A New Day in DC - A National's Dynasty Begins - Page 2

bsrsox · 03-01-2009, 08:35 PM

hey great job with the reports...I've been doing the same thing with the nat's and things are going pretty well so far. I actually have made some of the same moves as you and Im looking to make a move at the deadline right now. Let me know if you want to swap rosters to take a look at each other's, just to get a different perspective.

glenn · 03-02-2009, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bsrsox

hey great job with the reports...I've been doing the same thing with the nat's and things are going pretty well so far. I actually have made some of the same moves as you and Im looking to make a move at the deadline right now. Let me know if you want to swap rosters to take a look at each other's, just to get a different perspective.

Thanks.

Yeah, I wouldn't mind swapping rosters to take a look. I'm off to a real bad start the second time around, as you'll see once I get into the season. Nothing has gone right yet for the Nats....

glenn · 03-02-2009, 05:27 PM

Season record: 1-2
Fan interest: 9
Last series: @ Marlins

6-3 Loss
L-Shawn Hill (0-1)

1-0 Win
W-Will Ohman (1-0), S-Saul Rivera (1)

8-7 Loss
L-Saul Rivera 0-1
HR-Ryan Zimmerman 2(2), Blake DeWitt (1)

Thank you Shawn Hill for making my first opening day a successful one with a wonderful line like this:
2/3 IP, 5 H, 1BB, 5 EB, 9.01 WHIP, 67.57 ERA, Loss

Not a great way to start the season, but Scott Olsen was spectacular in game number 2, combining with Will Ohman and Saul Rivera on a 1 hitter. Adam Dunn got his first RBI in the game. Our pitching wasn't bad in the series finale, but our defense was. Four errors! We spread them all around too. Scoring 7 runs and losing is a bitter pill to swallow. I didn't like tonight's line-up with Ryan Zimmerman leading off, although he was perfect at the plate, with 2 homers, Adam Dunn didn't get a pitch to hit because nobody was protecting him in the line-up. Walks are great, but we have to deliver or else they'll walk him all year long.

Next up we travel to Atlanta to take on the Braves. The pitching matchups for the series:
Josh Towers vs Javier Vazquez
Shawn Hill (0-1) vs Derrick Lowe (1-0)
Scott Olsen (0-0) vs Kenshin Kawakami (0-0)

glenn · 03-02-2009, 05:28 PM

Season record: 2-4
Fan interest: 9
Last series: @ Braves

8-2 Loss
L-Josh Towers (0-1)
HR-Elijah Dukes (1)

4-3 Loss
L-Shawn Hill (0-2)

17-2 Win
W-Scott Olsen (1-0)
HR-Jesus Flores 2(2), Lastings Milledge (1)

So it looks like it'll be Olsen and due a lot of praying for rain. A poor start by Towers led to a loss, and a better start by Shawn Hill, but a costly error by Willie Harris led to the loss.

Our offense exploded in the series finale to avoid the sweep though. Olsen pitched well again, and a lot of guys contributed on the offensive end, but Jesus Flores was clearly the player of the game, going 3-5 with 3 runs scored, two dingers, and 7 RBI, to lead the team with 10. Adam Dunn added 4 RBI, and Lastings Milledge added 3.

I've got several potential moves that I'm considering. We need pitching badly. I don't have a lot of faith that Josh Towers is going to cut it in the rotation. I wanted to get off to a good start, but it looks like we are going to start like we ended last year.

Next up, our home opener against the World Champion Philadelphia Phillies, who have started the year 3-3. The pitching matchups for the series:
John Lannan (0-0) vs Cole Hamels (1-1)
Jorge Sosa (0-0) vs Bret Myers (0-0)
Josh Towers (0-1) vs TBD

glenn · 03-02-2009, 05:29 PM

The Nationals Report
By Jim Davidson

Another dismal start by the Nationals that doesn't exactly inspire confidence in their fan base. Two series against division rivals, and two series losses.

Who's Hot
SP-Scott Olsen - 1-0, 1.29 ERA, 14 IP, 17 K, 3 BB, 0.64 WHIP

C-Jesus Flores - .400 BA, 1.224 OPS, 2 HR, 10 RBI, 3 R

RF-Elijah Dukes - .391 BA, 1.213 OPS, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 10 R, 2 SB

Who's Not
SP-Josh Towers - 0-1, 7.36 ERA, 3 2/3 IP, 4 H, 2 BB

SP-Shawn Hill - 7.04 ERA, 0-2, 2.22 WHIP

RP-Aquilino Lopez - 9.00 ERA

Injury Report
SP-Matt Chico - surgery to repair a ruptured ulnar collateral ligament - out until All-Star break (60 day DL)

CF-Corey Patterson - flu, day to day

Around the League
Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Mark Buerhle pitched a perfect game in the Sox 6-0 triumph over the Royals.

In a high scoring series between the Phillies and Rockies, a player hit for the cycle two games in a row. Garret Atkins of the Rockies hit for the cycle against the Phillies, going 5-5 for the game, as the Rockies lost. Shane Victorino went 4-4 to get the cycle for the Phillies against the Rockies, but the Rockies won.

glenn · 03-02-2009, 10:10 PM

Nats Shuffle Roster After Rough Start
By Jim Davidson

The General Manager wasted no time reshuffling the roster after a dismal 2-4 start. During a press conference, the GM announced a series of moves that he said the team hoped would improve the team.

In the first move, which could be described as an exchange of bad contracts, the Nationals sent outfielder Austin Kearns to the Seattle Mariners for pitcher Jarrod Washburn and minor league pitcher Andy Baldwin. Kearns was scheduled to make $8 million this year, where Washburn is scheduled to make $10.3 million. Kearns has a team option for 2010 that isn't expected to be executed. "I think the deal makes sense for both teams. We have a surplus of outfielders, and need starting pitching. We agreed to take on additional salary if the Mariners threw in an additional minor league pitcher."

