Strasburg Picks Up Zimmerman, Serious Natitude

On Thursday night, Ryan Zimmerman committed his 8th error of the season, a bad throw to 2nd base that allowed a runner safe and loaded the bases with Stephen Strasburg on the mound.  In Strasburg's previous start, a Zimmerman error visibly rattled Strasburg who went on to allow 4 unearned runs after the E5.  The fans & media crushed Strasburg for his "mental" flaws.

Thursday's result was different.  After the error, Strasburg looked over and nodded at Zimmerman who nodded back telling Zim not to worry about the error because he would pick him up.   And Strasburg did just that.  While one Padres run did score, Strasburg escaped the jam, and went on to pitch his longest outing of his career in his first win since opening day.  The Split Screen GIF of the exchange below.

Walks And Baserunning Hurt Nats In Loss, Strasburg's Arm In Question

Nationals 2, Braves 3

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
Nationals	0	2	0	2	0	0	0	0	0		2	10	0
Braves	1	0	0	1	0	0	1	0	0		3	7	0

The Washington Nationals lost to the Atlanta Braves in the first of a four game series 3-2 on Monday night in Atlanta.  Walks by both the starter and the bullpen and a few baserunning mistakes were the downfall of the Nats.  Mistakes seems to be the ongoing trend for the Nats this season as they fall back down to .500.

Strasburg Almost Gets Hit By A Baseball

Here's a random video being taken of Stephen Strasburg where the Nats ace almost gets hit with a baseball while he is playing catch in the outfield.  Strasburg flinches real quick, gets his eye on the ball, and makes the catch so it doesn't hit him.  Video below.

Matt Harvey Outduels Stephen Strasburg, Mets Beat Nats

Nationals 1, Mets 7

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
Nationals	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0		1	4	1
Mets	2	0	0	0	0	2	0	3	x		7	8	1

In a matchup between two big name pitchers, Matt Harvey out-dueled Stephen Strasburg to lead the Mets to a 7-1 victory over the Nationals on Friday night.  Harvey was nearly unhittable, and Strasburg made a few mistakes in one of the biggest early season pitching matcups of the year.

Mets Fans Chant At Strasburg "Harvey's Better"

On Friday night in New York, a highly anticipated pitching matchup was going in the favor of Matt Harvey of the Mets.  Stephen Strasburg just gave up 2 homeruns in the 6th inning giving the Mets a 4-0 lead.  At that point, the 26,000 fans at Citi Field banded together and chanted loudly at Stephen Strasburg.

"Harvey's Better!  Harvey's Better!" ... Audio & video after the jump.

ZimmE5rman Errs, Harper Throws, Nats Lose

Braves 3, Nationals 1

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
Braves	0	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	1		3	8	1
Nationals	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0		1	4	1

Read the full box score at MLB

For the second straight day a Ryan Zimmerman throwing error proved costly.  In the 3rd inning, the Nats third baseman made a bad throw to first base with 2 outs, giving the Braves an opportunity to knock out a costly 2 run homer in a 3-1 victory on Saturday afternoon at Nats Park.   It was another tough loss for the Nationals coming off a blown 9th inning just one day ago sending 42,000 people home with frowns with just a Gio Gonzalez bobblehead to comfort them.

An Espinosa Mistake Proves Costly In 6-3 Loss To Reds

Nationals 3, Reds 6

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
Nationals	0	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	0		3	8	1
Reds	3	0	0	0	0	3	0	0	x		6	11	0

Read the full box score at MLB

In a game featuring an epic matchup between two of the top pitchers in baseball that didn't turn out too epic, the Cincinnati Reds defeated the Washington Nationals 6-3 on Sunday afternoon at Great American Ballpark (or smallpark as FP calls it) with a barrage of grounders and line drives.

