***OFFICIAL*** Washington Nationals ongoing thread (1 Viewer)

[Marvelous]

I guess we were getting too healthy and too good.

I'm not worried about this one at all.

Against lefties we don't lose all that much- Espinosa hits them well enough, not as good as Zimm of course, but he's not an automatic out like he is against lefties, and obviously the defense will be better with Rendon at 3rd and Espi at 2nd.

Against righties is a slightly bigger problem since Espi can't hit them, but with Harper healthy we've got three good LH bats including two heart of the order guys.

Can't really complain, anyway. Nobody's healthy this time of year. The team we're playing now and the next two teams we play are all missing guys who are much better than Zimm (Tulo, Votto, Fernandez).

So many teams are dealing with so many injuries, I was amazed that the Nationals had everyone healthy on their roster. It just does not happen in baseball this year.

 

[TobiasFunke]

I guess we were getting too healthy and too good.

I'm not worried about this one at all.

Against lefties we don't lose all that much- Espinosa hits them well enough, not as good as Zimm of course, but he's not an automatic out like he is against lefties, and obviously the defense will be better with Rendon at 3rd and Espi at 2nd.

Against righties is a slightly bigger problem since Espi can't hit them, but with Harper healthy we've got three good LH bats including two heart of the order guys.

Can't really complain, anyway. Nobody's healthy this time of year. The team we're playing now and the next two teams we play are all missing guys who are much better than Zimm (Tulo, Votto, Fernandez).

So many teams are dealing with so many injuries, I was amazed that the Nationals had everyone healthy on their roster. It just does not happen in baseball this year.

That said, I wouldn't be opposed to a blockbuster like Utley or Beltre now that it sounds like Zimmerman is out for > 1 month. Both guys are signed through next year and would solve the Nats' one question mark in the lineup next year too. Let LaRoche walk, move Zimm to first and Rendon plays the IF position not occupied by the traded-for vet. That upgraded team would immediately become a favorite to win the Series this year and next. That's not worth Giolito but anything short of that might be worthwhile

 

[Doctor Detroit]

I guess we were getting too healthy and too good.

I'm not worried about this one at all.

Against lefties we don't lose all that much- Espinosa hits them well enough, not as good as Zimm of course, but he's not an automatic out like he is against lefties, and obviously the defense will be better with Rendon at 3rd and Espi at 2nd.

Against righties is a slightly bigger problem since Espi can't hit them, but with Harper healthy we've got three good LH bats including two heart of the order guys.

Can't really complain, anyway. Nobody's healthy this time of year. The team we're playing now and the next two teams we play are all missing guys who are much better than Zimm (Tulo, Votto, Fernandez).

So many teams are dealing with so many injuries, I was amazed that the Nationals had everyone healthy on their roster. It just does not happen in baseball this year.

That said, I wouldn't be opposed to a blockbuster like Utley or Beltre now that it sounds like Zimmerman is out for > 1 month. Both guys are signed through next year and would solve the Nats' one question mark in the lineup next year too. Let LaRoche walk, move Zimm to first and Rendon plays the IF position not occupied by the traded-for vet. That upgraded team would immediately become a favorite to win the Series this year and next. That's not worth Giolito but anything short of that might be worthwhile

I like these ideas but Utley seems content to ride it out in philly, and I don't see any reason for the rangers to deal beltre.

 

[TobiasFunke]

I guess we were getting too healthy and too good.

I'm not worried about this one at all.

Against lefties we don't lose all that much- Espinosa hits them well enough, not as good as Zimm of course, but he's not an automatic out like he is against lefties, and obviously the defense will be better with Rendon at 3rd and Espi at 2nd.

Against righties is a slightly bigger problem since Espi can't hit them, but with Harper healthy we've got three good LH bats including two heart of the order guys.

Can't really complain, anyway. Nobody's healthy this time of year. The team we're playing now and the next two teams we play are all missing guys who are much better than Zimm (Tulo, Votto, Fernandez).

So many teams are dealing with so many injuries, I was amazed that the Nationals had everyone healthy on their roster. It just does not happen in baseball this year.

That said, I wouldn't be opposed to a blockbuster like Utley or Beltre now that it sounds like Zimmerman is out for > 1 month. Both guys are signed through next year and would solve the Nats' one question mark in the lineup next year too. Let LaRoche walk, move Zimm to first and Rendon plays the IF position not occupied by the traded-for vet. That upgraded team would immediately become a favorite to win the Series this year and next. That's not worth Giolito but anything short of that might be worthwhile

I like these ideas but Utley seems content to ride it out in philly, and I don't see any reason for the rangers to deal beltre.