The dealing didn't stop there, as the Nats send minor league pitching prospect to the New York Yankees for 36 year old pitcher Bret Tomko.

First Baseman Dmitri Young and $1 million was then sent to the Boston Red Sox for starting pitcher Charlie Zink, Adam Mills, and Dustin Richardson

Second Baseman Ron Belliard and outfielder Willie Harris were packaged and sent to the Tampa Bay Rays for Starting Pitchers Andy Sonnastine, Chris Mason, and Lance Cormier.

Finally, the Nats opening day starter, Shawn Hill was sent to the Los Angeles Angels for starting pitchers Trevor Reckling, Rich Thompson, and Jordan Walden.

Jarrod Washburn, Andy Sonnestine, and Lance Cormier were added to the active roster, and to make room, relief pitchers Ryan Wagner and Jason Bergmann were sent to AAA Syracuse. Outfielder Josh Willingham, utlity infielder Kory Casto, and outfielder Ryan Langerhans were also recalled from Syracuse. The Nationals have one open spot on the roster, and they expect to add outfielder Corey Patterson tomorrow, when he is eligible to be activated from the disabled list.

"I felt we needed to make some moves in order to add pitching depth to our team. Jarrod and Andy Sonnestine will step be inserted into the rotation. Adding a guy like Bret Tomko is a low risk move. He is on a minor league deal, and he'll be ready to step in if and when we need a starter. We shed some payroll, and cleared some room on the roster so guys like Josh Willingham had a place to play. I know that Josh was upset when we sent him down in spring training, but I was hoping that it would be a temporary move. Its tough trading a guy like Shawn Hill, but adding pitching depth was an important factor. Jordan Zimmerman is 22 years old still, and our other high ceiling pitching prospects are young. Let's give them the proper time to develop, and not rush them to the majors and throw them to the wolves."

glenn · 03-02-2009, 10:10 PM

Season record: 2-7, .222, 4 GB
Fan interest: 9
Last series: vs Phillies

9-3 Loss
L-Jarrod Washburn (0-3)
HR-Elijah Dukes (2), James Loney (1)

6-4 Loss
L-John Lannan (0-1)
HR-Lastings Milledge (2)

10-4 Loss
L-Andy Sonnastine (0-1)
HR-Ryan Langerhans (1)

A sweep to a division rival to drop to 2-7 for the year. Our two new starting pitchers got crushed. Washburn lost 2 games in relief for the Mariners before coming to Washington, but he didn't get shelled. I guess he was saving the worst for us. Its probably too soon to regret the trade, but I already miss Austin Kearns, and that is saying something.

We've been outscored 53-44 for the year. If you take away the 17 runs from the game where we had our offensive explosion, well, you get the picture. Our starters have an ERA of 6.23. If you took out Scott Olsen's starts, well, I don't even want to think about that.

I know it is early, but at least we don't have the worst record in baseball, we can thank the Astros and their 1-8 start for that. Our offense has been ok, our pitching terrible. Last night's game we lost Lastings Milledge for 6 weeks with a dislocated shoulder. We recalled our top pitching prospect Jordan Zimmerman to replace him. I was hoping he would pitch most of the season in AAA, but I'll give him a shot in the rotation in Washington. Jorge Sosa was placed on waivers and designated for assignment to make room on the roster for Shawn Estes.

Estes and Zimmerman will join Olsen, Lannan, and Washburn in the rotation. We'll keep trying different strategies until we find something that will work, I hope.

Next up, the first place Florida Marlins come to town. The pitching matchups for the series:
Scott Olsen (1-0, 1.29 ERA) vs Ricky Nolasco (1-1)
Shawn Estes (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs Mike Wood (0-0)
Jordan Zimmerman (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs Chris Volstad (0-0)y

glenn · 03-03-2009, 05:50 PM

Season record: 2-10, .167, 7 GB
Fan interest: 9
Last series: vs Marlins

7-2 Loss
L-Scott Olsen (1-1)
HR-None

7-1 Loss
L-Jarrod Washburn (0-4)
HR-None

5-3 Loss
L-Jordan Zimmerman (0-1)
HR-Adam Dunn (1)

Another sweep, our sixth loss in a row. Are bats continued to struggle, our starters continue to struggle, and things are just not going right. There is just not much to say about a 2-10 start except we are playing terrible.

Next up, the 5-7 Atlanta Braves come to town. The pitching matchups for the series:
John Lannan (0-1, 6.23 ERA) vs Jorge Campillo (1-0, 3.75 ERA)
Shawn Estes (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs Derek Lowe (2-1, 5.00 ERA)
Scott Olsen (1-1, 3.93 ERA) vs Javier Vazquez (0-1, 2.38 ERA)

glenn · 03-03-2009, 08:42 PM

Bad start puts Nat's jobs in jeopardy
By Jim Davidson

Everyone thought that it couldn't get any worse in Washington after a dismal 2008 season, but the Nationals continue to fail to live up to even the lowest of expectations, starting the season 2-10, and losers of six in a row. The Nationals haven't won a game yet at home this year, and according to my sources, the new interim General Manager, and Manager Manny Acta's jobs are both in jeopardy.

My anonymous source said the team has begun internal discussions and have conducted preliminary searches for replacements for both men. With a dwindling fan base, and projected losses budget losses for the season, the frustration is growing in Washington with each mounting loss. No National official was willing to comment on the record about the situation.

