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

[Klew1986]

I like the report. Hopefully they can pick it up and do well the rest of the way.

[glenn]

Originally Posted by Klew1986

I like the report. Hopefully they can pick it up and do well the rest of the way.

Thanks for following along. I'm surprised how well we are playing after such a poor start!

[glenn]

Season record: 36-27, .571

vs Reds
8-7 Loss
L-Garret Mock (1-2)
HR-Kory Casto 2(5), Adam Dunn (19)

9-3 Win
W-Jair Jurrjens (5-3)
HR-Lastings Milledge (4)

8-5 Win
W-Rich Thompson (5-1)
SV-Aquilino Lopez (5)
HR-Adam Dunn 2(21)

@ Rays
11-5 Win
W-Shawn Estes (5-3)
HR-Jesus Flores (11), Adam Dunn (22), Ryan Zimmerman (13)

7-3 Loss
L-Scott Olsen (4-3)
HR-None

6-3 Win
W-Wilfredo Ledezma (1-0)
SV-Will Ohman (11)
HR-James Loney (5), Elijah Dukes (15)

A good week, taking 2 of 3 from both the Reds and the Rays. Adam Dunn was named player of the week, after going 10-22 with 5 home runs and 11 RBI and scoring 8 runs. His 22 home runs and 56 RBI lead our team, and he has hit his 300th home run of his career.

Nine games over .500 feels good. We are playing well, after a really poor start. Today is the amateur draft, and the Nationals have decided to go with pitching for the first overall pick, Japanese hurler Eisaku 'Little Hawk' Ine.

[Marmacette]

I'm loving it... any update soon ?

[glenn]

Originally Posted by Marmacette

I'm loving it... any update soon ?

Thanks for following along. Sorry for the less than frequent updates lately. I've been busy at work, family obligations, and other stuff, but I'm trying to have the next post ready later tonight, and hopefully get back on a regular schedule shortly.

[glenn]

Season record: 41-28, .571

@ Yankees
9-6 Win
W-Josh Towers (3-2)
SV-Will Ohman(12)
HR-Ryan Zimmerman(14), Christian Guzman (2)

7-4 Win
W-Shawn Estes (6-3)
SV-Aquilino Lopez (6)
HR-Jason Heyward (1)

12-1 Loss
L-Rich Thompson (5-2)
HR-None

Vs Blue Jays
9-8 Win
W-Aquilino Lopez (3-3)
SV-Will Ohman(13)
HR-Elijah Dukes (16)

7-4 Win
W-Scott Olsen (5-3)
SV-Will Ohman(14)
HR-Blake DeWitt (7), Jesus Flores 2(13), Elijah Dukes (17)

4-2 Win
W-Jair Jurrjens (6-3)
SV-Saul Rivera (2)
HR-None

A great week of interleague play, taking 2 of 3 from the Yankees, and sweeping the Blue Jays. An interesting fact, the Nationals didn't win 41 games in 2008 until August 3rd, when they improved to 41-70. We are now in the lead for the Wild Card race, and I really like how the team is playing right now. With a good offensive core of Zimmerman, Dukes, Dunn, Guzman, and Flores, a few young guys who should get better, Loney, DeWitt, and Milledge, and some young arms.

A lot is going right now, and I am half expecting the bottom to drop out, but hoping we can continue to play this well. Are we a playoff team? Probably not, but I do think we can win 85 games, finish over .500 and keep surprising some people.

