We Are Young: Bryce Harper & Ian Desmond

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Baseball analysis from a 16 year old girl ranging from actual statistical analysis to opinions on topics concerning the Nationals to how dreamy certain players may or may not be.  You never know what you are going to get.  Written by Sandra (@NatsGirl19)

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So we all know by now that Bryce Harper is in the All Star Game. As a Bryce Lover you can imagine I was extremely excited about this the news that Desmond had to be pulled out of the game on account of his oblique strain was a mini-dagger. I suppose good news must always be laced with bad news.

Since the beginning of the All Star voting began shortly after Bryce's call up, I voted for him nonstop (until I reached the limit, that is). I even created a few extra email addresses just to help give that extra push. When I watched the All Star Selection show, I was somewhat dissapointed to see that Espinosa and Zimmerman didn't make it, but that was probably because I have really high expectations, but especially Bryce who I had voted for so many times.

Anyway, Bryce Harper ended up making it in, which is one of the most exciting things ever (apparently) because everyone is freaking out about it.  ESPN/SportsCenter are constantly talking about it, and it's all over the Internet.

But what I have a problem with is the fact that EVERYONE makes such a huge deal about him being nineteen years old. I mean, seriously, I get it, he's a nineteen and he's a great player and he's in the All Star Game.  I'm 16 and I counsel young people on physical fitness.  NBD!

Now back to Ian Desmond.  Last month Davey said Desi was in some discomfort. They said he might take a few days off. Nope...he played and didn't even get looked at by doctors!

That made his decision to skip the All-Star game that much less of a surprise, but it made the decision to not rest him sooner loom larger.  If he needed some time to heal, why didn't Davy give him that time.  It could come back to bite the Nats on the butt.  Hopefully, the All-Star break will provide that healing-time.

Confession Of A Cleat-Chaser Weekly Topics

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Baseball analysis from a self-proclaimed "cleat-chaser" ranging from actual statistical analysis to opinions on topics concerning the Nationals to how hot certain players may or may not be.  You never know what you are going to get.  Written by Sandra (@NatsGirl19)

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Hello and welcome to what appears to be a new weekly segment, written completely from a cleat-chaser's vantage point. You may or may not remember me from last week's fan post. I'm Sandra, the self-proclaimed 'ultimate cleat chaser'. Well, I'm back, and the head honchos want me writing a post every week. I'm not even getting paid! (cough, cough) Kidding, kidding...

Today I decided to write about a few of the headlines I've seen from the past week or so...

First headline - Matt Kemp deciding not to choose Bryce Harper for the Home Run Derby. 

According to the MLB website, Kemp said, "It's not because he's a rookie. It's just that there are other guys out there that are capable." Bull s***. I think Kemp might be somewhat intimidated by Bryce because Harper is, first of all, the youngest player in the MLB's history (as far as I know, I haven't heard of any 18 year olds yet). Secondly, Bryce has been a home run machine this year and one of the best at the plate that I've seen. Also, isn't Matt Kemp injured? If this is so, why is he captaining the National League side of the HR Derby anyway? Shouldn't he be in rehab?

Second headline - Rick Eckstein

I know that it's subsided now, mainly because Davey Johnson stuck up for his hitting coach, but my question is WHY would you place the blame on him? It definitely isn't the coach's fault if someone doesn't do a good job in a particular area. Ultimately, the player is the only one who can make it happen at the plate, not the hitting coach. You could have the #1 hitting coach in the entire league and still have a player batting at .200. To quote Ray Knight, "As soon as you step in the box, you forget pretty much everything your hitting coach told you that day."

Third headline - The All Star Game

The All Star game and the Home Run Derby are both two of my favorite things about the baseball season. Even if we didn't have any Nationals in the All Star Game, it would still be a lot of fun to watch other players showcase their talents.

The same goes for the Home Run Derby. Even though Harper isn't in there, I'll still watch (I'll just have to do without eye candy, I guess...), because I'm a fan of the game, not just a fan of the Nationals.

A baseball-loving friend of mine asked me a few days ago who I'd have as my starting nine for the All Star Game. Rather unfairly, she tacked on the rule that I could only have three Nationals. So, I don't care what MLB, the coaches, and the fans say.  Here is MY All Star starting nine:

• Pitching - R.A. Dickey (Mets) 
• Catching - Jesus Flores (Nationals) 
• First Base - Gaby Sanchez (Marlins) 
• Second Base - Dan Uggla (Braves) 
• Shortstop - Ian Desmond (Nationals) (Duh.) 
• Third Base - Chipper Jones (Braves) 
• Outfield - Bryce Harper (Nationals) (Naturally!) 
• Outfield - Logan Morrison (Marlins) 
• Outfield - Jay Bruce (Reds)

Now that is how a cleat-chaser puts together a lineup!  Thanks for reading, and see you next week!

If you have any comments or questions for Sandra, send her a tweet at @NatsGirl19.  She even will entertain topics that you would like her to cover...

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...