C Wilson Ramos
1B Ryan Zimmerman
2B Daniel Murphy
SS Trea Turner
3B Anthony Rendon
LF Jayson Werth
CF Denard Span
RF Bryce Harper
SP Max Scherzer
SP Stephen Strasburg
SP Gio Gonzalez
RP Sean Doolittle
Showing posts with label Nats. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nats. Show all posts
Monday, December 30, 2019
Thursday, October 31, 2019
Game 7 - WORLD CHAMPION NATS!!!!!
I'll write up about the game, but for now it's time to soak it in!!!!!
Congrats Nats!
Congrats Nats!
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
Game 6 - Stras, the Umps, and Revenge
Whew! Let's first start with Stephen Strasburg. He continued his amazing pitching in the postseason- not just this one. He gave up two runs in the first, but after pitching coach Paul Menhart noticed he was tipping his pitches, he was masterful.
Anthony Rendon was also incredible. He knocked in one in the first, saved Major League Baseball in the 7th, and batted in two more in the 9th.
As for the top of the 7th, with Yan Gomes on first, Trea Turner seemingly beat out an infield single. The ball was thrown away. Gomes ended up on third, and Turner ended up on second. Sam Holbrook inexplicably called runner's interference even though Turner ran straight from the batter's box and shifted father right before touching the base. Turner made no play on the first baseman's glove.
After that call, which no one thinks was a good one,Game 6 of the 2019 World Series turned into a shitshow. The umpires went to the headphones for an extraordinarily long time. The official line from the MLB is that they were checking to see if the rule was applied correctly and seeing if the Nats could protest the game.
BULLSHIT!
Why did Gary Cedarstrom make the out signal after relinquishing the headset if the MLB was telling the truth? Sam Holbrook fucked up in Game 6 of the World Series. This was the third game the umpires showed extreme pro-Astros bias. The umps needed some kind of backing. So they faked a replay (an illegal replay) to make it look like they got some kind of confirmation that one of their umpires didn't just ruin the World Series.
Holbrook had missed a call the first batter of the game, who happened to be Trea Turner. Hmm, I wonder if that played a role in the interference call.
Two batters later, Rendon hit a two (should've been three) run homer to save Major League Baseball's ass.
After the inning, Dave Martinez argued with the umpires. I actually can't believe they threw him out of the game. The umpires messed up, and usually umpires allow managers to vent when they mess up. Major League Baseball needs to apologize if they want this cloud to be lifted off of the game's biggest stage.
The other story was Alex Bregman's inappropriate celebration after his first inning homerun. Bregman had watched his homer int he Game 2 in an exaggerated way. I hate criticizing a fellow Jew, but Bregman has to be better than that. Juan Soto hit a homer in the 5th and he carried the bat to first in retaliation. Apparently, the Astros didn't appreciate Soto's gesture, which smacks of hypocrisy if true.
The Nats won 7 (should've been 8) to 2. Except for maybe Stras, I'd take Max Scherzer as my Game 7 starter over anyone in baseball.
Anthony Rendon was also incredible. He knocked in one in the first, saved Major League Baseball in the 7th, and batted in two more in the 9th.
As for the top of the 7th, with Yan Gomes on first, Trea Turner seemingly beat out an infield single. The ball was thrown away. Gomes ended up on third, and Turner ended up on second. Sam Holbrook inexplicably called runner's interference even though Turner ran straight from the batter's box and shifted father right before touching the base. Turner made no play on the first baseman's glove.
After that call, which no one thinks was a good one,Game 6 of the 2019 World Series turned into a shitshow. The umpires went to the headphones for an extraordinarily long time. The official line from the MLB is that they were checking to see if the rule was applied correctly and seeing if the Nats could protest the game.
BULLSHIT!
Why did Gary Cedarstrom make the out signal after relinquishing the headset if the MLB was telling the truth? Sam Holbrook fucked up in Game 6 of the World Series. This was the third game the umpires showed extreme pro-Astros bias. The umps needed some kind of backing. So they faked a replay (an illegal replay) to make it look like they got some kind of confirmation that one of their umpires didn't just ruin the World Series.
Holbrook had missed a call the first batter of the game, who happened to be Trea Turner. Hmm, I wonder if that played a role in the interference call.
Two batters later, Rendon hit a two (should've been three) run homer to save Major League Baseball's ass.
After the inning, Dave Martinez argued with the umpires. I actually can't believe they threw him out of the game. The umpires messed up, and usually umpires allow managers to vent when they mess up. Major League Baseball needs to apologize if they want this cloud to be lifted off of the game's biggest stage.
The other story was Alex Bregman's inappropriate celebration after his first inning homerun. Bregman had watched his homer int he Game 2 in an exaggerated way. I hate criticizing a fellow Jew, but Bregman has to be better than that. Juan Soto hit a homer in the 5th and he carried the bat to first in retaliation. Apparently, the Astros didn't appreciate Soto's gesture, which smacks of hypocrisy if true.
The Nats won 7 (should've been 8) to 2. Except for maybe Stras, I'd take Max Scherzer as my Game 7 starter over anyone in baseball.
Monday, October 28, 2019
Game 5 - Blame the Umpire!
The Nats are down 4-1 in the 7th after a Juan Soto homer. Victor Robles just worked his way to a walk. Two on, two out. Yan Gomes smacks a single up the middle. It's 4-2, with Matt Adams coming up to pinch hit. Manager AJ Hinch lifts Gerrit Cole for Ryan Pressly. Pressly struggled in Game 2 and now is in a tough spot.
Big City crushes the ball over the wall in right field and the Nats take a 5-4 lead. Daniel Hudson comes in and pitches two scoreless innings, the Nats score another run in the 8th as the top of the lineup wakes up, and Washington wins 6-4 to take a 3-2 series lead heading back to Houston.
Except...
Home plate umpire Lance Barkdale made Gary Cedarstrom- Game 3's home plate umpire- look like he knew what he was doing. Robles was called out on a pitch that didn't sniff the strikezone. Joe Ross struck out Carlos Correa with his strike three pitch going squarely down the middle. Barksdale somehow missed it and called it a ball. Correa hit a two-run homer on the next pitch to take a 4-0 lead.
In the 6th, Tanner Rainey struck out Michael Brantley, except... Barksdale missed that one, too.
