Fan Post: Confessions Of A Cleat-Chaser - Watching On TV

Each Thursday We Let A Nats Fan Sound Off, Because Quite Frankly, The Fans Know More Than We Do

This Week's Entry Was Written By Nats Cleatchaser Sandra @NatsGirl19

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Confessions Of A Cleat-Chaser

"Cleatchaser". You may have heard this name slapped on one of us crazy baseball chicks and wondered what it means. Basically, it's exactly what it sounds like - we love the team and especially the players and sometimes we even actively pursue a certain player ... (no hints)

Yeah, we're a little like stalker-groupies. So now that you know what a cleat-chaser is, let me introduce myself as one of the biggest Washington Nationals cleat-chasers around! My name is Sandra. I watch every Nats game possible. I live-tweet games.  I'm in love with a few players.  I'm pretty much the definition of "obsessed". Except in a good way. 

You may be curious to know what I'm writing about today. Well, I decided to share what I see and do when I watch baseball. So here goes. 

My pre-game ritual is always the same, I toss on my red, white and blue Michael Morse jersey.  I grab my iPhone, and turn on the pre-game show. Somehow I always manage to forget chips and dip, which is my typical Nats game snack. Get up, grab snack, come back, and get pumped for the game.  (Sometimes I think I get more pumped than the players)

When the game starts I go straight to the Tweeter to let everyone know how adorable Harper looks today (I do that a lot) or how awesome a certain player is playing. My favorite games are when Gio is pitching, because he's such a joy to watch! Come on ladies, you know what I'm talking about.

If you were to watch me while I watch Nationals baseball you would probably be able to tell what kind of emotion is brewing. If the Nats are doing something good, I'm bouncing up and down with joy, but if it's the other way around, it's probably a mix between frustration and hope. I always believe they will be able to make up for anything bad they do. 

As a self proclaimed cleat-chaser, what I see in the other team is not necessarily enemies (even when it comes to the Phillies, who I hate with a passion), but a group of (usually) nice/nice-looking people who play an awesome game for their job. 

Typically I analyze the opposite team's players and decide if I like them or not based on their looks and the way they play. Yes, shallow, I know, but don't forget who I am. I'm a cleat-chaser. This is what I do. 

When it's our turn to bat I am usually overcome with excitement because, of course, MASN always has awesome close ups on the players' faces. I love being able to see their expressions as they bat and trying to memorize their stance. I watch them swing and try to duplicate it when I play my own sport, softball. Sometimes I have dreams...eh nevermind.

When someone hits a home run, you could hear my cries of "WHOO! YES!" all the way at Nationals Park. When I'm actually at Nationals Park, I bet that even the players can hear my jubilant screaming. 

Sometimes I wonder why I even rate the players. I keep the results in my brain as it would be too embarrassing if it were written on paper and found by anyone I know. That's when I get really shallow, rating their faces and, er, other things...

But don't worry 'm not your stereotypical cleat-chaser. I am a real fan as well, not just someone who watches to see the 'hot guys'.  I may do it on occasion as an "added benefit" but I really enjoy the game of baseball.

And unlike some cleat-chasers I know, I'm not a fair-weather fan. I stay through the whole game and cheer loudly even when it doesn't seem like they have a chance.

Thanks for reading the thoughts of a cleat-chasing Nats girl...

Fan Post: Radio-Head

Each Thursday We Let A Nats Fan Sound Off, Because Quite Frankly, The Fans Know More Than We Do

This Week's Entry Was Written By Nats/Caps Fan @SentientCheese

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I haven't made it to a single game at Nats Park...

That isn't to say I haven't been following the team.  They just happen to play many games during a critical time in my routine: While I'm driving.  And that driving has given me an appreciation for a medium that is often overlooked in the modern era of HD TVs and online game coverage; radio.

Sure I could listen to music, or news; but it's the games, with Charlie Slowes and Dave Jageler that really help the time go by.  And with the performances the Nats put up each night, what better way to rock out on my ride home.

I may be in the minority, but I actually enjoy listening to a variety of DC Sports on the radio.  I've listened to the dulcet tones of Dave Johnson (Wizards), the frenzied calls of John Walton (Capitals), and of course the off-topic insane banter of Sonny Jurgensen and Sam Huff; with Larry trying to keep them on task (Skins).