Johnny Cueto and Stephen Strasburg each gave up 3 early runs and amassed high pitch counts.  Cueto lasted 6 innings hurling 108 pitches.  Surprisingly, Strasburg threw even more in 5 1/3 inning, 114 pitches coming off a season in which he was shutdown early.

In the 6th inning of a tie game with a runner on first and the Reds fastest baserunner on third, Danny Espinosa made a huge mental mistake.  On a ground ball to second base, Espy overlooked the easy double play and decided to try to throw out the speedy Derrick Robinson at home to preserve the tie.

Not only did Espy's wide throw allow the runner to score, but he passed over 2 crucial outs.  The play caused the inning to be extended, which was a disaster for Strasburg who already had thrown over 90 pitches.  The Reds went on to score 2 more runs and take home the 6-3 win.

The Nats only scoring was a 3 run homerun in the 2nd inning by Kurt Suzuki who finished with 3 extra base hits (2 doubles and the homer).  Despite Cueto's early struggles, he hit the zone, and the Reds bullpen shut down the Nats ending with Aroldis Chapman making Denard Span look silly tossing 100+ stuff past him.

The Nats get Monday off before a 3 game interleague set at home against the White Sox...

7 Washington Nationals Make MLB Top 100 Right Now

The MLB Network recently ran their "Top 100 Right Now" the top 100 players in the Major Leagues at the current time.  The list included play last season including post-season play (which is clearly how 2 Dodgers made the top 5 and an Angels player was #1)

MLB Network counts down the top MLB players overall, taking into account players in their prime who are coming back from injuries, younger players expected to break out and veteran players with proven track records. The ranking includes World Series MVPs, Cy Young Award winners, A.L. and N.L. MVPs, Rookies of the Year, Gold Glove Award winners and All-Stars. MLB NETWORK

The Nats had 7 players on the list, up from 4 during the 2012 offseason:

92.  Jordan Zimmermann
75.  Ian Desmond
73.  Adam LaRoche
54.  Bryce Harper
49.  Gio Gonzalez (Last Season #88)
29.  Ryan Zimmerman (Last Season #22)
26.  Stephen Strasburg (Last Season #98)

Not sure how Bryce Harper is #54 when they describe the list as considering "younger players expecting to break out".

A few notable things:

• Michael Morse was #95 last year and #85 now on the Mariners
• They put Mike Trout as #1 after basically 1 season in the majors, and Bryce didn't crack the top 50.  Can't wait for Bryce to see that, he will not take it lightly.
• They put RA Dickey the NL Cy Young winner at #50, 1 behind Gio Gonzalez who lost.
• Stephen Strasburg, who wasn't the Nationals best pitcher last season finished almost 25 spaces ahead of Gio, who was.
• No Jayson Werth
• This is just a list, and I don't think it was done very well

The Nationals tied for the lead with 7 players on the list with the St. Louis Cardinals, and I swear I'm not lying, the Philadelphia Phillies.  WHAT?  The Phillies!?  In case you forgot they finished 17 games behind the Nats last season.

And your top 5:

5.  Clayton Kershaw
4.  Matt Kemp
3.  Miguel Cabrera
2.  Justin Verlander
1.  Mike Trout

Keep ranking the Nats players low...

PTI on Stephen Strasburg's Inning Count 2013, RG3

Stephen Strasburg popped up as the 2nd story on PTI today (slow news day I guess) and TK and Wilbon discussed if the Nats would allow Strasburg to pitch 200 innings this upcoming season.

"No, I don't. I look at their recent history, last year they didn't have a single pitcher who went 200 innings..." - Tony Kornheiser

"Strasburg is playing in the same place that Robert Griffin III was allowed to keep himself in a game, and the metropolis has not stopped having angst over that in the weeks since... ...I think there will be a lot of pressure on the Nationals to limit those innings again" - Mike Wilbon

Ken Rosenthal Natitude Mask

Here is a mask you can print out and bring to the game if you so desire.  It was poorly made because I'm on my way to the ballpark.  If you don't get it, check out the Junkies and read the non-linked Ken Rosenthal article where he quotes an anonymous player of saying the team would be up 2-0 if Strasburg was pitching.