Who's Hot
SS-Christian Guzman - 10-26, 3 R over last week

LF-Adam Dunn - 5-16, 6 BB, 3 2B, 4 RBI over last week

MR-Will Ohman - 5 1/3 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 8 K over last week

Who's Not
3B-Ryan Zimmerman - 3-20, 2K, 3 errors over last week

RF-Elijah Dukes - 4-23, 8 K, 1 error over last week

SP-Jarrod Washburn - 2 losses, 7.00 ERA, 9 IP

Injury Report
SP-Matt Chico - surgery to repair a ruptured ulnar collateral ligament - out until All-Star break (60 day DL)

CF-Lastings Milledge - dislocated shoulder, out 6 weeks (15 day DL)

Around the League
Ryan Howard of the Phillies was named National League player of the week, going 10-20 with 4 home runs and 15 RBI

Sparrow · 03-03-2009, 08:54 PM

Wow. Night and day. It's amazing how different this season is going. Good luck recovering from this brutal start. I'm rooting for you.

glenn · 03-03-2009, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sparrow

Wow. Night and day. It's amazing how different this season is going. Good luck recovering from this brutal start. I'm rooting for you.

Thanks. It certainly is like night and day, and I liked day a lot better.

I do feel like we are under performing, or at least I HOPE we are. I'm just at a lost as to what to do, because the guys I think could help aren't on my 40 man roster. Maybe it is time to just start eating payroll soon.

EMSoccerCoach · 03-03-2009, 09:53 PM

Dude, what the heck happened? The same virus that had Corey Patterson playing well killed your whole file?

glenn · 03-03-2009, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EMSoccerCoach

Dude, what the heck happened? The same virus that had Corey Patterson playing well killed your whole file?

The Red Sox had Babe Ruth, I've got the curse of Corey Patterson.

I traded him the day before the crash the first time. I start over, and everyone forgets how to play.

EMSoccerCoach · 03-03-2009, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glenn

The Red Sox had Babe Ruth, I've got the curse of Corey Patterson.

I traded him the day before the crash the first time. I start over, and everyone forgets how to play.

Funny. I always thought the curse of Corey Patterson was having him!

glenn · 03-03-2009, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EMSoccerCoach

Funny. I always thought the curse of Corey Patterson was having him!

That is what I always thought too. Of course, the guy is stalking me!

glenn · 03-03-2009, 11:53 PM

Season record: 3-12, .200, 8 GB
Fan interest: 9
Last series: vs Braves

4-3 Loss
L-Aqualino Lopez (0-1)
HR-Jesus Flores (3)

3-0 Loss
L-Andy Sonnanstine (0-2)
HR-None

2-0 Win!
W-Scott Olsen (2-1)
SV-Will Ohman (1)
HR-None

About time we've won a game, after dropping eight straight. Hopefully as the weather starts to get nicer, our bats will start to warm up. Andy Sonnanstine and Scott Olsen both had quality starts. Garret Mock pitched 5 strong innings in the opener only giving up 1 run, so for the first series our starting pitching performed.

Of course, our bats were silent, managing just 5 runs in 3 games. I'm hoping Zimmerman, Loney, and DeWitt start to heat up so we can put some runs on the board. Jorge Padilla is playing well in AAA, but I don't have a spot on the 40 man roster for him, unless I take someone off. Roger Bernadina might get a call up because he is on the 40 man roster and I need to add another bat. I should send down a pitcher because we have too many on the roster, but don't feel comfortable doing that just yet. Maybe if we get through a couple turns in the rotation without too much trouble.

Next up, we are off to New York to take on the 9-6 Mets. Our first games at the new Citi Field. The pitching matchups for the series:
Shawn Estes (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs J Niese (1-1, 6.32 ERA)
Jordan Zimmerman (0-1, 4.50 ERA) vs Freddy Garcia (2-0, 3.86 ERA)
Andy Sonnastine (0-2, 8.79 ERA) vs Mike Pelfrey (1-2, 4.01 ERA)

glenn · 03-03-2009, 11:54 PM

Season record: 4-14, .222, 9 GB
Fan interest: 9
Last series: @ Mets

8-0 Loss
L-Shawn Estes (0-1)
HR-None

5-1 Loss
L-Jordan Zimmerman (0-2)
HR-Ryan Zimmerman (3)

3-2 Win!
W-Will Ohman (2-0)
SV-Aquilino Lopez (1)
HR-Jesus Flores (4), Adam Dunn 2(3)

Another series loss dropping two of three to the Mets. We were 2 hit, 5 hit, and although we won in extra innings, all 3 runs came off home runs. Three runs in three games, and we just can't hit the ball anymore.

The team is just playing flat, and showing no signs of emotion, or fight. I met with the team president after the game, and we need to make a change. I laid it all on the line and plead my case, half expecting to be fired. I inherited a bad team, I'm handicapped with bad contracts, and a weak farm system. I've read the news, and heard the rumors about my job being in jeopardy, but I've had three weeks to turn around the team. It may be easy to blame the new guy, but I asked for a chance to do what I want to do with the team, and presented my plan. He bought it, at least for now, and I was given permission to fire Manny Acta, and bring aboard a manager I want, and can trust. I know the season is young, but after three years, he just isn't the right guy for the job.

I wanted to be the one that broke the news to him, and our hitting coach that they were going to be replaced. I met with Jim Riggleman, our bench coach, and told him he would be acting as manager until a replacement is named. It won't be long term, I've got three candidates in mind, and was able to schedule the interviews today, and I'd like to make a final decision this week.

I also met with the player's today after practice, and let them know the decision we made, answered their questions, and made it known that I thought we were a better team than we were playing, and expected things to get better on the field. We'll see if that makes a difference.