Yeah they each come with complications. With Utley there's the fact that he's a Philly lifer and the fact that it's in the division- that shouldn't matter since the Phils won't contend next year either and Utley will be old and a FA after that, but Amaro is not exactly a rational guy. Maybe Werth and Frandsen could talk Utley into it, although I guess it could cost Frandsen his job. The other problem with Utley is that the lineup would be heavily left-handed, to the point that people would start tinkering with their rotations to throw lefties at the Nats. With the Rangers you'd have to convince them that whatever slim chance they might have to compete next year is outweighed by the prospect package that's offered. That might take a lot- they're probably delusional about returning to the playoff chase next season.

They could look at a guy like Aaron Hill but I'm not sure how much he helps. OTOH his crappy year this year and the fact that he's under contract for two more seasons after this probably means he'd be cheap. Doubt they'd really have to deal any prospects of significance for him.

 

[Marvelous]

I guess we were getting too healthy and too good.

I'm not worried about this one at all.

Against lefties we don't lose all that much- Espinosa hits them well enough, not as good as Zimm of course, but he's not an automatic out like he is against lefties, and obviously the defense will be better with Rendon at 3rd and Espi at 2nd.

Against righties is a slightly bigger problem since Espi can't hit them, but with Harper healthy we've got three good LH bats including two heart of the order guys.

Can't really complain, anyway. Nobody's healthy this time of year. The team we're playing now and the next two teams we play are all missing guys who are much better than Zimm (Tulo, Votto, Fernandez).

So many teams are dealing with so many injuries, I was amazed that the Nationals had everyone healthy on their roster. It just does not happen in baseball this year.

That said, I wouldn't be opposed to a blockbuster like Utley or Beltre now that it sounds like Zimmerman is out for > 1 month. Both guys are signed through next year and would solve the Nats' one question mark in the lineup next year too. Let LaRoche walk, move Zimm to first and Rendon plays the IF position not occupied by the traded-for vet. That upgraded team would immediately become a favorite to win the Series this year and next. That's not worth Giolito but anything short of that might be worthwhile

I like these ideas but Utley seems content to ride it out in philly, and I don't see any reason for the rangers to deal beltre.

Yeah they each come with complications. With Utley there's the fact that he's a Philly lifer and the fact that it's in the division- that shouldn't matter since the Phils won't contend next year either and Utley will be old and a FA after that, but Amaro is not exactly a rational guy. Maybe Werth and Frandsen could talk Utley into it, although I guess it could cost Frandsen his job. The other problem with Utley is that the lineup would be heavily left-handed, to the point that people would start tinkering with their rotations to throw lefties at the Nats. With the Rangers you'd have to convince them that whatever slim chance they might have to compete next year is outweighed by the prospect package that's offered. That might take a lot- they're probably delusional about returning to the playoff chase next season.

They could look at a guy like Aaron Hill but I'm not sure how much he helps. OTOH his crappy year this year and the fact that he's under contract for two more seasons after this probably means he'd be cheap. Doubt they'd really have to deal any prospects of significance for him.

The club trading away the prospects would be more hesitant to trade within the division. If the Nationals traded Derek Norris to another NL East team, they would face him 19 times a year for the next 6 years. After that, he becomes a free agent.

If they trade him to a NL Central or West team, they face him 6 times a year for the next 6 years. By trading him to the American League, I think they only face Norris 3 games every 3 years.

 

[Don Quixote]

If Giolito is not on the table, I'm concerned that the Nats don't have enough on the farm to get Beltre. They could probably offer something like Cole, Taylor/Goodwin, and Walters. I don't think that is enough, but we got Fister for a lot less, so stranger things have happened, I guess.

 

[TobiasFunke]

I guess we were getting too healthy and too good.

I'm not worried about this one at all.

Against lefties we don't lose all that much- Espinosa hits them well enough, not as good as Zimm of course, but he's not an automatic out like he is against lefties, and obviously the defense will be better with Rendon at 3rd and Espi at 2nd.

Against righties is a slightly bigger problem since Espi can't hit them, but with Harper healthy we've got three good LH bats including two heart of the order guys.

Can't really complain, anyway. Nobody's healthy this time of year. The team we're playing now and the next two teams we play are all missing guys who are much better than Zimm (Tulo, Votto, Fernandez).

So many teams are dealing with so many injuries, I was amazed that the Nationals had everyone healthy on their roster. It just does not happen in baseball this year.