If you wear it, it will look like Rosenthal is cheering the Nats instead of clubbing them~!

Click to enlarge:

Strasburg Humidity Sweating Gate, Not A Thing

On Tuesday night against the Miami Marlins, Stephen Strasburg had one of the worst outings of his career giving up 7 runs (5 earned) on 9 hits in a 5 inning loss.  After the game, a reporter, or maybe 2 different reporters, were fishing for a story about Strasburg not liking the humidity, and the weather and temperature affecting his game.

The Nationals, both Davey Johnson and Strasburg, ignored the questions.

PART 1:  TRYING TO GET DAVEY

Dopey Question #1:  (Video 2:00 In)

"Stras I know has had some tough times in the heat.  I know he sweats a lot.  Today it looked like he was really sweating pitching inside [the indoor stadium]"

Davey Johnson answered by changing the subject, talking about things that ACTUALLY affected Strasburg.  Nats 1, Reporter 0.

PART 2:  TRYING TO GET STRASSY

Dopey Question #2:  (Video 0:30 In)

"Did the, uh, humidity bother you?"

This question was asked IMMEDIATELY after Strasburg said "No Excuses".  The timing and stupidity of the question got Strasburg fired up.  Strasburg responded saying "Is there air conditioning in here?" translation, "are you a f'ing moron?"  But the reporter didn't quit.

"Pretty sticky nonetheless"

Strasburg's answer:  "We've got humidity in DC"

2 Dumb Fishing Questions, 2 Perfect Answers.  I wonder if they still tried to write that story today?


Earlier in the season, Strasburg was removed after 3 innings from a late 120 degree June game against the Braves due to heat related fatigue.  Davey Johnson told the media that the heat had gotten to Strasburg causing him to be dehydrated, feel dizzy, and turn extremely pale.  Some of Strassy's quotes from the post-game: (video here)

At the time it was somewhat of a story because some people were arguing that the Nationals made excuses any time that Strasburg had a hiccup.  Excuses like the conditions weren't perfect (heat, pitcher's mound).

These reporters who wanted to make a story out of the weather in Florida which according to the box score was a BURNING HOT 79 degrees and inside an air conditioned stadium.  Maybe they should stick to fishing in the ocean, cuz the Nats ain't biting.

Strasburg Shelled, The End Is Near

Marlins 9, Nationals 0

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
Nationals	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0		0	5	1
Marlins	2	0	3	1	1	2	0	0	x		9	13	1

Read the full box score at MLB

Well the end of Strasburg is near at least...

Stephen Strasburg got shelled and Ricky Nolasco shined.  Nope.  Didn't mix the two up.  That is exactly what happened on Tuesday night in Miami as the Marlins defeated the struggling Nats 9-0.  Strasburg gave up 7 runs on 9 hits in just 5 innings and Nolasco pitched a complete game shutout.

The Nationals managed just 5 hits against the 10-12 Nolasco, Suzuki with two of them.  Despite the return of Ian Desmond and Mike Morse, the Nats still look like they lost themselves.

The best part of the game was when FP made Bob Carpenter uncomfortable when talking about wearing a Rally Speedo.  Here is a small bit:

Nats have lost 5 straight, the lead down to 4 1/2 games before the Braves play later in the night with a chance to cut it to 4.

Strasburg doesn't have much time yet and the shutdown could come at any moment.  Not exactly the best way to end his season.

Nats have one more against the fish tomorrow before a huge home series with the Cards...

Dick Vitale Messing With Bryce Harper: AWESOME BABY!

On Tuesday night in Miami, Tampa Bay Rays season ticket holder Dick Vitale was in the (empty) house, chatting it up and getting some photos with Bryce Harper.  Vitale screamed some stuff at  Bryce about diapers and dandies and PT Players BABY!!!