But baseball and its pace were made for radio. Have you ever listened to Johnson or Walton trying to describe a play for the Wiz or Caps? I'm pretty sure that if we could harness the words per second emanating from their mouths, we could solve the energy crisis today. Half the time the play is over before they can finish describing it, forcing them to scream their heads off.

Football is a little better, as there's a break every 30 seconds during which each play can be dissected.  But trying to imagine where each player is on the field is impossible.

Baseball is different. Baseball is a friend of radio.  Each pitch can be discussed as soon as it hits the catcher's mitt.  The options that are in play can be easily described during the slow pace of the game.  The players, are in somewhat fixed positions.  Easy Listening.  Easy Imagining.

In baseball there is even time to hear how much popcorn is being spilled all over the broadcasters’ booth. Sometimes the game actually gets in the way of the far more interesting interaction between Jageler and Slowes. Who cares that Zimmerman could have had an unassisted triple play, I want to know more about the how the hotdog Charlie just ate looked like a deformed Chihuahua!

I'm going to go to a game soon.  As a Nats fan it is something that I have to do.  It is something that I want to do.  And while I'm watching some fantastic baseball and drinking legally in public my gaze will raise up towards the broadcast booth.  I will stare and wonder what kind of shenanigans are going on up there.

And I just might know exactly what is going down.  Because I just might have my radio...

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Fan Post: Nationals Bobbleheads-The Recent Years

Each Thursday We Let A Nats Fan Sound Off, Because Quite Frankly, The Fans Know More Than We Do

This Week's Entry Was Written By Nats Fan @Nati2de, runner of Ryan Zimmerman’s Bobblegänger on Facebook

========================Part II:  The Recent Years=======================
(Back To Part I)

We continue the look at the Nationals and how the team's players perform on the night of their bobblehead promotions:

============2010============

Ryan Zimmerman (June 19th, 2010)

The Face had a truly awful performance as he went 0 for 4 with 4 strikeouts as the Nats were shutout by Jake Peavy and the White Sox 1-0.  Zim’s -0.219 WPA is the worst ever for a Nationals player on his bobblehead day.

Nats’ record in player bobblehead games: 3-3

Nyjer Morgan (July 31st, 2010)

About a month or so before he completely lost his mind, Nyjer went 1 for 4 with 1 run scored and 1 sacrifice bunt as part of a 7-5 win over the by-then-very-much-hated Phillies.  On the negative side, Tony Flush struck out once and grounded into a double play.  He recorded a -.086 WPA for the game.  

Interestingly, the win came on a walkoff three-run homer by Ryan Zimmerman off Brad Lidge.  Maybe the Nats should consider giving away Nyer Morgan bobbleheads every game.


Nats’ record in player bobblehead games: 4-3

Ivan Rodriguez (August 28th, 2010)

Pudge’s bobblehead was the result of a “Fan’s Choice” online vote.  Rodriguez responded for the fans with a big game going 2 for 4 at the plate with 2 RBI and a run scored.  His +.054 WPA contributed to a 14-5 pasting of Kyle Lohse and the Cardinals.  Uncharacteristically, the Nats went an incredible 8 for 11 with runners in scoring position that day.

Nats’ record in player bobblehead games: 5-3

============2011============

Jayson Werth (July 30, 2011)

Werth, the Nats’ biggest 2011 offseason acquisition had one of his best games of 2011 on his bobblehead night as he went 2 for 3 with a first inning homer that plated all of the Nationals runs in a 3-0 win over the Mets.  His +.256 WPA is the best ever recorded by a Nationals player on his bobblehead night.

Nats’ record in player bobblehead games: 6-3

Ian Desmond (August 20, 2011)

The Nats 3 game win streak in player bobblehead games was snapped by the Phillies in a 5-0 loss.  On his big night, Desmond went 0 for 4 at the plate with 1 strikeout.   He did manage to coax a walk, but also committed a fielding error.  His -.084 WPA was part of an overall “blah” game by the Nats.