[glenn]

Another month in the books and on the job as the General Manager of the Washington Nationals. With our recent success, the "interim" tag was removed. Let's take a look at where we stand through June:

Record
Overall: 43-34 .558, 2 1/2 games back, 1/2 game back in the wild card
Home: 20-20
Road: 23-14
Extra innings: 6-5
One-run games: 15-8
Vs left-handed pitchers: 14-6
Vs right-handed pitchers: 29-28
Worst month-April:8-14
Best month-May: 21-8

Team Stats
AVG - .265 (8th)
OBP - .338 (9th)
OPS - .787 (6th)
Runs - 417 (6th)
HR - 106 (6th)
SB - 39 (14th)
ERA - 4.60 (10th)
Starter's ERA - 5.08 (14th)
Bullpen ERA - 3.76 (4th)

Financials
Fan interest: 35
Projected Balance: -$17,748,358

Last 8 Games
Vs Red Sox
5-2 Loss
L-Shawn Estes (6-4)
HR-None

6-2 Loss
L-Jordan Zimmerman (5-3)
HR-Elijah Dukes (18)

8-5 Loss
L-Will Ohman (6-2)
HR-Elijah Dukes (19)

@ Orioles
7-1 Win
W-Jair Jurrjens (7-3)
HR-James Loney (6)

5-3 Loss
L-Yunior Novoa (0-1)
HR-James Loney (7)

8-4 Loss
L-John Lannan (0-2)
HR-Adam Dunn (23), Lastings Milledge (5)

@ Marlins
5-2 Win
W-Jordan Zimmerman (6-3)
SV-Saul Rivera (3)
HR-Adam Dunn (24), Lastings Milledge (6), Ryan Zimmerman (15)

6-5 Loss
L-Saul Rivera (2-2)
HR-Ryan Zimmerman (16)

[glenn]

[glenn]

[glenn]

@ Marlins
11-6 Win (44-34, .564, 1 1/2 GB)
W-Jair Jurrjens (8-3)
HR-Jose Castillo (1), Lastings Milledge (7), Ryan Zimmerman (17)

An offensive outburst last night, as we scored 11 runs on 20 hits. Lastings Milledge and Blake DeWitt each had 4 hits apiece. A well pitched game, except for reliever Yunior Novoa, who gave up 3 runs on 4 hits without recording an out. We are heading back home to take on the Braves for a three game series, before hitting the road and travelling to Colorado for 3 games against the Rockies, and Houston for 4 games against the Astros before the All-Star break.

We moved into a half game lead in the wild card race, over the Padres and Reds. Down in AAA, the Syracuse Chiefs moved into first place. Our other minor league teams aren't doing as great though.

[glenn]

Vs Braves
7-2 Win
W-John Lannan (1-2)
HR-None

5-4 Win
W-Wilfredo Ledezma (2-0)
HR-Jesus Flores (14), Ryan Zimmerman (18)

10-1 Win
W-Josh Towers (4-2)
HR-Adam Dunn 2 (26), Lastings Milledge (8)

A three game sweep of the Braves puts us 1/2 game back of the Mets in the NL East. We are now tied for the wild card lead with the San Diego Padres.

Ryan Zimmerman was named National League player of the week, after hitting .462 with 12 hits in 26 at-bats, along with 4 home runs and 7 RBI. For the year he is hitting .296 with 18 home runs and 62 RBI. After signing his three year extension, he finally looks to be coming into his own and tapping into his potential.

Looking ahead to the month of July, we only play three games against the Mets within the division. Ben Sheets is due back on one week, so he should provide a nice boost to our rotation. We still have a couple weeks to decide if we need to add a player to make a run at the playoffs, or whether we should stand pat.

[glenn]

Slacking off lately, but still keeping the season going as time permits....
-----------------------------------------------


@ Rockies
5-4 Loss
L-Yunior Novoa (0-2)
HR-Adam Dunn (27)

4-3 Win
W-Will Ohman (7-2)
SV-Saul Rivera (4)
HR-Kory Casto (4)

6-3 Win
W-John Lannan (2-2)
SV-Saul Rivera (5)
HR-None

@ Astros
10-4 Win
W-Jordan Zimmerman (7-3)
HR-None

5-4 Win
W-Josh Towers (5-2)
SV-Saul Rivera (6)
HR-Jesus Flores (15)

4-0 Win
W-Jair Jurrjens (9-3)
HR-None

12-5 Win
W-Shawn Estes (7-4)
HR-Lastings Milledge (9), Ryan Zimmerman (19), Elijah Dukes (20)

A 6-1 week, winning the last six straight, and we are now three games ahead of the Mets. I'm pleased with the team's performance. Of course, we didn't play teams with winning records, but those are the games you need to win.