In today's world, everyone typically screams, "Conspiracy theory!" as if MLB prefers the Astros to win rather than the Nats. With these atrocious calls in Games 3 and 5, it's hard to resist the temptation to strap on my aluminium foil hat and start marching around the neighborhood in my underwear. But I chalk it up to incompetence. MLB's umpires, frankly, aren't very good if Barksdale and Cedarstrom are two of the six best.
The Nats had first and third in the second with no one out down 2-0 and failed to score. That was a key miss in the game, and only the offense is to blame for that one. But it's hard to mount a comeback when as a hitter you don't know where the zone is... and oh by the way you're facing one of the best pitchers in the game.
The game got out of hand in the late innings with Hudson on the mound. A familiar cliche is that closers have a hard time getting up for an outing when it's not a save situation. Yes, it's the World series, but you can't tell me a human being is going to give the same focus on the mound when his team is down 4-1 in the 8th as opposed to up a run.
The Nats were 19-31 through the first 50 games of the season. Yes, this was a disappointing 3 games, but 2-3 isn't an insurmountable hurdle when you started 19-31 and have won two games in the World Series.
Big City crushes the ball over the wall in right field and the Nats take a 5-4 lead. Daniel Hudson comes in and pitches two scoreless innings, the Nats score another run in the 8th as the top of the lineup wakes up, and Washington wins 6-4 to take a 3-2 series lead heading back to Houston.
Except...
Home plate umpire Lance Barkdale made Gary Cedarstrom- Game 3's home plate umpire- look like he knew what he was doing. Robles was called out on a pitch that didn't sniff the strikezone. Joe Ross struck out Carlos Correa with his strike three pitch going squarely down the middle. Barksdale somehow missed it and called it a ball. Correa hit a two-run homer on the next pitch to take a 4-0 lead.
In the 6th, Tanner Rainey struck out Michael Brantley, except... Barksdale missed that one, too.
In today's world, everyone typically screams, "Conspiracy theory!" as if MLB prefers the Astros to win rather than the Nats. With these atrocious calls in Games 3 and 5, it's hard to resist the temptation to strap on my aluminium foil hat and start marching around the neighborhood in my underwear. But I chalk it up to incompetence. MLB's umpires, frankly, aren't very good if Barksdale and Cedarstrom are two of the six best.
The Nats had first and third in the second with no one out down 2-0 and failed to score. That was a key miss in the game, and only the offense is to blame for that one. But it's hard to mount a comeback when as a hitter you don't know where the zone is... and oh by the way you're facing one of the best pitchers in the game.
The game got out of hand in the late innings with Hudson on the mound. A familiar cliche is that closers have a hard time getting up for an outing when it's not a save situation. Yes, it's the World series, but you can't tell me a human being is going to give the same focus on the mound when his team is down 4-1 in the 8th as opposed to up a run.
The Nats were 19-31 through the first 50 games of the season. Yes, this was a disappointing 3 games, but 2-3 isn't an insurmountable hurdle when you started 19-31 and have won two games in the World Series.
Sunday, October 27, 2019
Game 4 - Don't Blame the Manager
Dave Martinez has received some criticism from the national media for moves he didn't make. He didn't take Anibal Sanchez out int he bottom of the 4th in Game 3. He didn't take Patrick Corbin out earlier in the Game 4.
Corbin didn't have his best stuff and gave up 4 runs in 6 innings. Once Corbin was lifted, the roof caved in. Nats fans have witnessed this too many times this year to criticize Martinez for leaving the starters in.
It's no secret (except maybe for the national media) that the Nats' bullpen is horrendous. They had the worst bullpen int he league. The pen was so bad, Martinez had to run Sean Doolittle into the ground midway through the year and no one blamed him for it. Every time Martinez put in a pitcher, I said to myself, "Why is he putting this guy in?" At some point I realized I said that every time Martinez called for any reliever save (pun!) Doolittle. Daniel Hudson's arrive turned a bullpen of one into a bullpen of two.
Let's get this fiction out of the way. Tanner Rainey did NOT have a good year. His ERA was near 4 and only because he feasted on batters making vacation plans and triple A call ups late in the year. He pitched only 11 innings this season when a save was on the line and his ERA was closer to 5 in those outings. He blew 3 saves and didn't register one. He was mostly used in low pressure situations.
In Game 4, Rainey showed what happens when he pitches in a crucial situation. he choked and the Nats only have two guys, Doolittle and Hudson, who have a chance of getting them out of that situation. But why burn their arms in the 7th inning of a game you're down 4-0? Fernando Rodney gave up a grand slam to Alex Bregman just to hammer home the point that it would've been bad managing to take the starter out to play for one run in Game 3.
The problem in the 8-1 loss was the absence of the Nats' bats. They don't go quiet for three games in a row.
Corbin didn't have his best stuff and gave up 4 runs in 6 innings. Once Corbin was lifted, the roof caved in. Nats fans have witnessed this too many times this year to criticize Martinez for leaving the starters in.
It's no secret (except maybe for the national media) that the Nats' bullpen is horrendous. They had the worst bullpen int he league. The pen was so bad, Martinez had to run Sean Doolittle into the ground midway through the year and no one blamed him for it. Every time Martinez put in a pitcher, I said to myself, "Why is he putting this guy in?" At some point I realized I said that every time Martinez called for any reliever save (pun!) Doolittle. Daniel Hudson's arrive turned a bullpen of one into a bullpen of two.
Let's get this fiction out of the way. Tanner Rainey did NOT have a good year. His ERA was near 4 and only because he feasted on batters making vacation plans and triple A call ups late in the year. He pitched only 11 innings this season when a save was on the line and his ERA was closer to 5 in those outings. He blew 3 saves and didn't register one. He was mostly used in low pressure situations.
In Game 4, Rainey showed what happens when he pitches in a crucial situation. he choked and the Nats only have two guys, Doolittle and Hudson, who have a chance of getting them out of that situation. But why burn their arms in the 7th inning of a game you're down 4-0? Fernando Rodney gave up a grand slam to Alex Bregman just to hammer home the point that it would've been bad managing to take the starter out to play for one run in Game 3.
The problem in the 8-1 loss was the absence of the Nats' bats. They don't go quiet for three games in a row.
Saturday, October 26, 2019
Game 3 - Missed Opportunity and Bad Umpiring
Gary Cederstrom was the story of Game 3 of the World Series. No, he doesn't play for the Nats. He doesn't play for the Astros. He's not the manager of either team. He's not the bench coach or the third base coach. He was the home plate umpire. And he had a terrible game when it mattered most.