Nats’ record in player bobblehead games: 6-4

Danny Espinosa (September 10, 2011)

In the 2011 “Fan’s Choice”, the fans obviously made the wrong choice in selecting Espinosa who had a performance rivaling Zimmerman’s in his 2010 bobblehead game.  Espi went 0 for 4 at the plate with 3 strikeouts in a 9-3 pounding by the 48-96 Astros for a -.071 WPA.

Nats’ record in player bobblehead games: 6-5

============2012============

Stephen Strasburg (April 14, 2012)

The Nats ace did not play in this game as it was not his turn to pitch.  However, Edwin Jackson had a Strasburg-like outing pitching a complete game 2 hitter to pace the Nats to a 4-1 win over the Redlegs.

Nats’ record in player bobblehead games: 7-5

The Rest Of The Year

The two remaining 2012 bobblehead giveaways are scheduled for August 5^th (Michael Morse) and September 8^th (Ryan Zimmerman).  Here’s to hoping that the third time is the charm for Zimmerman and this bobblehead night turns out better for him than the first two.   

So that was a look at the history of the Washington Nationals and their bobbleheads.  I know that performance is not correlated to bobbleheads but I thought it was a curious thing to explore.  Hope you enjoyed!

Fan Post: Nationals Bobbleheads-The Early Years

Each Thursday We Let A Nats Fan Sound Off, Because Quite Frankly, The Fans Know More Than We Do

This Week's Entry Was Written By Nats Fan @Nati2de, runner of Ryan Zimmerman’s Bobblegänger on Facebook

========================Part I:  The Early Years=======================

One of my most vivid Nationals’ memories from the 200 plus games I have attended is Ryan Zimmerman’s putrid performance versus the White Sox on June 19, 2010. He went 0 for 4 at the plate as he was punched out 4 times by Jake Peavy in a 1-0 loss to the White Sox.

This game stands out in my memory because: (1) it was Father’s Day eve and I attended with my son; (2) Ryan Zimmerman is my favorite player and (3) it was Ryan Zimmerman bobblehead day.

Since that day, I’ve often wondered how players fare on their bobblehead games. We don't have time to look at ALL of bobblehead history, so let's take a look at the 12 game bobblehead history of the Washington Nationals.

An Overview:

• There have been 12 bobblehead games in Nats history
• In 4 of those games, the player with the bobblehead didn't play
• The Nats have a 7-5 record in those games
• Jayson Werth is the only National to homer on his bobblehead day
• Best Performer On His Day:  Jayson Werth (+0.256 WPA)
• Worst Performer On His Day:  Ryan Zimmerman (-0.219 WPA)

Dreaming Of Bathroom Free Ballparks

Each Thursday We Let A Nats Fan Sound Off, Because Quite Frankly, The Fans Know More Than We Do

This Week's Entry Was Written By Nats/Caps Fan @KevinLamparter

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Why do I always find myself in the bathroom lines at professional sporting events…

Do I drink in excess to enhance the social enjoyment of the game? Do I require the extra liquid inhalation due to the winning percentages of area DC teams? Do I have the bladder capacity of a 10 or 90 year old?

This Was At Nats Park Last Year

Thinking deeply about it, the answer to all these questions is “Yes”. But bathroom lines are such a hassle at sporting events. I can’t tell you how many big plays happened while I was staring at the back of the head of some bro who just chugged 20 beers.

So what is a fella to do?

Sports Is Beer

This is Actually Editor Chris

Professional sports have been saturated with alcohol-related marketing, sponsorships, and promotions since before I was born.  If you see a game in St. Louis everything is Budweiser and if you head out to Milwaukee then the same is true with Miller Lite. Even at Nats Park these days there is a ginormous Miller Lite logo in dead centerfield.

Beer men are a staple at professional sporting events, providing fans with ice cold adult content delivered right to their seat!  But most of us (def not all) HATE to be that guy who is constantly getting out of his seat during the game.  Try it at a Caps game without getting yelled at.

But how can fans resist that little voice down below telling them they have three minutes to evacuate before something bad happens?

Non-Solutions:

“Drink less beer!” Are you serious bro? Have you ever drank just one beer? It sucks!  And don’t tell me to switch to liquor. Liquor and I do not get along, just ask my ex-wife.