Off to Philadelphia to take on the Phillies, who are 11-8, and swept us earlier this year. I'm hoping for revenge. The pitching matchups for the series:
Scott Olsen (2-1, 2.84 ERA) vs Bret Myers (1-0, 2.73 ERA)
Garret Mock (0-0, 2.03 ERA) vs Jamie Moyer (2-1, 6.16 ERA)
Shawn Estes (0-1, 12.27 ERA) vs Joe Blanton (1-0, 6.10 ERA)

glenn · 03-03-2009, 11:56 PM

Nats dump manager and hitting coach
By Jim Davidson

The Nationals fired manager Manny Acta and hitting coach Rick Eckstein following yesterday's game. The Nationals are off to a poor 4-14 start, and are currently last in batting average, on base percentage, slugging percentage, and runs scored. Acta was in his third year with the club, and signed through 2010.

"I was disappointed with our slow start, but I felt I could have turned around the team" Acta said, "I'm disappointed with the decision, and don't think they made the right choice."

"Sometimes you have to make hard choices" the Nats GM said, "and we felt it was best to go in a different direction. I want to thank both Manny and Rick for their service to the team, and wish them both well in the future. We just needed to shake things up and try a different approach. We've begun our search for a new manager and hitting coach, but in the interim, bench coach Jim Riggleman will serve as interim manager."

The Nats named Gianluigi Porcellato the new hitting coach. "Gianluigi comes very highly recommended, and we like his approach working with young batters. We think he will be a good fit with the Nationals, and hope he'll be able to fix some of our offensive problems. We know we have some talented hitters, we just need someone to figure out what is going wrong and correct that", the GM said.

Who's Hot
LF-Adam Dunn - 5-19, 3 BB, 1 HR, 2 RBI over last week

SP-Andy Sonnestine - 8 IP, 3 ER, 8 K, 2 BB over last week

SP-Scott Olsen - 1-0, 7 IP, 0 ER, 6 K over last week

Who's Not
LF-Josh Willingham - 1-12 over last week

CF-Corey Patterson - 3-22 over last week

SP-Shawn Estes - 1 loss, 3 2/3 IP, 5 ER

Injury Report
SP-Matt Chico - surgery to repair a ruptured ulnar collateral ligament - out until All-Star break (60 day DL)

CF-Lastings Milledge - dislocated shoulder, out 4-5 more weeks (15 day DL)

Around the League
The Tampa Rays lost pitcher Jason Hammel for the year with a ruptured disc in his back.

Down on the Farm
Matt Rogelstad was named South Atlantic League Player of the Week for the single A Hagerstown Suns going 11-27 with 2 HR, 8 RBI, and 6 runs scored.

Michael Burgess was named Player of the Week in the Carolina League for the Potomac Nationals, going 9-26 with 3 home runs and 6 RBI
------------------------------
After a start like this I just had to fire someone, and I couldn't fire myself.......

glenn · 03-04-2009, 06:22 PM

Nats bats come alive; new skipper hired
By Jim Davidson

The Nationals bats responded to losing their manager and hitting coach in the same day, but scoring 13 runs with 16 hits to beat the Phillies 13-6. Every starter except Adam Dunn had at least 1 hit, with Ryan Zimmerman and Elijah Dukes each getting 3 hits apiece. "It was a wake-up call to the team, and we responded", Zimmerman said, "we are professionals, and know what we need to do. I've been struggling at the plate, and the first things Gianluigi said to me was I was watching some tape, and I noticed something that I wanted to show you. Sometimes you get in such a routine, it is the little things you miss."

The Nationals also announced that they have hired a new manager, Doug Dunlap. Dunlap is 57 years old, former big league pitching coach who has spent the last four years working for Major League Baseball as part of their Envoy program, which sends coaches on four to eight instructional assignments around the world, providing instruction, player development, and organization development. Dunlap retired from the program in March and has been looking to return to the coaching ranks. Dunlap spoke fondly of his experiences, and is looking forward to the challenge, "Getting a chance to travel around the world and work with players and coaches from all over the world has been a wonderful experience that I will cherish forever. I learned a lot about working with others, and myself, and I think I'll be able to apply those principles to my new job. I'm excited about the opportunity, and I know that it will be an uphill battle, but I'm up to the challenge."

I spoke with the Nationals GM, who had words of praise for the new manager, "One of the first things I did as GM was come up with a short list of managerial candidates in the event that we needed to change course. Doug has always been at the top of that list, and we have had previous discussions about a role within the organization. We are very happy to have him aboard, and I think his experiences will be an asset to the organization. He has worked with players all around the world, and knows how to bring out the best in his players."

glenn · 03-04-2009, 11:24 PM

Season record: 7-14, .333, 7 GB
Fan interest: 9
Last series: @ Phillies

13-6 Win
W-Scott Olsen (3-1)
HR-Jesus Flores (5), Elijah Dukes (3), Corey Patterson (1)

7-5 Win
W-Garret Mock (1-0)
SV-Will Ohman (2)
HR-Ryan Zimmerman (4), Adam Dunn (4)

10-1 Win
W-Shawn Estes (1-1)
HR-Blake DeWitt (2), Ryan Zimmerman (5), Corey Patterson (2), Josh Willingham (1)

Good starting pitching, good pitching out of the bullpen, and good hitting in our sweep of the Phillies. We've now won four in a row, and won our first series of the season. Our bullpen has been pitching great this year, and our bullpen's ERA of 2.97 is second in the league. If they can keep it up and we can get some decent starting pitching, and our hitting continues its rebound, I'll be pretty happy.

We need to show we are making improvements this year, and I would like to finish close to .500. We still have a long way to go, but we'll get there.