The all-star game is coming up this week, and the Nationals will be represented by Will Ohman(7-2, 14 saves, 3.32 ERA), Adam Dunn(1.029 OPS, 27 HR, 76 RBI), and Elijah Dukes(.997 OPS, 20 HR, 67 RBI). A case could have been made for Ryan Zimmerman (.877, 19 HR, 66 RBI).

After the all-star break, we have a big four game series vs the Cubs. We just need to win 6 more games to equal the 2008 Nationals total. Still hard to believe we are in first still though.

[Fenway]

I'm following with great interest! I've been managing the 2008 Nationals in my first go at OOTP 9, and it's kindled my interest in following the team. They'd be thrilled to have your winning percentage.

[glenn]

Originally Posted by Fenway

I'm following with great interest! I've been managing the 2008 Nationals in my first go at OOTP 9, and it's kindled my interest in following the team. They'd be thrilled to have your winning percentage.

Thanks for following. I'm really surprised by the success so far. I keep waiting for the bottom to fall out.

[glenn]

The second half of the season begins today. The Nationals are currently 53-35 in first place in the NL East, three games ahead of the New York Mets.

The all-star break couldn't have come at a worse time for us, as we were 10-1 in July, and the hottest team in baseball.

Some tough decisions at the start of the second half, John Lannan was sent down to AAA, and Ben Sheets was activated from the DL. We'll open the second half with a rotation of Sheets, Jordan Zimmerman, Jair Jurrjens, Josh Towers, and Scott Olsen.

Down in AAA, the Syracuse Chiefs are also winning their division with a 55-38 record. It goes downhill from there, as they are our only minor league team with a winning record.

The AL won the all-star game 6-5. All of our guys got in the game, Elijah Dukes was 1-4 with a walk, Adam Dunn went 0-1, and Will Ohman pitched a scoreless third inning.

A couple of transactions to start the second half, Ben Sheets was activated from the DL, and John Lannan was optioned to AAA.

[glenn]

Vs Cubs

6-3 Win
W-Ben Sheets (1-0)
SV-Aquilino Lopez (7)
HR-Jesus Flores (16), Ryan Zimmerman (20), Christian Guzman (3)

4-3 Win
W-Shawn Estes (8-4)
HR-None

4-3 Loss
L-Josh Towers (5-3)
HR-Ryan Zimmerman (21)

A 3-1 series win against the Cubs. A great start to Ben Sheets' Nationals career with eight strong innings. Jesus Flores was named NL Player of the Week, hitting .636 with 2 home runs and 4 RBI.

Despite winning 3 of 4, we still are clinging to a 3 game lead over the Mets, who kept pace with us. We are 20 games over .500 now, and need to win 3 more to equal last season's total. An important week ahead, with 3 games against the Mets, and 3 games against the Padres, who are tied with the Mets for the wild card league.

[glenn]

Season Record: 58-40 .592, - GB (Tied with Mets)
Fan Interest: 41

vs Mets
4-1 Loss
L-Ben Sheets (1-1)
HR-None

3-2 Loss
L-Shawn Estes (8-5)
HR-Adam Dunn (28)

6-4 Win
W-Will Ohman (8-2)
SV-Aquilino Lopez (9)
HR-Adam Dunn (29)

Vs Padres
4-2 Win
W-Jair Jurrjens (11-3)
SV-Aquilino Lopez (10)
HR-None

5-3 Loss
L-Ben Sheets(1-2)
HR-Adam Dunn (30), Jesus Flores (18)

3-1 Loss
L-Jordan Zimmerman (7-4)
HR-Jesus Flores (19)

A less than stellar week, losing 2 of 3 to the Mets, and 2 of 3 to the Padres. We are now tied with the Padres for the division lead, and just 2 games ahead of the Padres in the wild card race. Our pitching wasn't terrible, but our bats went silent this week.