It's frustrating when a home plate has an inconsistent strike zone. That wasn't Cederstrom's problem. His strike zone was quite consistent for the both teams. The Astros' pitchers consistently got the outside, low, and high pitches all night long. The Nats' pitchers, particularly Anibal Sanchez, didn't even get pitches virtually down the middle. It was not only an embarrassing night for Gary Cederstrom; it was an embarrassing night for Major League Baseball. This is the ultimate showcase for the sport and instead of the focus zeroing in on the talent of the players, the game showed how much an awful home plate umpire can determine the outcome of a Wold Series contest. To quote the immortal former Governor of Texas and ex-Secretary of Energy Rick Perry, "Oops."
The Nats had their chances all night but uncharacteristically couldn't manage to capitalize. After a great grab by Victor Robles in center off the bat of Jose Altuve, Houston came back to score 2 in the second. There was an opportunity for Dave Martinez to pinch hit for Sanchez in the bottom of the 4th with one out a man on third down 2-1. Hindsight shows that Martinez's decision didn't pan out, but at the time, it was the right one.
The Nats' bullpen has been horrible all year. If Martinez goes to the bullpen, the Nats will likely have to win a shootout. If that's the case, why then would he play for one run in the 4th? If a pinch hitter knocks in the run, sure it's 2-2, but then Martinez needs to concoct 5 more innings out of the bullpen and still score more than the Astros, who by the way, still had Zack Greinke on the mound and the better arms in the pen.
Martinez felt his best shot was to leave Sanchez in and trust his offense to either deliver with 2 outs or in another inning. They normally do. It just happened not to work this time. Sanchez gave up two more runs and somehow, Fernando Rodney, Joe Ross, and Wander Suero didn't give up any. The Nats' offense was surprisingly quiet with runners on. If you had contended that the game would play out like that when there was one out in the bottom of the fourth, I would've lost all of my earthly possessions.
The Astros won 4-1, led by the right hand and vocal chords of Cederstrom. Juan Soto had a rough 21st birthday at the plate and in the field. It was probably hit worst night in the majors, but he'll bounce back. Anthony Rendon will start hitting.And the Nats next three starters are all you could hope for.
It's frustrating when a home plate has an inconsistent strike zone. That wasn't Cederstrom's problem. His strike zone was quite consistent for the both teams. The Astros' pitchers consistently got the outside, low, and high pitches all night long. The Nats' pitchers, particularly Anibal Sanchez, didn't even get pitches virtually down the middle. It was not only an embarrassing night for Gary Cederstrom; it was an embarrassing night for Major League Baseball. This is the ultimate showcase for the sport and instead of the focus zeroing in on the talent of the players, the game showed how much an awful home plate umpire can determine the outcome of a Wold Series contest. To quote the immortal former Governor of Texas and ex-Secretary of Energy Rick Perry, "Oops."
The Nats had their chances all night but uncharacteristically couldn't manage to capitalize. After a great grab by Victor Robles in center off the bat of Jose Altuve, Houston came back to score 2 in the second. There was an opportunity for Dave Martinez to pinch hit for Sanchez in the bottom of the 4th with one out a man on third down 2-1. Hindsight shows that Martinez's decision didn't pan out, but at the time, it was the right one.
The Nats' bullpen has been horrible all year. If Martinez goes to the bullpen, the Nats will likely have to win a shootout. If that's the case, why then would he play for one run in the 4th? If a pinch hitter knocks in the run, sure it's 2-2, but then Martinez needs to concoct 5 more innings out of the bullpen and still score more than the Astros, who by the way, still had Zack Greinke on the mound and the better arms in the pen.
Martinez felt his best shot was to leave Sanchez in and trust his offense to either deliver with 2 outs or in another inning. They normally do. It just happened not to work this time. Sanchez gave up two more runs and somehow, Fernando Rodney, Joe Ross, and Wander Suero didn't give up any. The Nats' offense was surprisingly quiet with runners on. If you had contended that the game would play out like that when there was one out in the bottom of the fourth, I would've lost all of my earthly possessions.
The Astros won 4-1, led by the right hand and vocal chords of Cederstrom. Juan Soto had a rough 21st birthday at the plate and in the field. It was probably hit worst night in the majors, but he'll bounce back. Anthony Rendon will start hitting.And the Nats next three starters are all you could hope for.
Thursday, October 24, 2019
Game 2 - Blowout.... Eventually
Anthony Rendon knocked in Trea Turner and Adam Eaton before Justin Verlander could even get an out. But Stephen Strasburg gave up a two-run shot int eh bottom of the inning that Alex Bregman watched for far too long.
From there, the two star pitchers settled down until the 7th. Kurt Suzuki had mustered one hit all postseason before Gam2 2. His second hit of the game was launched out of the field of play for a game-leading homer. Call it the law of averages. Suzuki added some more terrific blocks behind the plate and threw out Jose Altuve at third to prevent Bregman's shot from being a three run dinger.
After Suzuki's smash, the Nats relaxed and poured it on, battling around while scoring 6. Adam Eaton hit a homer and the nation was introduced to Eaton and Howie Kendrick's celebration.
The added runs following Suzuki's homer were much needed. It allowed Dave Martinez to use Fernando Rodney, Tanner Rainey, and Javy Guerra with too much fear of a blown save. But not before Max Scherzer joined in on what had become Anibal Sanchez and Gerardo Parra's tradition of wrapping up Strasburg in a prolonged and swaying bear hug.
The Nats scored three more in the eighth and Michael A. Taylor hit a homer in the 9th. I thought Martinez could've gotten his reserves in a little earlier, but it as important for Taylor especially to get an at bat in the World Series in a low pressure situation.
The Nats won 12-3 after Guerra only gave up one run in the 9th. The Nats take a 2-0 heading home.
From there, the two star pitchers settled down until the 7th. Kurt Suzuki had mustered one hit all postseason before Gam2 2. His second hit of the game was launched out of the field of play for a game-leading homer. Call it the law of averages. Suzuki added some more terrific blocks behind the plate and threw out Jose Altuve at third to prevent Bregman's shot from being a three run dinger.
After Suzuki's smash, the Nats relaxed and poured it on, battling around while scoring 6. Adam Eaton hit a homer and the nation was introduced to Eaton and Howie Kendrick's celebration.
The added runs following Suzuki's homer were much needed. It allowed Dave Martinez to use Fernando Rodney, Tanner Rainey, and Javy Guerra with too much fear of a blown save. But not before Max Scherzer joined in on what had become Anibal Sanchez and Gerardo Parra's tradition of wrapping up Strasburg in a prolonged and swaying bear hug.