100% Chance Vitale mentioned Duke in the conversation.  Look at Dickey V giving the youngster some bizarre weird uncle like hat tug.

Earlier this month Dick Vitale (and everyone else) chimed in on the Stephen Strasburg shutdown conversation.  Read the highlights at the DC Sports Bog.  A choice quote:

“Hopefully they don’t shut him down. Hopefully they look him in the eyes, and ask how he feels, and he says I’m healthy, I’m strong. I mean, how do you say no to the kid? Just to keep him from a future injury we don’t know about?"

So I guess Vitale came over from Tampa Bay to watch Strassy in action.  Maybe he talked to Davey Johnson and/or Mike Rizzo?  Maybe he screamed at them so much that Strassy won't be shut down!?

Yeah Right!

The best Dick Vital-ism Baseball related basketball phrase: "They're hittin Reggies when then need Pete Roses!"

Related Stories:

• Stephen Strasburg Shutdown Rap

Stephen Strasburg & Onyx: Shut Him Down!

The Strasburg debate has gotten out of control.  We have heard from everyone from pitchers, to batters, to managers, to commentators, to people on CNN (WTF).  Well we haven't heard from ONXY, and here is what they have to say!

Mets @ Nationals: Series Preview

The Nats are 73-45.  They are the best team in baseball, and they are coming back home to face the New York Mets in a three game series.  The Mets are 17.5 games out of first place, and below .500 on the season.  Here is how the series stacks up:

• Friday: 7:05 PM, Santana (6-8) vs Detwiler (6-5).
• Saturday: 7:05 PM, Niese (9-6) vs Jackson (7-7).
• Sunday: 1:35 PM, Hefner (2-4) vs Gonzalez (15-6).

Game of the Series:  Saturday.  If Detwiler doesn't take a loss Friday, and Jackson wins Saturday, every Nat's starter will have a winning record for the season.  Wow.

Sound of the Series:  With all the Strasburg news in the National media it seems everyone is coming out and talking about how it used to be in the old days with pitchers.  Lots of talk about different generations of ball players.


Prediction Time:
Time to see what I know about baseball by picking how the games are going to fall.

• Nationals WIN Friday.
• Nationals WIN Saturday.
• Nationals WIN Sunday.

Nationals SWEEP Series 3-0.

Scott Boras on Strasburg

In case anyone missed this from the morning, over on ESPN radio Mike & Mike talked to Scott Boras about his client, Nationals ace Stephen Strasburg.  Here is the link.
 
Boras said everything you would expect from an agent.  He brought up several past examples of pitchers who threw a lot of innings at a young age, most notably Steven Avery.

Boras also confirmed the fact that everyone already knew, Strasburg wants to pitch.  He also said that the reputations of Nationals organization was on the line, and mentioned if the team puts winning over his player's health that it could negatively impact the ability of Washington to attract players in the future.

Maybe it's just me, but this doesn't seem as open and shut as Boras wants to make it.  Sure putting Strasburg in jeopardy could make the organization look bad in the eyes of potential future stars. 

However, potentially sacrificing a chance to end the season as the number one team in baseball and make a run at the World Series without any concrete data saying that letting Strasburg pitch will lead to injuries or a shorter career seems like it could also injury the organizations reputation in the eyes of players, current and future.

Later in the show, Mike Golic brought up C.C. Sabathia, who threw a ton of innings in his youth, but hasn't shown any negative effects as a counter to Boras Avery example.

The future reputation of the National's organization in the eyes of players is a new wrinkle to the Strasburg story that I hadn't considered yet.  I'm still not sure which side of the argument I fall, and would love to here your thoughts in the comments or over on twitter @dru90. 

Nats Keep Rollin Vs Giants

Nationals 6, Giants 4

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
Nationals	2	0	2	0	1	0	1	0	0		6	12	1
Giants	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	1	1		4	8	0

Read the full box score at MLB

With the Giants reeling after the news that their top player (and another cheater in a long line of Giants cheaters) Melky Cabrera would be suspended for the rest of the season, the Washington Nationals defeated the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday afternoon 6-4.