Up next we go home to play the Cardinals in a 4 game series, our first against a non-NL East opponent. The Cards are 12-11, so I'm hoping for a good series. The pitching matchups for the series:

Jordan Zimmerman (0-2, 5.40 ERA) vs Paul Byrd (0-2, 2.92 ERA)
Andy Sonnastine (0-2, 7.08 ERA) vs Chris Carpenter (2-1, 1.29 ERA)
Scott Olsen (3-1, 3.82 ERA) vs Adam Wainwright (4-1, 5.40 ERA)
Garret Mock (1-0, 3.10 ERA) vs Tim Wellemeyer (3-1, 6.41 ERA)

03-01-2009, 08:35 PM	#21
bsrsox Bat Boy Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 18	franchise hey great job with the reports...I've been doing the same thing with the nat's and things are going pretty well so far. I actually have made some of the same moves as you and Im looking to make a move at the deadline right now. Let me know if you want to swap rosters to take a look at each other's, just to get a different perspective.

03-02-2009, 05:27 PM	#23
glenn Major Leagues Join Date: May 2006 Location: PA Posts: 407	4/9/2009 Season record: 1-2 Fan interest: 9 Last series: @ Marlins 6-3 Loss L-Shawn Hill (0-1) 1-0 Win W-Will Ohman (1-0), S-Saul Rivera (1) 8-7 Loss L-Saul Rivera 0-1 HR-Ryan Zimmerman 2(2), Blake DeWitt (1) Thank you Shawn Hill for making my first opening day a successful one with a wonderful line like this: 2/3 IP, 5 H, 1BB, 5 EB, 9.01 WHIP, 67.57 ERA, Loss Not a great way to start the season, but Scott Olsen was spectacular in game number 2, combining with Will Ohman and Saul Rivera on a 1 hitter. Adam Dunn got his first RBI in the game. Our pitching wasn't bad in the series finale, but our defense was. Four errors! We spread them all around too. Scoring 7 runs and losing is a bitter pill to swallow. I didn't like tonight's line-up with Ryan Zimmerman leading off, although he was perfect at the plate, with 2 homers, Adam Dunn didn't get a pitch to hit because nobody was protecting him in the line-up. Walks are great, but we have to deliver or else they'll walk him all year long. Next up we travel to Atlanta to take on the Braves. The pitching matchups for the series: Josh Towers vs Javier Vazquez Shawn Hill (0-1) vs Derrick Lowe (1-0) Scott Olsen (0-0) vs Kenshin Kawakami (0-0)

03-02-2009, 05:28 PM	#24
glenn Major Leagues Join Date: May 2006 Location: PA Posts: 407	4/13/2009 Season record: 2-4 Fan interest: 9 Last series: @ Braves 8-2 Loss L-Josh Towers (0-1) HR-Elijah Dukes (1) 4-3 Loss L-Shawn Hill (0-2) 17-2 Win W-Scott Olsen (1-0) HR-Jesus Flores 2(2), Lastings Milledge (1) So it looks like it'll be Olsen and due a lot of praying for rain. A poor start by Towers led to a loss, and a better start by Shawn Hill, but a costly error by Willie Harris led to the loss. Our offense exploded in the series finale to avoid the sweep though. Olsen pitched well again, and a lot of guys contributed on the offensive end, but Jesus Flores was clearly the player of the game, going 3-5 with 3 runs scored, two dingers, and 7 RBI, to lead the team with 10. Adam Dunn added 4 RBI, and Lastings Milledge added 3. I've got several potential moves that I'm considering. We need pitching badly. I don't have a lot of faith that Josh Towers is going to cut it in the rotation. I wanted to get off to a good start, but it looks like we are going to start like we ended last year. Next up, our home opener against the World Champion Philadelphia Phillies, who have started the year 3-3. The pitching matchups for the series: John Lannan (0-0) vs Cole Hamels (1-1) Jorge Sosa (0-0) vs Bret Myers (0-0) Josh Towers (0-1) vs TBD

03-02-2009, 05:29 PM	#25
glenn Major Leagues Join Date: May 2006 Location: PA Posts: 407	4/13/2009 - The Nationals Report The Nationals Report By Jim Davidson Another dismal start by the Nationals that doesn't exactly inspire confidence in their fan base. Two series against division rivals, and two series losses. Who's Hot SP-Scott Olsen - 1-0, 1.29 ERA, 14 IP, 17 K, 3 BB, 0.64 WHIP C-Jesus Flores - .400 BA, 1.224 OPS, 2 HR, 10 RBI, 3 R RF-Elijah Dukes - .391 BA, 1.213 OPS, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 10 R, 2 SB Who's Not SP-Josh Towers - 0-1, 7.36 ERA, 3 2/3 IP, 4 H, 2 BB SP-Shawn Hill - 7.04 ERA, 0-2, 2.22 WHIP RP-Aquilino Lopez - 9.00 ERA Injury Report SP-Matt Chico - surgery to repair a ruptured ulnar collateral ligament - out until All-Star break (60 day DL) CF-Corey Patterson - flu, day to day Around the League Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Mark Buerhle pitched a perfect game in the Sox 6-0 triumph over the Royals. In a high scoring series between the Phillies and Rockies, a player hit for the cycle two games in a row. Garret Atkins of the Rockies hit for the cycle against the Phillies, going 5-5 for the game, as the Rockies lost. Shane Victorino went 4-4 to get the cycle for the Phillies against the Rockies, but the Rockies won.