That said, I wouldn't be opposed to a blockbuster like Utley or Beltre now that it sounds like Zimmerman is out for > 1 month. Both guys are signed through next year and would solve the Nats' one question mark in the lineup next year too. Let LaRoche walk, move Zimm to first and Rendon plays the IF position not occupied by the traded-for vet. That upgraded team would immediately become a favorite to win the Series this year and next. That's not worth Giolito but anything short of that might be worthwhile

I like these ideas but Utley seems content to ride it out in philly, and I don't see any reason for the rangers to deal beltre.

Yeah they each come with complications. With Utley there's the fact that he's a Philly lifer and the fact that it's in the division- that shouldn't matter since the Phils won't contend next year either and Utley will be old and a FA after that, but Amaro is not exactly a rational guy. Maybe Werth and Frandsen could talk Utley into it, although I guess it could cost Frandsen his job. The other problem with Utley is that the lineup would be heavily left-handed, to the point that people would start tinkering with their rotations to throw lefties at the Nats. With the Rangers you'd have to convince them that whatever slim chance they might have to compete next year is outweighed by the prospect package that's offered. That might take a lot- they're probably delusional about returning to the playoff chase next season.

They could look at a guy like Aaron Hill but I'm not sure how much he helps. OTOH his crappy year this year and the fact that he's under contract for two more seasons after this probably means he'd be cheap. Doubt they'd really have to deal any prospects of significance for him.

The club trading away the prospects would be more hesitant to trade within the division. If the Nationals traded Derek Norris to another NL East team, they would face him 19 times a year for the next 6 years. After that, he becomes a free agent.

If they trade him to a NL Central or West team, they face him 6 times a year for the next 6 years. By trading him to the American League, I think they only face Norris 3 games every 3 years.

Good point.

As for an offer for Beltre, I think Cole + Taylor/Goodwin + someone else they like could do it if the Rangers are ready to give up on next year as they should, but I doubt they are. And who knows is that would be enough just because I feel like it should be.

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

Starlin Castro should be available

 

[TobiasFunke]

Starlin Castro should be available

A Cub is an interesting idea to explore, since they are obviously loaded in the middle infield and happy to exchange above-average major league talent for prospects, especially pitching prospects. Guess it depends what Theo thinks of AJ Cole.

A D-back like Prado or Hill seems most likely given Rizzo's ties to the team but both guys are signed through 2016, which is a big commitment. We know they love Prado from his days as a Nat-killer with the Braves, though.

 

[cheese]

Starlin Castro should be available

Probably, but the price would be considerably higher for Castro than anyone else mentioned in this thread. Proven, quality SS's signed to long-term deals that are extremely team friendly do not grow on trees regardless of what else they have in the system. This is the first named mentioned where I believe the price absolutely has to start with Giolito. Even Beltre I think could be had for Cole+ if the Rangers were at all interested in rebuilding.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

That was the best Fister looked all year IMO

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

Well that sucked

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Well that sucked

Yeah, not pretty.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Well that sucked

Yeah, not pretty.

Trying to console myself by remembering this disaster, after which everyone (myself included) assumed the Nats would blow the division. People seem a little more reasonable about this one. A lights-out performance from Strasburg tonight and all will be forgotten.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Whoa. Peter Angelos and MASN are absolutely horrible.

Brief summary- Nationals won arbitration on the TV rights valuation. Angelos/MASN refuse to pay and responded by firing shots at the Nationals, Selig, and MLB via threatening letters. Subsequently they brought a legal challenge to the arbitration ruling, and the Nats responded with a request that the court confirm the award.

Briefer summary: ####, meet fan.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Also looking forward to the hilarity of the Nationals' TV broadcast not mentioning this at all tonight.

"Hey, this HUGE thing happened that will affect the organization for years to come. It's much bigger news than the events of the game. Let's pretend it didn't happen for four hours during the team's exclusive television broadcast." Journalism!

 

[Swing 51]

Had some chances last night just couldn't cash in. At least Stras looked good.

 

[dgreen]

It's going to be a shame when Roark is left out of the postseason rotation.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Also looking forward to the hilarity of the Nationals' TV broadcast not mentioning this at all tonight.

"Hey, this HUGE thing happened that will affect the organization for years to come. It's much bigger news than the events of the game. Let's pretend it didn't happen for four hours during the team's exclusive television broadcast." Journalism!

