, and they need to fill the vacancy. Tough to rade Cordero for anything less than a Number One Prospect, too. The pitching staff is set-up back to front in reality. My hunch is no one goes at trading time...<BR/><BR/>Psychologically, Acta and his staff very much want to win at least 30 of the final 64 games, to break last year's mark, despite their Number One starter not competing, Nick Johnson out for 2007, virtually, Guzman out for the year, and the payroll sliced to below $30 million, or about what Roger Clinton gets for a half season with the Yankees.<BR/><BR/>This goal is realistic, since they are above .500 since the half-way mark, and some additional punch is due to come out of the same line-up, based on historical performance (Lopez; Kearns; Schneider; and even Z-Man). This is a team, too, where even a small expansion of the roster, B.Watson and Alex Escobar (I know, like waiting for Godot, but I am a fan, not a true realist...), could really help. Acta is about to get something out of Batista, too, it would seem. The man is a manager and a leader, par excelante...<BR/><BR/>If the team can play .500 or better for last 64 games, it can hit Acta's personal goal, I am presuming, of 76 wins, since that is only 10 games under .500. Should they continue to be competitive, then season attendence, crowds averaged close to 30 k for the home stand, should reach the $2 million mark.<BR/><BR/>Then - next year, the new stadium should mean an average of 37,500 per home game, or 3 million,gate, plus; should be a payroll of $57 million, or double current one; Acta and his staff have learned a lot this year, and are clearly in command; and the 2008 team should be able to play very close to .500 ball.<BR/><BR/>Yes Virginia. Yes Maryland. And, Yes even perpetually Doubting D.C. There IS a major league baseball team in Washington. And, it is not your grandmother's Senators...<BR/><BR/>Trust in Kasten. All Good.SenatorNathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10049860385485455410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-75045167948202671762007-07-23T11:14:00.000-04:002007-07-23T11:14:00.000-04:00nastfanoutwest: Personally, I know just about ever...nastfanoutwest: Personally, I know just about every single person involved in The President's Race. In fact--I HAVE RAN THE RACE TWICE!! I BET YOU Didn't know that!! As Abe and GW. The Nationals have twice asked me to do the event. Your attempts at cruelty and snark are received in manner given by you: WORTHLESS BANTER. We have a lot of fun in Our Section. And, that's what it is--FUN. If you can't appreciate that, that's too bad. In fact, The President's stop by EVERY SINGLE GAME before heading down to the Nats Dugout during the 7th inning stretch. We have fun with them. And, whomever is in those costumes--enjoys the moments back. EVERYONE along the 3rd base side now gets into the fun of "Let Teddy Win!!" during the 7th inning. Someone hiding under a ficticious name, like you, is never one to be taken seriously. Maybe its you that needs to find his way back to earth. Life is fun. Maybe you should try to enjoy it more.Screech's Best Friendhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01094199653375184305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-74863351702632063552007-07-23T10:51:00.000-04:002007-07-23T10:51:00.000-04:00You do understand that the Presidents are never th...You do understand that the Presidents are never the same person twice, they change everygame and are booked in advance, so the only reason they stop by every section is becuase they are instructed to, hate to burst your bubble but you need to come back down to earth.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-87498677175509625842007-07-23T09:10:00.000-04:002007-07-23T09:10:00.000-04:00Nervousness can make one's voice do strange things...Nervousness can make one's voice do strange things. I don't think I could stand in front of 20,000+ people and sing like Placido Domingo -- or even Placido Polanco for that matter. But then, I've never heard Placido Polanco sing.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-66127984682891426442007-07-23T07:49:00.000-04:002007-07-23T07:49:00.000-04:00I was in the front row of 443 with my god-daughter...I was in the front row of 443 with my god-daughter (aged 12). Absolutely AWESOME view of the Austin Kearns HR! Finally heard the radio call this morning -- Charlie was in rare form. I haven't heard the post game, but I can fill in the Jagler "That brought Austin Kearns to the plate. And he delivered the play of the game."<BR/><BR/>We didn't see the Cordero save, since we were walking around the mezzanine to get to section 301 for the Diamond Dash. But Julia thought the Diamond Dash was fun, and I'd figured that after two 1-2-3 appearances, Chief would be due to make things interesting.<BR/><BR/>Teriyaki Johnson -- absolutely horrendous. She sounded like she couldn't find the pitch with a map. Maybe she is a good singer, but that performance wasn't evidence of it. Memo to Stan re: fan experience -- make sure performers of National Anthem (especially if they will also sing God Bless America) sing them straight.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-6918245810724360712007-07-23T01:14:00.000-04:002007-07-23T01:14:00.000-04:00SBF...I couldn't be there today. (My manager and h...SBF...<BR/><BR/>I couldn't be there today. (My manager and his wife had my tickets.) But I was thinking of the entire section when Julio came on. Man! What will it take? They must have thought Ryan's bonehead baserunning the other day expunged some kind of jinx.<BR/><BR/>I hated the "singing", too.<BR/><BR/>But talk about redemption...how about Austin? That was no wall scraper. Maybe this will help get him off the schneid and into some kind of productive mode.Jim Hhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10389688524746052643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-56492214539140893922007-07-22T21:39:00.000-04:002007-07-22T21:39:00.000-04:00Teriaki Johnson IN A LANDSLIDE!!! WAS IT EVER BAD!...Teriaki Johnson IN A LANDSLIDE!!! WAS IT EVER BAD!!! How in the world could anyone pick this lady to sing The National Anthem and "God Bless America"? Atroucious. And, that's being kind.<BR/><BR/>We talked about this for some time in Section 320. But, I was waiting for someone else to mention it. Thanks. <BR/><BR/>And, our bunting Sucks--Too!!Screech's Best Friendhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01094199653375184305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-41030706676294325362007-07-22T21:26:00.000-04:002007-07-22T21:26:00.000-04:00Acidentally posted this in Fridays comments. (Newb...Acidentally posted this in Friday<BR/>s comments. (Newbie) Here it is again:<BR/><BR/>Was there today with my 11 year old daughter in section 322. Game was just as you describe, Two painful aspects, though. Which hurt you the most? 1) Clutch hitting and bunting (NOT) of both Mr. Fick and Mr. Jimenez; or 2) the singing of Teriaki Johnson.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com