Plus beer is king at the ballpark, liquor is not even readily available.  And nobody wants to be the guy at the Wizards game drinking 3 ounces of pink liquid out of a plastic wine sample glass.

So why hasn’t anyone come up with a better solution to this problem. If they can’t shorten the lines, what can they do? 

Solutions?

Well luckily, I have found two products that could help me out in the future. Although sadly, these products are not really socially acceptable at this point in time…

Obviously the first is an adult diaper. I mean if Wes Welker & Clay Matthews are wearing them, then why not me!

The second is more outside the box thinking, but I'll avoid the box to avoid the stall.  It is called the "Texas Catheter" and boy is it awkward.  You basically put a condom on and a tube transports the contents into a plastic IV bag.  Looks fun...check it out...you ready to strap that bad boy to your leg?
Conclusions:
I’m headed to the Nats game in a week and I’m strongly considering wearing one of these two devices. So who’s with me? June 7 is officially Diaper Day at Nationals Park! Let’s take back the park from all the bathroom line losers and enjoy some baseball, beer, and tension-free bathroom breaks.

In The Defense Of Nationals Fandom: Part III

Each Thursday We Let A Nats Fan Sound Off, Because Quite Frankly, The Fans Know More Than We Do

This Week's Entry Is a 3-Parter Written By A Huge Nats Fan From Twitter:  @TClippardsSpecs

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Part III: The Phuture (Part I, Part II)

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“I Never Think Of The Future.  It Comes Soon Enough.”

-Albert Einstein

What does the future hold?  Let's take a look at some more recent statistics to find out.  Because the Vet was so terrible, and the new Citizen's Bank Park is such a better/cozier place to watch a ballgame, we will look at some numbers for CBP:

Since Nationals Park only has 4 years of existence under it's belt, let's only 

considered the first four years (2004-2007) for Citizens Bank Park.

Keep in mind, these are the years prior to their 2008/2009 World Series appearances, as well as their 102 win 2011 season.  The average attendances from 2008 forward are in the 42,000-47,000 range. Think about those numbers, compared to Veterans Stadium averages – quite a difference a new stadium makes.

Winning also plays a role, but in this comparison it's somewhat irrelevant, if you consider the history of the Phillies at the Vet. In 33 seasons at the Vet, the Phillies had 3 World Series appearances, winning in 1980, 13 winning seasons, with 2 of them being 100+ win seasons -- very comparable to their CBP years thus far.

So where does that take us, and what does the past tell us about today?

Comparing losing seasons between the two teams shows that in spite of what Philadelphians might think, their accusations of bad Nats fandom should fall on deaf ears. If they need confirmation, they need look no further than the Phillies of the 1990's. While a number of fans showed up to root for a losing team, they didn't do it with the dedication that Nationals fans had.

What we currently see also gives hope to the Nationals fan. A flirtation with first place, the promise of a great pitching staff, all combined with a highly regarded farm system bodes well for the future. With the Nats on the up & up, and the Phillies at a injury plagued crossroads, will the tables turn for these teams?

Things Are Looking A Bit Different Nowadays

In 2012, the Phillies/Nats series drew on average almost 10,000 more fans in Philly than it did in DC.  And DC's series was a beautiful weekend, and in Philly it was rainy weekdays.  I think many more Philly fans traveled down here than vice versa.  So it isn't close yet...but winning consistently can cure all ails.

Will we ever see Nationals Park at 83% capacity like Citizens Bank? Will Philadelphia see a return to 1990's misfortunes and a concomitant drop in attendance again? Will the Nationals find their most recent fortunes to be the springboard to years of success and winning?

If showing up is half the battle, the future looks bright for Nats fans...

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In The Defense Of Nationals Fandom: Part II

Each Thursday We Let A Nats Fan Sound Off, Because Quite Frankly, The Fans Know More Than We Do

This Week's Entry Is a 3-Parter Written By A Huge Nats Fan From Twitter:  @TClippardsSpecs

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Part II: Statistics 

(Go Back To Part I)

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“There Are 3 Types Of Lies.  Lies.  Damn Lies.  And Statistics”

-Mark Twain

So are Philly fans really "lifers" as many of them claim to be?  Does the fan-base as a whole stick with the team through thick & thin?  Are the fans that much better than Nats fans in times of trouble?