03-02-2009, 10:10 PM	#26
glenn Major Leagues Join Date: May 2006 Location: PA Posts: 407	4/14/2009 Nats Shuffle Roster After Rough Start By Jim Davidson The General Manager wasted no time reshuffling the roster after a dismal 2-4 start. During a press conference, the GM announced a series of moves that he said the team hoped would improve the team. In the first move, which could be described as an exchange of bad contracts, the Nationals sent outfielder Austin Kearns to the Seattle Mariners for pitcher Jarrod Washburn and minor league pitcher Andy Baldwin. Kearns was scheduled to make $8 million this year, where Washburn is scheduled to make $10.3 million. Kearns has a team option for 2010 that isn't expected to be executed. "I think the deal makes sense for both teams. We have a surplus of outfielders, and need starting pitching. We agreed to take on additional salary if the Mariners threw in an additional minor league pitcher." The dealing didn't stop there, as the Nats send minor league pitching prospect to the New York Yankees for 36 year old pitcher Bret Tomko. First Baseman Dmitri Young and $1 million was then sent to the Boston Red Sox for starting pitcher Charlie Zink, Adam Mills, and Dustin Richardson Second Baseman Ron Belliard and outfielder Willie Harris were packaged and sent to the Tampa Bay Rays for Starting Pitchers Andy Sonnastine, Chris Mason, and Lance Cormier. Finally, the Nats opening day starter, Shawn Hill was sent to the Los Angeles Angels for starting pitchers Trevor Reckling, Rich Thompson, and Jordan Walden. Jarrod Washburn, Andy Sonnestine, and Lance Cormier were added to the active roster, and to make room, relief pitchers Ryan Wagner and Jason Bergmann were sent to AAA Syracuse. Outfielder Josh Willingham, utlity infielder Kory Casto, and outfielder Ryan Langerhans were also recalled from Syracuse. The Nationals have one open spot on the roster, and they expect to add outfielder Corey Patterson tomorrow, when he is eligible to be activated from the disabled list. "I felt we needed to make some moves in order to add pitching depth to our team. Jarrod and Andy Sonnestine will step be inserted into the rotation. Adding a guy like Bret Tomko is a low risk move. He is on a minor league deal, and he'll be ready to step in if and when we need a starter. We shed some payroll, and cleared some room on the roster so guys like Josh Willingham had a place to play. I know that Josh was upset when we sent him down in spring training, but I was hoping that it would be a temporary move. Its tough trading a guy like Shawn Hill, but adding pitching depth was an important factor. Jordan Zimmerman is 22 years old still, and our other high ceiling pitching prospects are young. Let's give them the proper time to develop, and not rush them to the majors and throw them to the wolves."

03-02-2009, 10:10 PM	#27
glenn Major Leagues Join Date: May 2006 Location: PA Posts: 407	4/17/2009 Season record: 2-7, .222, 4 GB Fan interest: 9 Last series: vs Phillies 9-3 Loss L-Jarrod Washburn (0-3) HR-Elijah Dukes (2), James Loney (1) 6-4 Loss L-John Lannan (0-1) HR-Lastings Milledge (2) 10-4 Loss L-Andy Sonnastine (0-1) HR-Ryan Langerhans (1) A sweep to a division rival to drop to 2-7 for the year. Our two new starting pitchers got crushed. Washburn lost 2 games in relief for the Mariners before coming to Washington, but he didn't get shelled. I guess he was saving the worst for us. Its probably too soon to regret the trade, but I already miss Austin Kearns, and that is saying something. We've been outscored 53-44 for the year. If you take away the 17 runs from the game where we had our offensive explosion, well, you get the picture. Our starters have an ERA of 6.23. If you took out Scott Olsen's starts, well, I don't even want to think about that. I know it is early, but at least we don't have the worst record in baseball, we can thank the Astros and their 1-8 start for that. Our offense has been ok, our pitching terrible. Last night's game we lost Lastings Milledge for 6 weeks with a dislocated shoulder. We recalled our top pitching prospect Jordan Zimmerman to replace him. I was hoping he would pitch most of the season in AAA, but I'll give him a shot in the rotation in Washington. Jorge Sosa was placed on waivers and designated for assignment to make room on the roster for Shawn Estes. Estes and Zimmerman will join Olsen, Lannan, and Washburn in the rotation. We'll keep trying different strategies until we find something that will work, I hope. Next up, the first place Florida Marlins come to town. The pitching matchups for the series: Scott Olsen (1-0, 1.29 ERA) vs Ricky Nolasco (1-1) Shawn Estes (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs Mike Wood (0-0) Jordan Zimmerman (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs Chris Volstad (0-0)y

03-03-2009, 05:50 PM	#28
glenn Major Leagues Join Date: May 2006 Location: PA Posts: 407	4/20/2009 Season record: 2-10, .167, 7 GB Fan interest: 9 Last series: vs Marlins 7-2 Loss L-Scott Olsen (1-1) HR-None 7-1 Loss L-Jarrod Washburn (0-4) HR-None 5-3 Loss L-Jordan Zimmerman (0-1) HR-Adam Dunn (1) Another sweep, our sixth loss in a row. Are bats continued to struggle, our starters continue to struggle, and things are just not going right. There is just not much to say about a 2-10 start except we are playing terrible. Next up, the 5-7 Atlanta Braves come to town. The pitching matchups for the series: John Lannan (0-1, 6.23 ERA) vs Jorge Campillo (1-0, 3.75 ERA) Shawn Estes (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs Derek Lowe (2-1, 5.00 ERA) Scott Olsen (1-1, 3.93 ERA) vs Javier Vazquez (0-1, 2.38 ERA) Last edited by glenn; 03-03-2009 at 08:42 PM.