The Nats scored three more in the eighth and Michael A. Taylor hit a homer in the 9th. I thought Martinez could've gotten his reserves in a little earlier, but it as important for Taylor especially to get an at bat in the World Series in a low pressure situation.
The Nats won 12-3 after Guerra only gave up one run in the 9th. The Nats take a 2-0 heading home.
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Game 1 - Scripting it Perfectly
Max Scherzer gets amped for a regular season game in the dog days. So in the World Series, he can be forgiven for overthrowing early. He committed uncharacteristic walks and put Kurt Suzuki to work. During the NLCS, the TBS announcers inexplicably decreed Yan Gomes the better defensive catcher. If they had watched the Nats all year, they would've known Suzuki is great at blocking balls, framing pitches, and calling a game.
After Scherzer gave up only two runs in the first, Ryan Zimmerman his a solo homer. Zimmerman was the Nats first draft pick ever, but John Smoltz claimed he had played for the Expos. Ian Desmond was the last Expo player to last with the Nats. After the Nats made the playoffs the first time, I reminisced about all of the Nats during the club's first seven years. Making the World Series has made me think about all the ex-Nats over the last seven years.
In addition to Desmond, there's of course Jayson Werth, Wilson Ramos, Gio Gonzalez, Danny Espinosa, Denard Span, Jordan Zimmermann, Drew Storen, and well, even Harp.
Zimmerman is the Nats' franchise, but Juan Soto is the Nats' future and he his a solo shot to tie the game. The Nats took a 5-2 lead with their trademark: timely hitting. Adam Eaton has been Mr. Clutch all post season despite a below-par batting average. Soto provided the much-needed insurance runs.
Houston manager AJ Hinch made a mistake by leaving Gerrit Cole in through the 7th down 5-2. It seemed like a waste of Cole's pitches that could've been save for Game 4 or a spot relief outing before then. Nats manager Dave Martinez went with Patrick Corbin in the 6th. He could've went with Corbin again to start the 7th, but opted to go to elsewhere. While Joe Buck extolled the virtues of Tanner Rainey, every knowledgeable Nats fan bit their finger nails off. Save two guys, the Nats bullpen has been atrocious all year and Rainey is certainly no exception. He is the only guy you want to even sniff the mound I guess.
It was worth trying to steal an out with Rainey, but after the first homerun, ti was time to yank him out. Martinez left Rainey in to get an out but then put two men on. Daniel Hudson had to make some tough pitches and he did it. Sean Doolittle is back and he showed it with a four-out save to win 5-4.
When the Nats were 19-31, I started to get tired of waiting for them to turn things around. I tried to convince myself that maybe our run is over. Intellectually, it seemed like there was too much talent on the team, but the losses kept coming. When they turned things around from late May through the All Star break, it was a fun time, but when they finally slid into the Wild Card spot, it caught me off guard. The Nats still weren't picking up enough on the Braves, who were just as hot. Eventually, we had to let the dream of winning the division die.
But the Nats ended the season hot. During their streak, they came back late in so many games and the Wild Card game was no exception. Martinez completely out-managed his counterparts in LA and St Louis. The national media kept presenting the Nats as underdogs, but those who have watched the team all year (well, specifically since late May), understand how dominate this team is.
After Scherzer gave up only two runs in the first, Ryan Zimmerman his a solo homer. Zimmerman was the Nats first draft pick ever, but John Smoltz claimed he had played for the Expos. Ian Desmond was the last Expo player to last with the Nats. After the Nats made the playoffs the first time, I reminisced about all of the Nats during the club's first seven years. Making the World Series has made me think about all the ex-Nats over the last seven years.
In addition to Desmond, there's of course Jayson Werth, Wilson Ramos, Gio Gonzalez, Danny Espinosa, Denard Span, Jordan Zimmermann, Drew Storen, and well, even Harp.
Zimmerman is the Nats' franchise, but Juan Soto is the Nats' future and he his a solo shot to tie the game. The Nats took a 5-2 lead with their trademark: timely hitting. Adam Eaton has been Mr. Clutch all post season despite a below-par batting average. Soto provided the much-needed insurance runs.
Houston manager AJ Hinch made a mistake by leaving Gerrit Cole in through the 7th down 5-2. It seemed like a waste of Cole's pitches that could've been save for Game 4 or a spot relief outing before then. Nats manager Dave Martinez went with Patrick Corbin in the 6th. He could've went with Corbin again to start the 7th, but opted to go to elsewhere. While Joe Buck extolled the virtues of Tanner Rainey, every knowledgeable Nats fan bit their finger nails off. Save two guys, the Nats bullpen has been atrocious all year and Rainey is certainly no exception. He is the only guy you want to even sniff the mound I guess.
It was worth trying to steal an out with Rainey, but after the first homerun, ti was time to yank him out. Martinez left Rainey in to get an out but then put two men on. Daniel Hudson had to make some tough pitches and he did it. Sean Doolittle is back and he showed it with a four-out save to win 5-4.
When the Nats were 19-31, I started to get tired of waiting for them to turn things around. I tried to convince myself that maybe our run is over. Intellectually, it seemed like there was too much talent on the team, but the losses kept coming. When they turned things around from late May through the All Star break, it was a fun time, but when they finally slid into the Wild Card spot, it caught me off guard. The Nats still weren't picking up enough on the Braves, who were just as hot. Eventually, we had to let the dream of winning the division die.
But the Nats ended the season hot. During their streak, they came back late in so many games and the Wild Card game was no exception. Martinez completely out-managed his counterparts in LA and St Louis. The national media kept presenting the Nats as underdogs, but those who have watched the team all year (well, specifically since late May), understand how dominate this team is.
Friday, October 03, 2014
Nats Fall in Game 1
It's undeniable that the rust that accumulates with five days off hurt the Nats in Game 1 of the NLDS against the Giants. If you can win the Wild Card Game, then having played in it is a huge advantage. Both Wild Card teams won Game 1 of the Division Series this year and it was pretty clear that the Nats' and Angels' timing was off offensively. MLB has to reorganize the playoffs.
The Nats' offense succeeds when Denard Span and Anthony Rendon get on base. They were a combined 1-9 in Game 1. The 3-2 loss was frustrating because it seemed so fluky.
