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

[glenn]

Season record: 8-17, .320, 7 1/2 GB
Fan interest: 10
Last series: vs Cardinals

1-0 Win
W-Jordan Zimmerman (1-2)
SV-Will Ohman (3)
HR-None

8-4 Loss
L-Andy Sonnastine (0-3)
HR-None

7-2 Loss
L-Scott Olsen (3-2)
HR-None

9-3 Loss
L-Garret Mock (1-1)
HR-None

Jordan Zimmerman provided a glimpse of our future, pitching 7 2/3 strong shutout innings to start the series, but things went downhill from there as we lost the final three games. Three bad starts in a row by Sonnastine, Olsen, and Mock.

After the game we sent down Jarrod Washburn and Lance Cormier to AAA Syracuse, and recalled pitcher Rich Thompson and outfielder Roger Bernadina. Thompson was the centerpiece of the Shawn Hill deal, and after a couple of strong starts we'll give him a chance in the rotation.

Just when I thought we were finally turning things around, we drop three straight.

The Astros come to town for a short two game set. At least we won't reach the 20 loss plateau during the next series. The Astros are 9-16 this year, so it'll be a battle of the worst. The pitching matchups for the series:

Andy Sonnastine (0-3, 7.00 ERA) vs Brian Moehler (1-2, 4.94 ERA)
Shawn Estes (1-1, 5.06 ERA) vs Chris Sampson (2-3, 5.47 ERA)

[glenn]

[glenn]

[glenn]

Season record: 9-18, .333, 6 1/2 GB
Fan interest: 10
Last series: vs Astros

3-2 Loss
W-Will Ohman (2-1)
HR-Elijah Dukes (4)

5-1 Win
W-Jordan Zimmerman (2-2)
HR-Javier Valentin (1), Adam Dunn (5)

The things that I've learned this series:
-We really aren't a good team. (I actually didn't learn this just now, but I get reminded frequently.)
-Will Ohman is human. After 13 innings without giving up a run, he finally allowed a run.
-Shawn Estes pitched 2 good games in a row, so I'm starting to get some faith in him.
-Jordan Zimmerman has proved me wrong, I thought it was too soon, but a complete game 3 hitter with 6 K's, and 1 walk. National fans should have a little hope, based on his last two games alone.

I don't know what to do with some of the guys that are struggling. James Loney (.200/.231), Blake DeWitt (.217/.302), Ryan Zimmerman (.224/.279), and Josh Willingham (.225/.295).

To add insult to injury:
Nick Johnson (.305/.437)
Willie Harris with us (.000/.100), since trade (.339/.379)
Shawn Hill with us (0-2, 7.04), since trade (3-0, 1.69)

After a cross country flight from DC to LA we start a two game set against the Dodgers, with no off day in between. Even the schedule makers hate us. The Dodgers are 15-12. The pitching matchups for the series:

Andy Sonnastine, he was bumped from his last start (0-3, 7.00 ERA) vs Randy Wolf (4-1, 2.41 ERA)
Rich Thompson (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs Chad Billingsley (2-0, 1.69 ERA)

[glenn]

Season record: 11-18, .379, 6 GB
Fan interest: 10
Last series: @ Dodgers

8-7 Win
W-Will Ohman (3-1)
SV-Aquilino Lopez (2)
HR-Adam Dunn (6), Ryan Zimmerman (6)

5-2 Win
W-Rich Thompson (1-0)
SV-Will Ohman (4)
HR-James Loney (2), Ryan Zimmerman (7)

A two game sweep over the Dodgers. The opening game showed a lot of fight. This was probably the first time this season I have seen that. Andy Sonnastine gave up 4 runs in the first and Saul Rivera gave up 3 runs in the second. Down 7-0 the team fought back, with 3 1/3 shutout innings by Josh Towers, and 3 shutout innings by Wilfredo Ledezma. The last 9 1/3 innings the bullpen didn't give up a run, and Christian Guzman went 4-5 with 3 RBI, including the game winning double in the 11th.

Even better, Rich Thompson pitched well in the second game. James Loney had his best game of the year, 2-3 with a homer, and Ryan Zimmerman added a three run shot.

I like Andy Sonnastine, but it is time for him and Josh Towers to switch roles. Since Towers moved to the bullpen, he has pitched 9 shutout innings. If I don't pull off a trade first, we are working on a deal that is getting close.