03-03-2009, 08:42 PM	#29
glenn Major Leagues Join Date: May 2006 Location: PA Posts: 407	4/20/2009 - The Nationals Report Bad start puts Nat's jobs in jeopardy By Jim Davidson Everyone thought that it couldn't get any worse in Washington after a dismal 2008 season, but the Nationals continue to fail to live up to even the lowest of expectations, starting the season 2-10, and losers of six in a row. The Nationals haven't won a game yet at home this year, and according to my sources, the new interim General Manager, and Manager Manny Acta's jobs are both in jeopardy. My anonymous source said the team has begun internal discussions and have conducted preliminary searches for replacements for both men. With a dwindling fan base, and projected losses budget losses for the season, the frustration is growing in Washington with each mounting loss. No National official was willing to comment on the record about the situation. Who's Hot SS-Christian Guzman - 10-26, 3 R over last week LF-Adam Dunn - 5-16, 6 BB, 3 2B, 4 RBI over last week MR-Will Ohman - 5 1/3 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 8 K over last week Who's Not 3B-Ryan Zimmerman - 3-20, 2K, 3 errors over last week RF-Elijah Dukes - 4-23, 8 K, 1 error over last week SP-Jarrod Washburn - 2 losses, 7.00 ERA, 9 IP Injury Report SP-Matt Chico - surgery to repair a ruptured ulnar collateral ligament - out until All-Star break (60 day DL) CF-Lastings Milledge - dislocated shoulder, out 6 weeks (15 day DL) Around the League Ryan Howard of the Phillies was named National League player of the week, going 10-20 with 4 home runs and 15 RBI

03-03-2009, 08:54 PM	#30
Sparrow All Star Reserve Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 803	Wow. Night and day. It's amazing how different this season is going. Good luck recovering from this brutal start. I'm rooting for you.

03-03-2009, 09:53 PM	#32
EMSoccerCoach Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 2,464	Dude, what the heck happened? The same virus that had Corey Patterson playing well killed your whole file? __________________ The Pastime Baseball League The Pastime Baseball League - 10-Year Recap The Pastime Boxing Association

03-03-2009, 11:53 PM	#36
glenn Major Leagues Join Date: May 2006 Location: PA Posts: 407	4/24/2009 Season record: 3-12, .200, 8 GB Fan interest: 9 Last series: vs Braves 4-3 Loss L-Aqualino Lopez (0-1) HR-Jesus Flores (3) 3-0 Loss L-Andy Sonnanstine (0-2) HR-None 2-0 Win! W-Scott Olsen (2-1) SV-Will Ohman (1) HR-None About time we've won a game, after dropping eight straight. Hopefully as the weather starts to get nicer, our bats will start to warm up. Andy Sonnanstine and Scott Olsen both had quality starts. Garret Mock pitched 5 strong innings in the opener only giving up 1 run, so for the first series our starting pitching performed. Of course, our bats were silent, managing just 5 runs in 3 games. I'm hoping Zimmerman, Loney, and DeWitt start to heat up so we can put some runs on the board. Jorge Padilla is playing well in AAA, but I don't have a spot on the 40 man roster for him, unless I take someone off. Roger Bernadina might get a call up because he is on the 40 man roster and I need to add another bat. I should send down a pitcher because we have too many on the roster, but don't feel comfortable doing that just yet. Maybe if we get through a couple turns in the rotation without too much trouble. Next up, we are off to New York to take on the 9-6 Mets. Our first games at the new Citi Field. The pitching matchups for the series: Shawn Estes (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs J Niese (1-1, 6.32 ERA) Jordan Zimmerman (0-1, 4.50 ERA) vs Freddy Garcia (2-0, 3.86 ERA) Andy Sonnastine (0-2, 8.79 ERA) vs Mike Pelfrey (1-2, 4.01 ERA)

03-03-2009, 11:54 PM	#37
glenn Major Leagues Join Date: May 2006 Location: PA Posts: 407	4/27/2009 Season record: 4-14, .222, 9 GB Fan interest: 9 Last series: @ Mets 8-0 Loss L-Shawn Estes (0-1) HR-None 5-1 Loss L-Jordan Zimmerman (0-2) HR-Ryan Zimmerman (3) 3-2 Win! W-Will Ohman (2-0) SV-Aquilino Lopez (1) HR-Jesus Flores (4), Adam Dunn 2(3) Another series loss dropping two of three to the Mets. We were 2 hit, 5 hit, and although we won in extra innings, all 3 runs came off home runs. Three runs in three games, and we just can't hit the ball anymore. The team is just playing flat, and showing no signs of emotion, or fight. I met with the team president after the game, and we need to make a change. I laid it all on the line and plead my case, half expecting to be fired. I inherited a bad team, I'm handicapped with bad contracts, and a weak farm system. I've read the news, and heard the rumors about my job being in jeopardy, but I've had three weeks to turn around the team. It may be easy to blame the new guy, but I asked for a chance to do what I want to do with the team, and presented my plan. He bought it, at least for now, and I was given permission to fire Manny Acta, and bring aboard a manager I want, and can trust. I know the season is young, but after three years, he just isn't the right guy for the job. I wanted to be the one that broke the news to him, and our hitting coach that they were going to be replaced. I met with Jim Riggleman, our bench coach, and told him he would be acting as manager until a replacement is named. It won't be long term, I've got three candidates in mind, and was able to schedule the interviews today, and I'd like to make a final decision this week. I also met with the player's today after practice, and let them know the decision we made, answered their questions, and made it known that I thought we were a better team than we were playing, and expected things to get better on the field. We'll see if that makes a difference. Off to Philadelphia to take on the Phillies, who are 11-8, and swept us earlier this year. I'm hoping for revenge. The pitching matchups for the series: Scott Olsen (2-1, 2.84 ERA) vs Bret Myers (1-0, 2.73 ERA) Garret Mock (0-0, 2.03 ERA) vs Jamie Moyer (2-1, 6.16 ERA) Shawn Estes (0-1, 12.27 ERA) vs Joe Blanton (1-0, 6.10 ERA)