Wilson Ramos made a few great blocks of the ball, but the one he missed was huge. Ramos almost never misses a pitch like that. It allowed two runners to move up and a run eventually scored. One of those two runners were on base because Adam LaRoche was uncharacteristically aggressive defensively. He's usually such a cool customer, but he tried to do too much.
Ramos is also great at throwing out potential base stealers. He threw one out in Game 1. But he didn't get Hunter Pence and the Giants scored a run only because Pence stole that base.
It was also frustrating because Steven Strasburg pitched well, but the batted balls kept finding holes. And Ian Desmond struckout with the bases loaded, but the very next batter, Bryce Harper, launched a monster homerun. Unfortunately, Harper's homer took place in the following inning.
The Nats' defense has been the one area that has shown inconsistency. The Nats can be very good defensively, but they have a tendency to implode every now and again. Still, the machinations of the postseason bit them. The long wait and the torturous four hour 9-inning 3-2 game are two things that are very different than the regular season. Laz Diaz's miserably erratic strike zone didn't help either.
The Nats' offense succeeds when Denard Span and Anthony Rendon get on base. They were a combined 1-9 in Game 1. The 3-2 loss was frustrating because it seemed so fluky.
Wilson Ramos made a few great blocks of the ball, but the one he missed was huge. Ramos almost never misses a pitch like that. It allowed two runners to move up and a run eventually scored. One of those two runners were on base because Adam LaRoche was uncharacteristically aggressive defensively. He's usually such a cool customer, but he tried to do too much.
Ramos is also great at throwing out potential base stealers. He threw one out in Game 1. But he didn't get Hunter Pence and the Giants scored a run only because Pence stole that base.
It was also frustrating because Steven Strasburg pitched well, but the batted balls kept finding holes. And Ian Desmond struckout with the bases loaded, but the very next batter, Bryce Harper, launched a monster homerun. Unfortunately, Harper's homer took place in the following inning.
The Nats' defense has been the one area that has shown inconsistency. The Nats can be very good defensively, but they have a tendency to implode every now and again. Still, the machinations of the postseason bit them. The long wait and the torturous four hour 9-inning 3-2 game are two things that are very different than the regular season. Laz Diaz's miserably erratic strike zone didn't help either.
Thursday, September 18, 2014
NL East Champs!
The Nats claimed their second NL East tile in three years. It's been a long journey since the early years in DC. It's rewarding to pour your heart into a team from the outset and eventually get to celebrate. There were a lot of losses to endure before we got to cheer on a winner.
I especially feel good for Ian Desmond, Jordan Zimmermann, Tyler Clippard, Craig Stammen, and Ross Detwiler, who have been with the franchise for so long. I only wish that Ryan Zimmerman, Mr. Nat, had been there to celebrate.
And of course, it feels extra good to clinch in Atlanta. The past two seasons, the Braves have represented everything that's wrong with baseball. They've hit opponents for no particular reason, started fights, and scuffled with umpires. The Nats had struggled a bit with the Braves until turning things around midway through this year.
The thing I love most about the Nats is that they genuinely seem to enjoy each other's company. It's an easy team to root for, which is a real luxury for a fan. Here's to another month and a half of Nats baseball!
I especially feel good for Ian Desmond, Jordan Zimmermann, Tyler Clippard, Craig Stammen, and Ross Detwiler, who have been with the franchise for so long. I only wish that Ryan Zimmerman, Mr. Nat, had been there to celebrate.
And of course, it feels extra good to clinch in Atlanta. The past two seasons, the Braves have represented everything that's wrong with baseball. They've hit opponents for no particular reason, started fights, and scuffled with umpires. The Nats had struggled a bit with the Braves until turning things around midway through this year.
The thing I love most about the Nats is that they genuinely seem to enjoy each other's company. It's an easy team to root for, which is a real luxury for a fan. Here's to another month and a half of Nats baseball!
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
2014 Washington Nationals Baserunning Stats
2014 Nats baserunning stats in 2013 according to the Bill James Handbook:
| Player | Bases Gained |
Stolen Bases Gained |
Net Gain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ramos | -14 | -2 | -16 |
| LaRoche | +2 | +2 | +4 |
| Rendon | +3 | -1 | +2 |
| Desmond | +3 | +9 | +12 |
| Zimmerman | +4 | +6 | +10 |
| Harper | +6 | +3 | +9 |
| Span | +14 | +8 | +22 |
| Werth | -7 | +8 | +1 |
| Espinosa | - - - | - - - | - - - |
| McLouth | +3 | +16 | +19 |
| Frandsen | -11 | +1 | -10 |
| Moore | -3 | 0 | -3 |
| S. Hairston | - - - | - - - | - - - |
| Lobaton | -2 | -2 | -2 |
| Dobbs | -3 | -1 | -4 |
Monday, May 26, 2014
2014 Washington Nationals Batting Tendencies and Preferences
2014 Nats batting stats, tendencies, and preferences in 2013 according to the Bill James Handbook:
| Player | Patient or Aggressive |
Air or Ground |
Best Against Lefty or Righty |
Runs Created |
Win Shares |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ramos | Very Aggressive | Ground | Even | 40 | 8 |
| LaRoche (L) | Very Patient | Air | Right | 68 | 14 |
| Rendon | Patient | Medium | Left | 43 | 12 |
| Desmond | Aggressive | Medium | Even | 81 | 25 |
| Zimmerman | Patient | Medium | Even | 83 | 23 |
| Harper (L) | Patient | Ground | Right | 73 | 19 |
| Span (L) | Aggressive | Ground | Right | 74 | 19 |
| Werth | Very Patient | Air | Left | 94 | 26 |
| Espinosa (S) | Very Aggressive | Ground | Left | 8 | 2 |
| McLouth (L) | Neutral | Air | Right | 71 | 14 |
| Frandsen | Very Aggressive | Ground | Left | 21 | 3 |
| Moore | Neutral | Air | Right | 17 | 3 |
| S. Hairston | Patient | Air | Left | 14 | 2 |
| Lobaton (S) | Aggressive | Medium | Right | 32 | 9 |
| Dobbs (L) | Aggressive | Medium | Right | 21 | 3 |
Monday, September 30, 2013
The 2013 Nats
Many believe this season was disappointing for the Nats. But the Nats finished ten games over .500. Only ten teams make the playoffs, including the bizarre play-in game in each league. The problem for the Nats this season was inconsistent hitting. It wasn't until August that the Nats' bats woke up. The pitching was great all season long.