On to Arizona were we take on the 17-12 Diamondbacks. The pitching matchups for the series:

Scott Olsen (3-2, 4.38 ERA) vs Doug Davis (0-2, 5.94 ERA)
Shawn Estes (1-1, 4.08 ERA) vs Max Scherzer (3-2, 2.65 ERA)
Jordan Zimmerman (2-2, 2.56 ERA) vs Jon Garland (2-0, 7.54 ERA)

[glenn]

Nats-Braves Exchange struggling hurlers
By Jim Davidson

The Washington Nationals announced today that they sent struggling 26 year old starting pitcher Andy Sonnestine to the Atlanta Braves for 23 year old starting pitcher Jair Jurrjens. Along with Sonnestine, the Nationals will trade starting left fielder Josh Willingham, center fielder Corey Patterson, backup catcher Javier Valentin, shortstop prospect Ian Desmond, outfield prospect Justin Maxwell, and $1 million in cash. Coming back to the Nationals is pitching prospect Cole Rohrbough, and a pair of outfield prospects, 19 year-old Jason Heyward and 20 year old Cody Johnson.

Sonnestine was 13-9 with a 4.38 ERA in 2008, but is struggling in 2009 with a 0-3 record to go along with a 7.50 ERA.

Jurrjens was 13-10 with a 3.68 ERA in 2008, but is 2-2 with a 6.39 ERA in 2009.

Nats GM had this to say about the deal, "It was really important deal for us to make, as it allowed us to free up some spots on the roster. My hands have been tied all year wanting to add some younger guys to the 40 man roster, and maybe give them a shot in the majors, but we needed to open up some roster spots. We thought highly of Andy, but getting back a couple of quality arms and outfield prospects is helpful in trying to rebuild the minor league system."

Jason Heyward, catcher Devin Ivany, and middle infielder Jose Castillo were added to the roster.

[glenn]

Season record: 13-19, .406, 6 GB
Fan interest: 12
Last series: @ Diamondbacks

6-5 Loss
L-Aquilino Lopez (0-2)
HR-Adam Dunn (7), Elijah Dukes (5)

2-1 Win
W-Jair Jurrens (3-2)
SV-Will Ohman (5)
HR-Blake DeWitt (3)

7-6 Win
W-Jordan Zimmerman (3-2)
SV-Aquilino Lopez (3)
HR-Blake DeWitt (4), Christian Guzman (1), Elijah Dukes (6)

We were able to take two out of three from the Diamondbacks, and we are playing our best ball of the year. Jordan Zimmerman is really pitching nice, and we got a great start from Jurrens, in his debut. We could have had a sweep, but our bullpen couldn't hold the lead, and Aquilino Lopez blew the save and took the loss.

Elijah Dukes continues to play well for us, and I'm really surprised at the production out of Christian Guzman at shortstop. I don't expect him to hit .373 all year long. On to San Francisco were we take on the 8-22 Giants.

Down in the minors SP Craig Stammen will miss the entire year with a torn back muscle. Shairon Martis pitched a complete game 5 hitter for the Syracuse Chiefs, improving to 1-1 with a 1.69 ERA.

[glenn]

Season record: 19-19, .500, 4 GB
Fan interest: 14

7-6 Win
W-Aquilino Lopez (1-2)
SV-Wilfredo Ledezma (1)
HR-James Loney (3), Jesus Flores (6), Ryan Zimmerman (8)

3-2 Win
W-Rich Thompson (2-0)
SV-Will Ohman (6)
HR-None

11-2 Win
W-Scott Olsen (4-2)
HR-Jesus Flores (7)

Vs Phillies:
7-5 Win
W-Jordan Zimmerman (4-2)
SV-Will Ohman (7)
HR-Elijah Dukes (7)

6-5 Win
W-Saul Rivera (1-1)
HR-Blake DeWitt (5), Ryan Zimmerman (9)

17-2 Win
W-Shawn Estes (2-1)
HR-Kory Casto 2(2), Jesus Flores (8), Adam Dunn 2(9)

Eight in a row to pull to .500, and the Nationals are firing on all cylinders. A 13 inning extra inning win to start the week, followed by decent starting pitching for 5 games in a row. Jordan Zimmerman is now leading the team in ERA, and tied for the lead in wins. The offense, lead by Christian Guzman (.959 OPS), Adam Dunn (.933 OPS), and Elijah Dukes (.884 OPS) is starting to score some runs. After a terrible start, getting back to even makes me feel like I've got some added job security. Lastings Milledge is 1-2 weeks away from returning which will give our line-up a nice boost.