To determine this, let's have data show us the way:

For the Nats, I took their attendance and win-loss record from their entire history (2005-2011).  For the Phils, I took the same stats from their recent losing seasons (1996-2000, 2002).  That gives us 7 years of Nats data and 6 years of Phils data to compare.  The Nats avg 70 wins per season during their years, and the Phils avg 72 wins.  All data from Baseball Reference.

Click The Image To Enlarge & Follow Along With

During the years in question there are some stark similarities...Let's break it down visually:

Stadium Effects:  During the Phils seasons of note, they played in the old & decrepit multi-purpose Veteran's Stadium.  During the Nats seasons, they played some in the old & decrepit multi-purpose RFK, and some in the new and cozy Nats Park.  So I looked at various comparisons:

You can see in the chart how each combination of stadiums has outperformed the Phillies during these down years.

The highest capacity ever at the Vet was during the World Series trip in 1993 when it was a whopping 61% filled.  The Nats at RFK filled the stadium just as well (percentage-wise) as the Phils best year.

Quantifying the Un-Quantifiable:

There is one variable of attendance that I really can't quantify with any veracity; the amount of fans in the stadium that aren't fans of the home team.  Proximity of a good team to a bad team during a series is a big factor.  While this doesn't skew the numbers too much, it should be noted.

There has been a lot of hubbub the last couple of years over Philadelphia fans 'taking over' Nationals Park – a.k.a 'Citizens Bank South' – it's obvious that the composition of the crowd at each of these home games is not 100% Nationals.

Philadelphia has had their own park infestation in the years we are looking at, in the form of New York Mets fans who made the Vet their home away from home -- 'Shea Stadium South', if you will.

So what does this mean going forward for the Nats?  We look at the future in Part III

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If you are interested in writing a fan-post of your own, email editor@DCSportsNexus.com
And use the comments to let these fans know what you thought about their piece.

In The Defense Of Nationals Fandom: Part I

Each Thursday We Let A Nats Fan Sound Off, Because Quite Frankly, The Fans Know More Than We Do

This Week's Entry Is a 3-Parter Written By A Huge Nats Fan From Twitter:  @TClippardsSpecs

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Part I: Bad Fans

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“In God we trust; all others must bring data.”

-W. Edwards Deming

"Bad fans".  That may be the answer you get when you ask fans of other Major League baseball teams to describe the Washington Nationals fan-base.  And no fans beat this dead horse more than the humble and demure residents of that quaint village about 150 miles north of our nation's capital; Philadelphia.

As the weather begins to get warmer, the season begins to heat up as well, and the notion that the Nats' fans are subpar intensifies.  Images like the following are being passed throughout Twitter along with the message that the Nationals' fans are terrible supporters of the team.

Keep in mind this photo was taken at a game with a 1:05 start time, just moments 

after a brief rain delay, but hey, let's not have facts get in the way of a good story...

What Philadelphia fans give as the evidence damning Nats fans as "bad", is attendance. "No one shows up to your games" - We have daily sellout crowds"

While there is some merit to this notion (DC has the 4th lowest attendance in the NL this season), this is not necessarily the factor of the city it is taking place in.  All teams throughout their existences, have encountered this problem, even Philadelphia.

Why such poor attendance? Because everyone loves a winner...and if there's been anything lacking in the Nationals short history, it is wins (Avg 70 wins from 2005-2011).  The Phillies on the other hand have not only won a lot of games (Avg 92 wins from 2005-2011), but they have taken home a World Series title.

Phightin fans, and Philly sports writers claim that Washington isn't a good baseball town based on these attendance figures and images of empty seats...but should that be their only evidence?

Phillies fans may remember (or choose to ignore) the mid to late 1990's – it wasn't pretty, and neither was Veterans Stadium.  Kevin Sefcik and Wayne Gomes playing with Terry Francona at the helm aren't the first memories that come to mind when you think of the Philadelphia Phillies.  The team's recent success has pushed these memories far out of our mind's reach.

So do Philly fans have a leg to stand on?  We look at the stats in Part II

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If you are interested in writing a fan-post of your own, email editor@DCSportsNexus.com
And use the comments to let these fans know what you thought about their piece.