Tim Lincecum struggled again, and the Giants had a guy warming up in the bullpen in the first inning, after just 2 runs.  The 2x Cy Young winner went just 4 innings giving up 4 runs on 8 hits.

The Nats had Stephen Strasburg on the mound and aside from a few bad walks, Strassy pitched 6 innings giving up just 2 runs on 4 hits for his 14th win of the season.

The leadoff position for the Nationals has been producing big time lately and it was no difference on Wednesday.  Steve Lombardozzi went 4 for 5 on the day.  

LaRoche, Werth, and Espinosa each had 2 hits, Espy crushing a big 2 run homer to deep centerfield and combined with Werth in driving in 5 of the team's 6 runs (Suzuki had the other)

Ty Clippard gave up a run but picked up his 25th save on the season.

Braves also won, Nats remain up 4.5.  The Nationals have Thursday off before they head back home to face the Mets...

Nationals Pitchers Fooling Around

On Monday night before the Nationals took on the Giants, FP Santangelo sat down with Gio Gonzalez, Stephen Strasburg, and Jordan Zimmermann to joke around and talk some baseball.

========================================

Gio:  I'm also tryin to get a Colgate Commercial

Stras:  It's not workin'

Zimm:  You couldn't get a Colgate smile 2 years ago with those teeth

Gio:  I got them volcano, some cave teeth, somethin like that

=========================================

More Highlights:

• Gio called their seating arrangement the "Cuban Sandwich" 
• "It's a long season, so, sometimes it's good to just laugh a little" -Strasburg
• They said that they talk a lot of baseball, they study a lot of what's going on in the game, and the jokes are just in between.
• Gio says Strasburg is so intimidating on his pitching days that you need to "bring a bulletproof vest" 
• "If you swing for the fences every time, you're bound to run into one!" -Strasburg
• "It would have been a flyball if it wasn't in Houston" -Zimm on Gio's homer
• Who's pickin up the tab at a restaurant? They all pointed to each other.

Watch The Video Here

More after the jump:

Nationals @ Diamondbacks: Game Preview

Nationals vs Diamondbacks

9:40 PM Chase Field

MASN-2

Story Lines:

• Nats are looking to win their 5th straight game after sweeping the Astros.
• The D-backs are currently in third place, but are over .500 and looking to stay in the playoff picture. 

Pitching Match Up:

• Stephen Strasburg
• 12-5 with a 2.97 ERA

• Trevor Cahill
• 9-9 with a 3.76 ERA.

Who to Watch:

• Adam LaRoche
• Hitting .667 against Cahill in the last 5 seasons.

Series Preview: Nationals @ Diamondbacks

After sweeping the Lastros, the Nationals look to continue their successful road trip in Arizona against the Diamondbacks.  That means more weird start times as the Nats head either further west.  The D-backs are over .500 and still in the hunt for a playoff spot, so they should prove to be a better challenge than the Astros were.  Here is how the series stacks up.

• Friday: 9:40 PM, Strasburg (12-5) vs Cahill (9-9).
• Saturday: 8:10 PM, Jackson (6-7) vs Miley (12-7).
• Sunday: 4:10 PM,  Detwiler (6-4) vs Corbin (3-4).

Game of the Series: Sunday.  Picking Sunday because it has the most reasonable start time and should be the closest of the three games.

Sound of the Series: Jimmy Eat World.  They are probably the only band I know from Arizona.
   

Prediction Time:

Putting my baseball knowledge to the test to say what the outcome of each game is going to be.  Sometimes I even get it right! Comment here or on twitter @Dru90.

• Nationals WIN Friday.
• Nationals LOSE Saturday.
• Nationals WIN Sunday.

Nationals WIN the series 2-1.