Bottom line is that they are under obligation of contract. $29 million a year considering the Padres are getting almost twice that is a joke, but this is for the courts to decide. Comcast could swoop in and but out MASN, but MASN would likely charge them like $1 billion to do so. Plus Comcast is cheap.

I think the Nats will prevail eventually, but this might drag on for years.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Also looking forward to the hilarity of the Nationals' TV broadcast not mentioning this at all tonight.

"Hey, this HUGE thing happened that will affect the organization for years to come. It's much bigger news than the events of the game. Let's pretend it didn't happen for four hours during the team's exclusive television broadcast." Journalism!

Bottom line is that they are under obligation of contract. $29 million a year considering the Padres are getting almost twice that is a joke, but this is for the courts to decide. Comcast could swoop in and but out MASN, but MASN would likely charge them like $1 billion to do so. Plus Comcast is cheap.

I think the Nats will prevail eventually, but this might drag on for years.

The ambiguity in the contract is a real problem. The Nats are supposed to get "fair market value" when the terms reset but there's no fixed method to determine that.

It's a problem of Selig's making, which is why it's ridiculous that he's now throwing a hissy fit about it.

 

[Marvelous]

Also looking forward to the hilarity of the Nationals' TV broadcast not mentioning this at all tonight.

"Hey, this HUGE thing happened that will affect the organization for years to come. It's much bigger news than the events of the game. Let's pretend it didn't happen for four hours during the team's exclusive television broadcast." Journalism!

Bottom line is that they are under obligation of contract. $29 million a year considering the Padres are getting almost twice that is a joke, but this is for the courts to decide. Comcast could swoop in and but out MASN, but MASN would likely charge them like $1 billion to do so. Plus Comcast is cheap.

I think the Nats will prevail eventually, but this might drag on for years.

The ambiguity in the contract is a real problem. The Nats are supposed to get "fair market value" when the terms reset but there's no fixed method to determine that.

It's a problem of Selig's making, which is why it's ridiculous that he's now throwing a hissy fit about it.

The Orioles are claiming there is a formula in the contract for determining Fair Market Value. I saw it reference in the Washington Post article and heard about it on the radio.

There is apparently was a generally accepted formula for calculating the value of rights fees for MLB teams. However, right fees have skyrocketed recently, leaving the formula out of date.

But if the formula is in the contract, it has to be followed. If it is just a suggestion or says that is subject to negotiation, then it is not binding.

I suspect that is root of the whole dispute. And only $60-$70M per year hanging in the balance.

 

[JZilla]

I guess that's what courts are for. Bud will have to suck it up. He wanted a beltway rivalry!

These teams can both make money in this region, and Angelos is a massive toolbag, but we all knew that.

I don't really blame Bud too much for this, he had to concede a lot to get the team to DC.. because Angelos is a massive toolbag

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

Nats going to make any moves today before the deadline for an infielder or maybe another bullpen guy?

 

[TobiasFunke]

Nats going to make any moves today before the deadline for an infielder or maybe another bullpen guy?

I would think so. Rizzo has always been impossible to predict, though. Very few leaks or indications of what he'd do. If I had to pick one guy I'd guess they grab Asdrubral Cabrera, who would be a decent fit and wouldn't cost more than a middling prospect, but who knows.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Nats going to make any moves today before the deadline for an infielder or maybe another bullpen guy?

I would think so. Rizzo has always been impossible to predict, though. Very few leaks or indications of what he'd do. If I had to pick one guy I'd guess they grab Asdrubral Cabrera, who would be a decent fit and wouldn't cost more than a middling prospect, but who knows.

Wish I could have bet on this.

 

[Don Quixote]

Nats going to make any moves today before the deadline for an infielder or maybe another bullpen guy?

I would think so. Rizzo has always been impossible to predict, though. Very few leaks or indications of what he'd do. If I had to pick one guy I'd guess they grab Asdrubral Cabrera, who would be a decent fit and wouldn't cost more than a middling prospect, but who knows.

Wish I could have bet on this.

Good call.

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

All it cost them was Walters so that's good. Cabrera the everyday 2B now and Espinosa back to utility inf?

 

[TobiasFunke]

All it cost them was Walters so that's good. Cabrera the everyday 2B now and Espinosa back to utility inf?

Cleveland's even picking up his salary. Free baseball player!

Hopefully they'll still start Espi against left-handers but who knows. Matt Williams is weird with lineups. His refusal to go Harper/Werth/LaRoche at 3/4/5 now that Harper has become on on-base machine is killing me.