We are now outscoring our opponents 184-178 for the year. Our team ERA of 4.11 is 3rd in the NL, led by our bullpen, which is leading the league with a 3.09 ERA.

[EMSoccerCoach]

Aren't you glad you kept Ryan Zimmerman this time around

Good to see Corey and that robust .271 OBP.

[glenn]

Season record: 25-20, .556, 3 1/2 GB
Fan interest: 17

Vs Pirates
4-1 Win
W-Rich Thompson (3-0)
SV-Will Ohman (8)
HR-None

5-3 Loss
W-Josh Towers (0-2)
HR-Adam Dunn (10)

9-5 Win
W-Saul Rivera (2-1)
HR-Devin Ivany(1)

6-1 Win
W-Jair Jurrens (4-2)
HR-James Loney (4), Elijah Dukes 2(9),

Vs Orioles:
11-0 Win
W-Shawn Estes (3-1)
HR-Blake DeWitt (6), Elijah Dukes (10)

10-4 Win
W-Rich Thompson (4-0)
HR-Adam Dunn (11), Elijah Dukes 2(12)

3-2 Win
W-Will Ohman (4-1)
None

Our 9 game winning streak was snapped, but after one loss, we managed to win our next five games. Two good starts by Rich Thompson, a good start by Jair Jurrens, and a 1 hitter by Shawn Estes as our starting pitching continues to roll along with our bullpen.

Elijah Dukes was named the National League player of the week, going 14-29(.483) with 5 home runs, 11 RBI, and 9 runs scored. Dukes has raised his OPS for the year to 1.011 and now leads the team in home runs (12), RBI (35), and stolen bases (5).

Looking toward the future, we offered Ryan Zimmerman a contract extension this week, and we are waiting to hear back from him. We did make one minor dealing, shipping off disgruntled Daniel Cabrera, who has been pitching in AAA Syracuse to the Seattle Mariners, for 28 year old reliever Mumba Rivera.

[glenn]

Originally Posted by EMSoccerCoach

Aren't you glad you kept Ryan Zimmerman this time around

Good to see Corey and that robust .271 OBP.

Yeah, I'm happy with some of the deals I didn't make, like both Zimmerman's.

[EMSoccerCoach]

Considering that some of your guys haven't even really produced yet, you're doing well. Those are four serious parts who were struggling. Like the trades...none really out of bounds, though the Braves dealing Jurgens is unlikely.

[glenn]

Originally Posted by EMSoccerCoach

Considering that some of your guys haven't even really produced yet, you're doing well. Those are four serious parts who were struggling. Like the trades...none really out of bounds, though the Braves dealing Jurgens is unlikely.

Yeah, I try not to do anything too out of bounds, although I agree about Jurgens, I'm not crazy about putting too many players in one deal, but I just needed to clear some spots on the 40 man roster, and move some of the guys I don't like! I'm going to hold off until the trade deadline, and see if the Nats are buyers or sellers.

[glenn]

Nationals Announce Sheets Signing
By Jim Davidson

The Washington Nationals announced today that they have agreed to terms with free agent starting pitcher Ben Sheets. Sheets has been out after elbow surgery, and is expected to begin throwing off the mound sometime after the all-star break. The total value of the contract is expected to be $14.6 million spread over 4 years, with Sheets expected to make $2.4 million in 2009, $3.4 million in 2010, and $4.4 million in both 2011 and 2012.

"I'm happy to get the chance to pitch with the Nationals, and stay in the National League", Sheets said, "my arm is feeling good, and I'm anxious to get back on the diamond. I think I'll fit in well with the Nationals. They have some good, young arms, and I hope I can push them over the edge."

Sheets was 13-9 in 2008 with a 3.09 ERA and is one of the better pitchers in the game when healthy.

Nationals GM had this to say about the Sheets signing, "We've been talking with Ben and his agents all season, and have been monitoring his progress. We think Ben will be a front of the rotation starter for us, and is the extra piece we are looking for to round out our rotation both this year and next. While other teams our trying to make deals before the trading deadline, we'll be able to bring aboard a top starting pitcher, and he won't cost us any prospects. The team has really played well under our new manager, Doug Dunlap, and we think we can contend this year. Sheets puts us one step closer to our goal, making the playoffs."

--------------------
As a side note, this was one of the longest offers to acceptance I've ever seen. I forgot I even offered him a contract, so I was pretty surprised when I got the message he accepted.

