VIDEO: A Quick Look At Rafael Soriano, New Washington National

We take just one minute to look at what the deal is with Rafael Soriano, who was acquired by the Nationals from the New York Yankees on Tuesday afternoon.  Check it out!

Fan Poll: What Should The Nats Do With The Closer Role

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No Question Last week due to the All-Star Break

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With Drew Storen beginning his rehab assignment, it is almost time for his return to the Majors.  Davey says Storen's arm isn't ready yet, but in a few weeks the Nats former closer should be back with the team.

Last season Storen was 43 for 48 on save opportunities and he finished the year with an ERA of 2.75.  Since Clippard became the closer he has saved 13 out of 14 and now has 14 saves on the season.  Davey has said that Clip and his 1.83 ERA will be counted on to close games even when Storen returens.

"It's not a bad problem to have" is what fans and management both say, but we want to get your opinion.

What do you think the Nats should do about the closer situation?

Wake Up Davy!

Good Mornin, Good Mornin!  And what a lovely morning it is!  The sun has come up. Tomorrow is now today. Davy Johnson told us last night that he needed to sleep on his decision about the Washington National's closer position.  Well...

 WAKE UP DAVY!

The birds are chirping.  The sun is out (for now).  The Nats won last night.  Everything is sunshine & rainbows.  Well everything except that pesky closer position.  So who's it gonna be Davy?  You have a few choices:
Henry Rodriguez - Tyler Clippard - Sean Burnett - Craig Stammen - Committee 
Say Henry Rodriguez.  I dare you.  After H-Rod gave up a walk-off grand slam to Joey Votto and the Reds a few weeks ago, the young pitcher's time was up.  But as Davy does to a fault, he stuck with his guy.  "Yes, he's my closer."  It was too close a call on Monday night against the Phils.  He fooled you once Davy, shame on him.  If he fools you again, shame on you!
You've got Sean Burnett, but he is your only lefty (besides Gorzelanny) in the bullpen.  You are possibly going to have to use him for a matchup before the 9th inning.  But with three right handers coming up in the final frame, perhaps Burnett would fare well.
You've got Tyler Clippard, but you love having him pitch the 8th inning.  Plus he isn't pitching as well as he has in the past.  Clip has 1 career save under his belt.  Give the guy a chance!
Then you've got Craig Stammen, who has been having a career year this season.  Stammen's ERA is 1.44 and he has struck out 23 in 19 innings.  He's been pitching the 6th & 7th inning, but maybe you can leapfrog him over Clip.
I think you like your 3 inning plan.  The starter pitches 6-7 strong.  Guy C in 7th if needed.  Guy B in 8th.  Guy A in 9th.  But if you really want. you can throw out a committee.  You could Alternate Clippard & Stammen and toss in Burnett to face righties.  You could keep Clip in the 8th slot and alternate Stammen & Burnett.  Or you could just flip a three sided coin?
So as you read the morning paper today, think it over.  Think long and hard.  Because if you put in Henry to close one more time, and he can't get the job done, then your managerial skills need to be questioned.
Who's it gonna be Davy...Who's it gonna be...?...

Job Opening: MLB Closer

When Drew Storen went down with an injury before the season started, the closer job was going to be shared by the shaky veteran Brad Lidge and the unproven young heater thrower Henry Rodriguez.  Because neither one of these guys was the perfect option, it looked like Davy Johnson was going to go with a closer by committee until the return of Drew Storen.

Well with Brad Lidge leaving for the DL with a sports hernia until June at the earliest and Henry Rodriguez losing his ability to handle the pressure, Davy Johnson has to make a choice.

Rodriguez has walked 5 straight batters and one night after giving up a game winning walk-off grand slam in the bottom of the 9th inning he couldn't get more than one out before loading the bases and putting the game winning run up to bat.

Davy Johnson most certainly will demote H-rod and replace him with either the setup man Clippard, or a guy like Craig Stammen to finish games.

Clippard has been very consistent over the last several years, but his strength has been in the 8th inning.  This season he is 1-2 with a 3.38 ERA.  Stammen has been much stronger, striking out over 1 guy per inning with a 3-0 record and a 1.29 ERA.  Burnett and Mattheus could also be options.

Just looking at the numbers, I would lean towards Stammen taking over.  Stammen has more "closer type stuff".  That would allow Clippard to remain where he is comfortable in the 8th slot.  Then H-Rod could fill the 7th inning role that Stammen has been so good at and gain back some confidence.

Davy J may also try more of a committee approach with Tyler & Craig, and throw H-Rod in the 8th here and there, but one thing is certain.  Henry Rodriguez is not the answer to close games.

UPDATE:  Really Davy, Still gonna go with him?