 

[TobiasFunke]

In ongoing Rizzo worship, the Nationals will now head down the stretch and quite possibly to the postseason with three nothing trades of marginal veteran talents from 2010/2011 playing key roles. He turned three guys who did nothing post-trade and are now all out of baseball- Jason Marquis, Matt Capps and Cristian Guzman- into Wilson Ramos, Tanner Roark and Asdrubal Cabrera (via Walters).

 

[Marvelous]

In ongoing Rizzo worship, the Nationals will now head down the stretch and quite possibly to the postseason with three nothing trades of marginal veteran talents from 2010/2011 playing key roles. He turned three guys who did nothing post-trade and are now all out of baseball- Jason Marquis, Matt Capps and Cristian Guzman- into Wilson Ramos, Tanner Roark and Asdrubal Cabrera (via Walters).

Rizzo has been amazing. The Nationals scout players very well. And if I had to sum up Rizzo's trades, he buys low and sells high.

Matt Capps was having the best year of his career. Rizzo was able to trade Capps for Wilson Ramos, who was a major league ready catcher. I doubt Capps every came close to the year he had that year.

 

[Swing 51]

Souza getting called up? Seems it's a mystery who they are sending down.

 

[Don Quixote]

Souza getting called up? Seems it's a mystery who they are sending down.

I heard McLouth is going to the DL.

 

[Swing 51]

Souza getting called up? Seems it's a mystery who they are sending down.

I heard McLouth is going to the DL.

yep

Nationals reserve outfielder Nate McLouth landed on the 15-day disabled list after he underwent an MRI exam Monday morning on his ailing right shoulder. The Nationals knew McLouth would require a disabled list stint regardless of the test’s outcome, and they summoned outfield prospect Steven Souza Jr. from Class AAA Syracuse to take his roster spot.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Souza getting called up? Seems it's a mystery who they are sending down.

I heard McLouth is going to the DL.

yep

Nationals reserve outfielder Nate McLouth landed on the 15-day disabled list after he underwent an MRI exam Monday morning on his ailing right shoulder. The Nationals knew McLouth would require a disabled list stint regardless of the test’s outcome, and they summoned outfield prospect Steven Souza Jr. from Class AAA Syracuse to take his roster spot.

If this is a fake DL move I would have rather they dumped Hairston. McLouth is having a terrible season at the plate but so is Hairston, and at least McLouth can play defense, draw a walk and run the bases well. Those are good skills to have on your bench. That's a minor quibble though. Either way, adding Souza to the bench is a big upgrade from those guys. Can't wait to see what he can do with more than a handful of pinch-hit appearances.

 

[Marvelous]

With Werth, Span, and Harper, there are not many ABs for a reserve outfielder. Of course, players need days off. And in the NL, there are always pinch hitting opportunities.

McLouth and Hairston are probably the most expensive reserve outfielders in MLB. And they are not doing well at it.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Seven total HR on the season from Harper, Zimmerman and Ramos combined and we're in first place and have the best run differential in the National League.

Pretty, pretty, pretty good.

Update: trio now up to a whopping 12 HRs. Somehow still in first place (by three games), still easily the best run differential in the NL.

I'm not quite sure how they're doing it. Quite possible Desmond ends up leading the team in HRs with 21 or something. They are (obviously) dead last in baseball in HRs since the break with a whopping six.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Pretty quality pickup with Thornton. No idea why the Yankees would let him go, but good for the Nats adding a LH power arm with a 2/$7mm deal through next year.

 

[Balco]

Pretty quality pickup with Thornton. No idea why the Yankees would let him go, but good for the Nats adding a LH power arm with a 2/$7mm deal through next year.

Yep, a head scratcher for sure. 3.5 mil for a quality set up guy like Thornton is solid. Clippard, Storen and Thornton are a nice bridge to Soriano.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Seven total HR on the season from Harper, Zimmerman and Ramos combined and we're in first place and have the best run differential in the National League.

Pretty, pretty, pretty good.

Update: trio now up to a whopping 12 HRs. Somehow still in first place (by three games), still easily the best run differential in the NL.

I'm not quite sure how they're doing it. Quite possible Desmond ends up leading the team in HRs with 21 or something. They are (obviously) dead last in baseball in HRs since the break with a whopping six.

Up to nine!

If this team starts hitting for power, hoo boy. They do literally everything else well.

 

[Marvelous]

Pretty quality pickup with Thornton. No idea why the Yankees would let him go, but good for the Nats adding a LH power arm with a 2/$7mm deal through next year.