03-03-2009, 11:56 PM	#38
glenn Major Leagues Join Date: May 2006 Location: PA Posts: 407	4/27/2009 - The Nationals Report Nats dump manager and hitting coach By Jim Davidson The Nationals fired manager Manny Acta and hitting coach Rick Eckstein following yesterday's game. The Nationals are off to a poor 4-14 start, and are currently last in batting average, on base percentage, slugging percentage, and runs scored. Acta was in his third year with the club, and signed through 2010. "I was disappointed with our slow start, but I felt I could have turned around the team" Acta said, "I'm disappointed with the decision, and don't think they made the right choice." "Sometimes you have to make hard choices" the Nats GM said, "and we felt it was best to go in a different direction. I want to thank both Manny and Rick for their service to the team, and wish them both well in the future. We just needed to shake things up and try a different approach. We've begun our search for a new manager and hitting coach, but in the interim, bench coach Jim Riggleman will serve as interim manager." The Nats named Gianluigi Porcellato the new hitting coach. "Gianluigi comes very highly recommended, and we like his approach working with young batters. We think he will be a good fit with the Nationals, and hope he'll be able to fix some of our offensive problems. We know we have some talented hitters, we just need someone to figure out what is going wrong and correct that", the GM said. Who's Hot LF-Adam Dunn - 5-19, 3 BB, 1 HR, 2 RBI over last week SP-Andy Sonnestine - 8 IP, 3 ER, 8 K, 2 BB over last week SP-Scott Olsen - 1-0, 7 IP, 0 ER, 6 K over last week Who's Not LF-Josh Willingham - 1-12 over last week CF-Corey Patterson - 3-22 over last week SP-Shawn Estes - 1 loss, 3 2/3 IP, 5 ER Injury Report SP-Matt Chico - surgery to repair a ruptured ulnar collateral ligament - out until All-Star break (60 day DL) CF-Lastings Milledge - dislocated shoulder, out 4-5 more weeks (15 day DL) Around the League The Tampa Rays lost pitcher Jason Hammel for the year with a ruptured disc in his back. Down on the Farm Matt Rogelstad was named South Atlantic League Player of the Week for the single A Hagerstown Suns going 11-27 with 2 HR, 8 RBI, and 6 runs scored. Michael Burgess was named Player of the Week in the Carolina League for the Potomac Nationals, going 9-26 with 3 home runs and 6 RBI ------------------------------ After a start like this I just had to fire someone, and I couldn't fire myself.......

03-04-2009, 06:22 PM	#39
glenn Major Leagues Join Date: May 2006 Location: PA Posts: 407	4/28/2009 Nats bats come alive; new skipper hired By Jim Davidson The Nationals bats responded to losing their manager and hitting coach in the same day, but scoring 13 runs with 16 hits to beat the Phillies 13-6. Every starter except Adam Dunn had at least 1 hit, with Ryan Zimmerman and Elijah Dukes each getting 3 hits apiece. "It was a wake-up call to the team, and we responded", Zimmerman said, "we are professionals, and know what we need to do. I've been struggling at the plate, and the first things Gianluigi said to me was I was watching some tape, and I noticed something that I wanted to show you. Sometimes you get in such a routine, it is the little things you miss." The Nationals also announced that they have hired a new manager, Doug Dunlap. Dunlap is 57 years old, former big league pitching coach who has spent the last four years working for Major League Baseball as part of their Envoy program, which sends coaches on four to eight instructional assignments around the world, providing instruction, player development, and organization development. Dunlap retired from the program in March and has been looking to return to the coaching ranks. Dunlap spoke fondly of his experiences, and is looking forward to the challenge, "Getting a chance to travel around the world and work with players and coaches from all over the world has been a wonderful experience that I will cherish forever. I learned a lot about working with others, and myself, and I think I'll be able to apply those principles to my new job. I'm excited about the opportunity, and I know that it will be an uphill battle, but I'm up to the challenge." I spoke with the Nationals GM, who had words of praise for the new manager, "One of the first things I did as GM was come up with a short list of managerial candidates in the event that we needed to change course. Doug has always been at the top of that list, and we have had previous discussions about a role within the organization. We are very happy to have him aboard, and I think his experiences will be an asset to the organization. He has worked with players all around the world, and knows how to bring out the best in his players."

03-04-2009, 11:24 PM	#40
glenn Major Leagues Join Date: May 2006 Location: PA Posts: 407	4/30/2009 Season record: 7-14, .333, 7 GB Fan interest: 9 Last series: @ Phillies 13-6 Win W-Scott Olsen (3-1) HR-Jesus Flores (5), Elijah Dukes (3), Corey Patterson (1) 7-5 Win W-Garret Mock (1-0) SV-Will Ohman (2) HR-Ryan Zimmerman (4), Adam Dunn (4) 10-1 Win W-Shawn Estes (1-1) HR-Blake DeWitt (2), Ryan Zimmerman (5), Corey Patterson (2), Josh Willingham (1) Good starting pitching, good pitching out of the bullpen, and good hitting in our sweep of the Phillies. We've now won four in a row, and won our first series of the season. Our bullpen has been pitching great this year, and our bullpen's ERA of 2.97 is second in the league. If they can keep it up and we can get some decent starting pitching, and our hitting continues its rebound, I'll be pretty happy. We need to show we are making improvements this year, and I would like to finish close to .500. We still have a long way to go, but we'll get there. Up next we go home to play the Cardinals in a 4 game series, our first against a non-NL East opponent. The Cards are 12-11, so I'm hoping for a good series. The pitching matchups for the series: Jordan Zimmerman (0-2, 5.40 ERA) vs Paul Byrd (0-2, 2.92 ERA) Andy Sonnastine (0-2, 7.08 ERA) vs Chris Carpenter (2-1, 1.29 ERA) Scott Olsen (3-1, 3.82 ERA) vs Adam Wainwright (4-1, 5.40 ERA) Garret Mock (1-0, 3.10 ERA) vs Tim Wellemeyer (3-1, 6.41 ERA)