Stephen Strasburg was victimized by bad luck. His record was 8-9, but his ERA was 3.00, the best of any Nat who started ten or more games. He also led the starters in WHIP. Jordan Zimmermann went 19-9 with a 3.25 ERA. Gio Gonzalez didn't have as good of a year as 2012, but with a 11-8 record and a 3.36 ERA.
After the big three, the Nats didn't have a consistent starter. Dan Haren shook off a bad start and was very effective in spurts, but his final numbers were less than stellar at 10-14 with a 4.67 ERA. Ross Detwiler, who pitched masterfully int he playoffs last season, struggled. He was 2-7 with 4.04 ERA in 13 starts. Taylor Jordan, Tanner Roark, and Ross Ohlendorf were the other notable starters. Jordan's ERA was an impressive 3.66 nine starts when he was shut down. Roark showed he knows how to pitch. Vulturing a few wins when he was first called up as a reliever. He had only one bad game in posting a 7-1 record and a 1.51 record.
The bullpen was mostly strong, but was not as good as lack year. The Nats missed left-hander Sean Burnett. Washington hoped Rafael Soriano would add depth to the pen. He had 43 saves and 3.11 ERA. But he blew a couple of important games in August by allowing three-run homers. Tyler Clippard was good, but not as dominant as last season. He was 6-3 with a 2.41 ERA. Crag Stammen was effective, which was needed because Drew Storen had some trouble coming back from his heartbreaking loss in Game 5 in 2012.
Offensively, Jayson Werth led the way with .318 average and .931 OPS. Injured for much of the first half, he played in only 129 games. He nailed 25 homers and 82 RBIs. Ryan Zimmerman had his usual year, although he had fewer RBIs than normal with only 79. He went on a power surge out of the number 2 spot int he order in August and finished with 26. All Star Bryce Harper didn't put up eye popping numbers, but he cleared the 20 homer mark and his OPS was .854. Ian Desmond cooled off late, but had another 20-20 year.
New acquisition Denard Span struggled to hit early, but became more aggressive late. A 29-game hitting streak helped raise his average to .279. Wilson Ramos was given a vote of confidence when Kurt Suzuki was traded. Ramos, who is great at calling a game, in 78 games, he hit 16 homer with 59 RBIs. He hit .272, impressive for a catcher. Danny Espinosa was ineffective and sent down tot he minors where he struggled. In his place, rookie Anthony Rendon thrives for much fo the season, but he didn't hit as well later int he season. Steve Lombardozzi, who played in more games but had fewer at bats than Rendon. had the opposite season.
Adam LaRoche struggled hitting at first, but was his usual strong defensive first baseman. He likely won't win a second Gold Glove award, but Span, a centerfielder, should. He rarely took a false step and read balls off the bat excellently. he also added a few amazing catches.
While the starting hitters were inconsistent, but the bench was subpar.Chad Tracy, Tyler Moore, and Scott Hairston barely cracked the Mendoza line. Roger Bernadina didn't and he was shipped to Philadelphia.
The Nats got hot in mid August and made a valiant run at the second Wild Card. But with a seven days to go int he season, a loss to St. Louis sealed their fate. Still, the Nats had only their second winning season in team history. Outgoing manager Davey Johnson was at the helm for both of them.
Stephen Strasburg was victimized by bad luck. His record was 8-9, but his ERA was 3.00, the best of any Nat who started ten or more games. He also led the starters in WHIP. Jordan Zimmermann went 19-9 with a 3.25 ERA. Gio Gonzalez didn't have as good of a year as 2012, but with a 11-8 record and a 3.36 ERA.
After the big three, the Nats didn't have a consistent starter. Dan Haren shook off a bad start and was very effective in spurts, but his final numbers were less than stellar at 10-14 with a 4.67 ERA. Ross Detwiler, who pitched masterfully int he playoffs last season, struggled. He was 2-7 with 4.04 ERA in 13 starts. Taylor Jordan, Tanner Roark, and Ross Ohlendorf were the other notable starters. Jordan's ERA was an impressive 3.66 nine starts when he was shut down. Roark showed he knows how to pitch. Vulturing a few wins when he was first called up as a reliever. He had only one bad game in posting a 7-1 record and a 1.51 record.
The bullpen was mostly strong, but was not as good as lack year. The Nats missed left-hander Sean Burnett. Washington hoped Rafael Soriano would add depth to the pen. He had 43 saves and 3.11 ERA. But he blew a couple of important games in August by allowing three-run homers. Tyler Clippard was good, but not as dominant as last season. He was 6-3 with a 2.41 ERA. Crag Stammen was effective, which was needed because Drew Storen had some trouble coming back from his heartbreaking loss in Game 5 in 2012.
Offensively, Jayson Werth led the way with .318 average and .931 OPS. Injured for much of the first half, he played in only 129 games. He nailed 25 homers and 82 RBIs. Ryan Zimmerman had his usual year, although he had fewer RBIs than normal with only 79. He went on a power surge out of the number 2 spot int he order in August and finished with 26. All Star Bryce Harper didn't put up eye popping numbers, but he cleared the 20 homer mark and his OPS was .854. Ian Desmond cooled off late, but had another 20-20 year.
New acquisition Denard Span struggled to hit early, but became more aggressive late. A 29-game hitting streak helped raise his average to .279. Wilson Ramos was given a vote of confidence when Kurt Suzuki was traded. Ramos, who is great at calling a game, in 78 games, he hit 16 homer with 59 RBIs. He hit .272, impressive for a catcher. Danny Espinosa was ineffective and sent down tot he minors where he struggled. In his place, rookie Anthony Rendon thrives for much fo the season, but he didn't hit as well later int he season. Steve Lombardozzi, who played in more games but had fewer at bats than Rendon. had the opposite season.
Adam LaRoche struggled hitting at first, but was his usual strong defensive first baseman. He likely won't win a second Gold Glove award, but Span, a centerfielder, should. He rarely took a false step and read balls off the bat excellently. he also added a few amazing catches.
While the starting hitters were inconsistent, but the bench was subpar.Chad Tracy, Tyler Moore, and Scott Hairston barely cracked the Mendoza line. Roger Bernadina didn't and he was shipped to Philadelphia.