Not much else that can be said, other than it was a tough week. We head to Milwaukee for four games, then to Pittsburgh for three. As the trading deadline approaches, we are good enough to not be sellers, but bad enough to not be buyers, so it looks like we'll stand pat, unless something too good to pass up is offered.

[glenn]

Another month down, and the Nationals ended on a down note. The bad news is the Mets are starting to pull away in the east, but the good news is we are starting to pull away in the wild card race.

Record
Overall: 61-44 .581, 3 games back, 3 game lead in the wild card
Home: 28-25
Road: 33-19
Extra innings: 6-5
One-run games: 21-12
Vs left-handed pitchers: 22-10
Vs right-handed pitchers: 39-34
Worst month-April:8-14
Best month-May: 21-8
Last month-July: 17-9

Team Stats
AVG - .268 (7th)
OBP - .342 (7th)
OPS - .797 (7th)
Runs - 572 (6th)
HR - 146 (5th)
SB - 61 (14th)
ERA - 4.39 (4th)
Starter's ERA - 4.68 (10th)
Bullpen ERA - 3.80 (3rd)

Financials
Fan interest: 44
Projected Balance: -$8,949,614

Last 7 Games
@ Brewers
15-5 Win
W-Josh Towers (6-3)
HR-Lastings Milledge 2 (13), Ryan Zimmerman 2 (23), Christian Guzman (5)

8-3 Loss
L-Yunior Novoa (0-3)
HR-Elijah Dukes (21), Christian Guzman (6)

12-7 Loss
L-Jair Jurrjens (11-4)
HR-Adam Dunn (31), Elijah Dukes (22)

4-3 Win
W-Ben Sheets (2-2)
SV-Aquilino Lopez (11)
HR-Devin Ivany (2)

@ Pirates
3-1 Loss
L-Aquilino Lopez (3-4)
HR-James Loney (8)

5-4 Win
W-Josh Towers (7-3)
SV-Will Ohman (15)
HR-Jason Heyward (2)

2-0 Loss
L-Scott Olsen (5-4)
HR-None

[glenn]

Season Record: 64-48 .571, 2 GB (3 game wild card lead)
Fan Interest: 44

@ Pirates
6-1 Loss
L-Jair Jurrjens (11-5)
HR-None

vs Marlins
8-2 Win
W-Ben Sheets (3-2)
HR-Kory Casto (2), Jesus Flores (20), Adam Dunn (32)

3-1 Win
W-Garrett Mock (2-2)
SV-Aquilino Lopez (12)
HR-None

10-6 Loss
L-Josh Towers (7-4)
HR-None

Vs Diamondbacks
5-0 Win
W-Scott Olsen (6-4)
HR-Ryan Langerhans (2)

3-1 Loss
L-Yunior Novoa(0-4)
HR-None

5-4 Loss
L-Ben Sheets (3-3)
HR-None

Still two games back from the Mets, and 3 games up over the Padres for the wild card lead.

[glenn]

Season Record: 64-54 .542, 4 GB (1 1/2 games back in wild card)
Fan Interest: 44

@ Braves
4-2 Loss
L-Aquilino Lopez (3-5)
HR-None

8-4 Loss
L-Josh Towers (7-5)
HR-Jesus Flores (21)

@ Reds
4-3 Loss
L-Aquilino Lopez (3-5)
HR-Jesus Flores (22)

7-2 Loss
L-Ben Sheets (3-4)
HR-Adam Dunn (33), Elijah Dukes (23)

10-1 Loss
L-Scott Olsen(6-5)
HR-None

3-1 Loss
L-Jordan Zimmerman (7-5)
HR-None

An 0-6 week does wonders for bringing you back down to reality. We lost our wild card lead, and about everything else this week, in what can only be described as a very disappointing week. Maybe I was fooling myself thinking we could contend for the wild card, or maybe this was just a bad week. I guess only time will tell.

The bullpen was bad, our starting pitching was bad, our hitting was bad. Disappointment all around.