[glenn]

Season record: 29-22, .569, 1 1/2 GB
Fan interest: 23

@ Mets
6-5 Win
W-Josh Towers (1-2)
SV-Will Ohman (9)
HR-Adam Dunn (12)

10-9 Loss
L-Aquilino Lopez (1-3)
HR-Jesus Flores (9)

8-3 Win
W-Shawn Estes (4-1)
HR-Kory Casto (3)

@ Phillies
7-5 Win
W-Aquilino Lopez (2-3)
HR-Adam Dunn (13), Elijah Dukes (13)

6-3 Win
W-Jordan Zimmerman (5-2)
HR-Adam Dunn 2(15), Jesus Flores (10)

16-10 Loss
L-Jair Jurrjens (4-4)
HR-Adam Dunn (16), Ryan Zimmerman 2(11)


We finished the week 4-2. Both losses were games that Jurrjens started, even though he only got 1 loss (4 IP/5 ER, 2/3 IP/6 ER) that make me think the change of scenery didn't help him all too much. Adam Dunn hit 4 homers and drove in 6 while scoring 8 this week. Shawn Estes continues to pitch well. In his last three starts he has gone 22 innings, while giving up 11 hits, 4 walks, and 4 earned runs.
Estes is 5-2 for the year, and has been a surprising pickup.

Ryan Zimmerman continues to turn us down in our contract negotiations. He wants a 3 year deal worth over $11 million, and we have exceeded that offer. I'm not sure what else he wants to sign, but he keeps saying that isn't enough.

24 year old reliever Kevin Gunderson was the pitcher of the month for the Potomac Nationals down in single A, going 1-1 with a 0.61 ERA in 14 innings with 9 saves.

A very successful month of May for the Nationals, as we finished May 21-8.
Looking at the standings around the majors-
In the AL East, the Yankees lead the Blue Jays by a 1/2 game. All the other teams are under .500

In the AL Central, the White Sox lead the division, with the Twins and Tigers both within 4 games.

Out west, the Angels are running away with the division. The Blue Jays currently hold a 5 1/2 game lead in the wild card.

In the NL, the Diamondbacks are up by 5 over the Dodgers. The Cubs, Brewers, and Reds are all tied for first in the central, and in our division the Mets are a game up of the Phillies, who have a half game wild card lead over us.

Two months in Jose Reyes is continuing to hit .400, with a .406 average.

[glenn]

[glenn]

[BostonRS14]

Nice start. Good to see the Nats actually winning games as opposed to the real team, which will be nowhere near this strong. I like your rotation: Olsen, Zimmerna and Jurrjens with the vet Estes proving some gas left in the tank. Good luck.

[glenn]

Originally Posted by BostonRS14

Nice start. Good to see the Nats actually winning games as opposed to the real team, which will be nowhere near this strong. I like your rotation: Olsen, Zimmerna and Jurrjens with the vet Estes proving some gas left in the tank. Good luck.

Thanks! Yeah, I don't have much faith in the real Nationals, at least this year, but I've been impressed with Jordan Zimmerman, at least in the game. Maybe their is hope in Washington after all...

[glenn]

Season record: 32-25, .561

vs Giants
5-2 Loss
L-Shawn Estes (4-2)
HR-None

7-3 Loss
L-Rich Thompson (4-1)
HR-Ryan Zimmerman (12)

5-4 Win
W-Will Ohman (5-1)
HR-None

Vs Mets
8-7 Win
W-Will Ohman (6-1)
HR-Lastings Milledge (3)

7-6 Win
W-Josh Towers (2-2)
SV-Aquilino Lopez (4)
HR-Adam Dunn (17), Elijah Dukes (14)

8-2 Loss
L-Shawn Estes (4-3)
HR-Adam Dunn (18)

A .500 week, losing the Giants series, and winning the Mets series. Shawn Estes lost two games, and pitched bad in both games. Have we gotten all we can out of Estes, or does he still have some gas left in his tank to turn things around? Will Ohman continues to pitch well after signing him as a free agent, picking up 2 of the 3 wins for us this week, and leading the team in wins, and saves all for the bargain price of $400,000, the league minimum.

We have the first overall pick in the draft next week, and we are leaning towards picking 17 year old Eisaku "Little Hawk" Ine, a starting pitcher from Japan. Not 100% sure, but 99% sure, as he looks like the best pitcher in the draft. This week the Reds come to town, and then we travel to Tampa Bay for a three game interleague set against the Rays.