The Nats got hot in mid August and made a valiant run at the second Wild Card. But with a seven days to go int he season, a loss to St. Louis sealed their fate. Still, the Nats had only their second winning season in team history. Outgoing manager Davey Johnson was at the helm for both of them.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Disaster
It's been days of weeping and trying to find a building to jump off of, but I think I'm now able to recap the horror that was Game 5 of the NLDS. The Nats were up 6-0. Then, the lead was steadily cut. I felt powerless to stop it. But then the Nats scored an insurance run in the bottom of the 8th and everything seemed like it would work out. Then, disaster struck in the 9th. The rest is very sad history.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
A Memorable Performance
The crowd was nervous before the national cameras panned Nats Park. But once the light was switched on, the Nats fans were at full throat for much of the game. There wasn't much offense to cheer for. Ross Detwiler pitched a beauty. He relinquished one run in 6 innings and that run wouldn't have crossed the plate without an Ian Desmond error.
Adam LaRoche stroked a line drive over the center field wall in the bottom of the second. The Nats only had one other hit in the first eight innings of the game. For their part, the Cardinals only had three hits in nine innings. Davey Johnson pitched Jordan Zimmermann in the 7th and he fanned all three batters he faced. Tyler Clippard struckout three of the four he faced in the 8th. Drew Storen had two Ks in the 9th.
Jayson Werth led off the bottom of the 9th in a 1-1 game against Lance Lynn. Werth battled hard, working the count full and fouling off a number of pitches. Lynn's 13th pitch to Werth was smoked over the left field wall. DC exploded in a display of joy and relief. The stadium buzzed for over ten minutes after the homerun. Shouts of ecstasy rang in the ears off all who witnessed the game.
The Nats won 2-1 to tie the series at 2. One game will decide the series tomorrow.
Adam LaRoche stroked a line drive over the center field wall in the bottom of the second. The Nats only had one other hit in the first eight innings of the game. For their part, the Cardinals only had three hits in nine innings. Davey Johnson pitched Jordan Zimmermann in the 7th and he fanned all three batters he faced. Tyler Clippard struckout three of the four he faced in the 8th. Drew Storen had two Ks in the 9th.
Jayson Werth led off the bottom of the 9th in a 1-1 game against Lance Lynn. Werth battled hard, working the count full and fouling off a number of pitches. Lynn's 13th pitch to Werth was smoked over the left field wall. DC exploded in a display of joy and relief. The stadium buzzed for over ten minutes after the homerun. Shouts of ecstasy rang in the ears off all who witnessed the game.
The Nats won 2-1 to tie the series at 2. One game will decide the series tomorrow.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Where are the Nats?
All year long the Nats have scrapped, fought, and picked up their fallen teammates. None of that has been apparent in the last two games of their NLDS with the Cardinals. Game 3 was much the same as Game 2, except the Nats showed even less determination and focus.
Peter Kozma crushed a three-run homer off Edwin Jackson in the second inning to give the Cardinals a 4-0 lead. It was more than enough. The Nats got baserunners, but none scored Instead, with men on base, the Nats' bats wilted and died. A terrible call by Jim Joyce on a Danny Espinosa bunt single in the second, didn't help matters (Joyce has already shown us that he can't handle the big moment).
Jackson settled down by the third and coasted through the fifth when he was lifted. Craig Stammen and Christian Garcia each gave up a run in relief and Ryan Mattheus relinquished two. No Nats starting pitcher has seen the sixth inning. I don't remember another point in the season when the Nats had three consecutive games where each starting pitcher threw five innings or fewer. The bullpen has not picked up the starters.
On offense, it has been the Ian Desmond show. Ryan Zimmerman has also been consistent. But every other starter has faltered, either the entire series or when men are on base. The defense has been uncharacteristically poor as well (Kurt Suzuki and Ian Desmond excepted).
Winning this series is still with in reach. It only takes two home wins. But, for that to happen, the team needs to develop the old fight that has been prevalent all season long.
Peter Kozma crushed a three-run homer off Edwin Jackson in the second inning to give the Cardinals a 4-0 lead. It was more than enough. The Nats got baserunners, but none scored Instead, with men on base, the Nats' bats wilted and died. A terrible call by Jim Joyce on a Danny Espinosa bunt single in the second, didn't help matters (Joyce has already shown us that he can't handle the big moment).
Jackson settled down by the third and coasted through the fifth when he was lifted. Craig Stammen and Christian Garcia each gave up a run in relief and Ryan Mattheus relinquished two. No Nats starting pitcher has seen the sixth inning. I don't remember another point in the season when the Nats had three consecutive games where each starting pitcher threw five innings or fewer. The bullpen has not picked up the starters.
On offense, it has been the Ian Desmond show. Ryan Zimmerman has also been consistent. But every other starter has faltered, either the entire series or when men are on base. The defense has been uncharacteristically poor as well (Kurt Suzuki and Ian Desmond excepted).
Winning this series is still with in reach. It only takes two home wins. But, for that to happen, the team needs to develop the old fight that has been prevalent all season long.
Monday, October 08, 2012
Devastation
The Nats went up 1-0 in the top of the second. Jordan Zimmermann had a flawless inning in the bottom of the first and the Cardinals' Jaime Garcia looked quite shaky on the hill. Dreams of an easy series for the Nats danced in their supports' imaginations.
The bottom of the second changed the course of the series. Zimmermann gave up four consecutive hits which eventually resulted in four runs. He gave up another one in the form of an Alan Craig homer in the third. Davey Johnson had enough and took Zimmermann out. That opened the flood gates. Craig Stammen gave up another two runs in the fourth, giving the Cardinals a 7-1 lead.
Christian Garcia pitched an inning and two thirds fairly effectively. Mike Gonzalez gave up a Carlos Beltran homer (one of two he hit) in the 6th, which followed consecutive homers by Ryan Zimmerman and Adam LaRoche.
That was how the game worked out. Whenever the Nats exhibited any sprinkle of magic, the Cards swatted them down like Brian Urlacher in that Xfinity commercial. With two on in the top of the seventh and no outs, Zimmerman flew out to left scoring Jayson Werth. But Bryce Harper was thrown out trying to advance to third after Matt Holliday performed a bizarre throw. Harper was trying to get to third with fewer than two outs, a shrewd play that backfired badly.
With the score 8-4, St. Louis put the game away for good with four in the eighth. The final score was 12-4, trying the series at one. But the Cardinals did not dominate as much as the score suggests. Pete Kozma grabbed two extra bases with aggressive base running. John Jay added another. Both Jayson Werth and Michael Morse bobbled balls in the outfield. Danny Espinosa committed an error. All of these plays were responsible for St. Louis runs.