Yep, a head scratcher for sure. 3.5 mil for a quality set up guy like Thornton is solid. Clippard, Storen and Thornton are a nice bridge to Soriano.

It looked like a salary dump to me. But money has never meant anything to the Yankees. They apparently discussed the Yankees eating some of the salary and getting a prospect in return. But they completed the deal as a straight waiver claim.

One mystery is what's up with Drew Storen. He is having a fine year pitching. He went 5 days without pitching and now just pitched to two batters in the 7th before giving way to Jerry Blevins.

 

[Don Quixote]

That should quiet the Harper to AAA talk.

 

[JZilla]

Pretty quality pickup with Thornton. No idea why the Yankees would let him go, but good for the Nats adding a LH power arm with a 2/$7mm deal through next year.

Yep, a head scratcher for sure. 3.5 mil for a quality set up guy like Thornton is solid. Clippard, Storen and Thornton are a nice bridge to Soriano.

It looked like a salary dump to me. But money has never meant anything to the Yankees. They apparently discussed the Yankees eating some of the salary and getting a prospect in return. But they completed the deal as a straight waiver claim.

Maybe he's an ####### like Pierzynski

 

[Doctor Detroit]

That should quiet the Harper to AAA talk.

As soon as people start sleeping on him, he's gonna explode. I think if he can stay healthy, he's gonna be a monster long-term. People (both Nats fans but especially fans from other cities) are just missing the big picture with Harper. When I was 21 I was a mess, I had very little figured out. The guy has infinite talent, a good approach, confidence and the opportunity. Maybe I'm not really going out on a limb here, but he's gonna be a top ten player for a really long time.

 

[TobiasFunke]

That should quiet the Harper to AAA talk.

As soon as people start sleeping on him, he's gonna explode. I think if he can stay healthy, he's gonna be a monster long-term. People (both Nats fans but especially fans from other cities) are just missing the big picture with Harper. When I was 21 I was a mess, I had very little figured out. The guy has infinite talent, a good approach, confidence and the opportunity. Maybe I'm not really going out on a limb here, but he's gonna be a top ten player for a really long time.

The oppo HR was amazing obviously, but it was also good to see him pull a few with good contact yesterday. He's been late an everything lately because of the top hand injury, but IIRC he hit a bullet to right that just happened to go right to Granderson in his first AB and pulled a couple others too.The approach has been locked in for a while now, as shown by the post-ASB OBP of .372. Just need his bat to lock in too. I think he's really close.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Great take from Grant Brisbee on Harper yesterday, posted pre-walkoff:

Why Bryce Harper Gets a Free Pass with Nerds

 

[Don Quixote]

That should quiet the Harper to AAA talk.

As soon as people start sleeping on him, he's gonna explode. I think if he can stay healthy, he's gonna be a monster long-term. People (both Nats fans but especially fans from other cities) are just missing the big picture with Harper. When I was 21 I was a mess, I had very little figured out. The guy has infinite talent, a good approach, confidence and the opportunity. Maybe I'm not really going out on a limb here, but he's gonna be a top ten player for a really long time.

The oppo HR was amazing obviously, but it was also good to see him pull a few with good contact yesterday. He's been late an everything lately because of the top hand injury, but IIRC he hit a bullet to right that just happened to go right to Granderson in his first AB and pulled a couple others too.The approach has been locked in for a while now, as shown by the post-ASB OBP of .372. Just need his bat to lock in too. I think he's really close.

Yeah, I agree. I didn't watch the game yesterday, but I think he had one the other day that it looked like he hit pretty good, but was caught near the warning track. It seems like it is just a matter of getting that little bit extra strength back in his swing. Hopefully the HR is a good sign.

 

[JZilla]

Souza got KTFO

 

[valhallan]

Harper dissing the A:

https://vine.co/v/MVtJTTQKq9M

Lololololol

 

[Encyclopedia Brown]

On the ESPN broadcast they mentioned how Gio Gonzalez was mad at being pulled early in previous starts, so tonight Matt Williams leaves him out there to throw 110 pitches in five innings.

 

[Marvelous]

On the ESPN broadcast they mentioned how Gio Gonzalez was mad at being pulled early in previous starts, so tonight Matt Williams leaves him out there to throw 110 pitches in five innings.

When the Nats first got Gio, Mrs. Marvelous would always comment about how happy he looked with a big smile on his face. On off days, he would be chatting it up with others, especially Strasburg.

Nowadays, Gio always looks grumpy. And he doesn't look very friendly with his teammates. It is like his disposition has changed.