Harper's base running blunder may have taken away a run. John Jay made a stellar running catch and crashed into the wall on a ball smacked by Espinosa, which, perhaps, could have saved at least a run. The Nats simply didn't show their customary focus. The one exception has been Ian Desmond who has had a coming out party thus far in the postseason.
The bottom of the second changed the course of the series. Zimmermann gave up four consecutive hits which eventually resulted in four runs. He gave up another one in the form of an Alan Craig homer in the third. Davey Johnson had enough and took Zimmermann out. That opened the flood gates. Craig Stammen gave up another two runs in the fourth, giving the Cardinals a 7-1 lead.
Christian Garcia pitched an inning and two thirds fairly effectively. Mike Gonzalez gave up a Carlos Beltran homer (one of two he hit) in the 6th, which followed consecutive homers by Ryan Zimmerman and Adam LaRoche.
That was how the game worked out. Whenever the Nats exhibited any sprinkle of magic, the Cards swatted them down like Brian Urlacher in that Xfinity commercial. With two on in the top of the seventh and no outs, Zimmerman flew out to left scoring Jayson Werth. But Bryce Harper was thrown out trying to advance to third after Matt Holliday performed a bizarre throw. Harper was trying to get to third with fewer than two outs, a shrewd play that backfired badly.
With the score 8-4, St. Louis put the game away for good with four in the eighth. The final score was 12-4, trying the series at one. But the Cardinals did not dominate as much as the score suggests. Pete Kozma grabbed two extra bases with aggressive base running. John Jay added another. Both Jayson Werth and Michael Morse bobbled balls in the outfield. Danny Espinosa committed an error. All of these plays were responsible for St. Louis runs.
Harper's base running blunder may have taken away a run. John Jay made a stellar running catch and crashed into the wall on a ball smacked by Espinosa, which, perhaps, could have saved at least a run. The Nats simply didn't show their customary focus. The one exception has been Ian Desmond who has had a coming out party thus far in the postseason.
Sunday, October 07, 2012
Moore Clutch Hitting
Gio Gonzalez scuffled during the first postseason game a Washington baseball team has played in during the past 78 years. He only gave up one hit in five innings, but his outing featured a hellish second inning. After an Adam LaRoche walk, Ian Desmond single, Kurt Suzuki knocked in LaRoche to make a 1-0 Nats lead. Gonzalez then walked four and threw a wild pitch resulting in two runs for the St. Louis Cardinals.
The Cardinals never really got good wood on Gio's stuff, but he missed his spots badly. Home plate umpire Paul Emmel's inconsistent strike zone didn't help matters. Emmel had an embarrassingly poor game behind the plate. On several occasions, back to back pitches hit the same spot yet were called differently.
The Nats piled up six hits against Adam Wainwright, but failed to threaten following the second inning. In the seventh, Craig Stammen was working his second inning. A LaRoche error on a bad hop and two hits later, the bases were load with no outs. Ryan Mattheus forced a grounder to short by clean up hitter Alan Craig. Then, Yadier Molina grounded into a double play.
The Nats turned the momentum into runs int he top of the 8th. Michael Morse reached on a bad hop and Desmond got another hit. Danny Espinosa inexplicably bunted and Kurt Suzuki struck out. The Cardinals went with lefty Marc Rzepczynski to face pinch hitter Chad Tracy. Tracy was lifted and rookie Tyler Moore sent in. Moore slapped a single to right, scoring Morse and Desmond.
Tyler Clippard pitched a scoreless 8th and Drew Storen got the save int he 9th. The Nats stole one on the road and lead the series 1-0 thanks to the 3-2 victory.
The Cardinals never really got good wood on Gio's stuff, but he missed his spots badly. Home plate umpire Paul Emmel's inconsistent strike zone didn't help matters. Emmel had an embarrassingly poor game behind the plate. On several occasions, back to back pitches hit the same spot yet were called differently.
The Nats piled up six hits against Adam Wainwright, but failed to threaten following the second inning. In the seventh, Craig Stammen was working his second inning. A LaRoche error on a bad hop and two hits later, the bases were load with no outs. Ryan Mattheus forced a grounder to short by clean up hitter Alan Craig. Then, Yadier Molina grounded into a double play.
The Nats turned the momentum into runs int he top of the 8th. Michael Morse reached on a bad hop and Desmond got another hit. Danny Espinosa inexplicably bunted and Kurt Suzuki struck out. The Cardinals went with lefty Marc Rzepczynski to face pinch hitter Chad Tracy. Tracy was lifted and rookie Tyler Moore sent in. Moore slapped a single to right, scoring Morse and Desmond.
Tyler Clippard pitched a scoreless 8th and Drew Storen got the save int he 9th. The Nats stole one on the road and lead the series 1-0 thanks to the 3-2 victory.
Wednesday, October 03, 2012
Teddy Wins
For the first time in history, Teddy defeated his Mount Rushmore brethren and captured his first race victory. It capped an incredible season for the Nats, who ended the season with baseball's best record, 98-64.
From Gio Gonzalez's coming up party, the rookies Bryce Harper, Steve Lombardozzi, and Tyler Moore were better than advertised, and Ian Desmond and Adam LaRoche were legitimate top ten MVP guys. And that leaves out Ryan Zimmerman, Jordan Zimmermann, and Stephen Strasburg, who all had great seasons.
All of the comebacks and clutch moments have been an omen for something special. So was Roger Berndina's amazing catch in Houston. But nothing has been a clearer sign than Teddy's win.
From Gio Gonzalez's coming up party, the rookies Bryce Harper, Steve Lombardozzi, and Tyler Moore were better than advertised, and Ian Desmond and Adam LaRoche were legitimate top ten MVP guys. And that leaves out Ryan Zimmerman, Jordan Zimmermann, and Stephen Strasburg, who all had great seasons.
All of the comebacks and clutch moments have been an omen for something special. So was Roger Berndina's amazing catch in Houston. But nothing has been a clearer sign than Teddy's win.
Monday, October 01, 2012
Nats are NL East Champs!
As the Pirates beat the Braves, the Nats clinched the NL East for the first time in team history. It's such a meaningful accomplishment. I'm reminded of all the former Nats that have graced the uniform since 2005. I think of all the heartbreaking losses. I think of the teams that even I didn't have enough optimism to believe they would compete.
It's truly a special moment, one that brought me to tears. But it's only another step towards the ultimate goal.
It's truly a special moment, one that brought me to tears. But it's only another step towards the ultimate goal.
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