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The Washington Nationals’s Big Off-Season Signing Is Batting .250 And Possibly Sitting To Go Number 1 [Tinkle Tinkle … |
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Feel free to leave your comments below. Posted in nationals-news | No Comments »
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Nats play good defense, yet little hitting in loss |
With Jayson Werth in right field and Adam LaRoche at first base, the Washington Nationals are sure they’re going to be a much better defensive team this season. Thanks for reading! . Posted in nationals-news | No Comments »
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Atlanta Braves Beat Washington Nationals 2-0 |
WASHINGTON — Coming off major knee surgery, and coming up on his 39th birthday, Chipper Jones came back to baseball in a big way. At the plate in a real game for the first time since August, the Atlanta Braves third baseman doubled for the first hit by anyone in the 2011 season. He legged it out, even, beating a throw from new Washington Nationals right fielder Jayson Werth. “I was busting it out of the box,” Jones said. “Didn’t necessarily want to slide, but I had to.” He went on to score the season’s first run, Jason Heyward added a solo shot, and Derek Lowe allowed three singles in 5 2-3 innings on a chilly, damp opening day, helping the Braves beat the Nationals 2-0 Thursday to make Fredi Gonzalez a winner in his debut as Atlanta’s manager. The Braves played their first regular-season game since Bobby Cox retired at the end of 2010 after two decades – and 15 playoff appearances – as their skipper. Welcome back, Chipper. Nice way to start, Fredi. “It doesn’t feel any different. A win’s a win,” said Gonzalez, who previously managed the Florida Marlins. “I’m wearing this uniform and, hopefully, I’m wearing it for a long time and get a lot of wins.” As he spoke, a 2002 bottle of Dom Perignon champagne rested in a box on the desk in the visiting manager’s office – a bubbly gift from Atlanta’s trainers. “I didn’t know they made that much money,” Gonzalez said with a chuckle. It was easy to smile, thanks to the way his club played. And one season after the Year of the Pitcher – a pair of perfect games 20 days apart, four other no-hitters – things got started with a shutout. With his sinker in fine, darting form, Lowe (1-0) struck out six and walked two. “Probably the best I’ve seen him pitch in a long time,” said Werth, the $126 million man who went 1 for 4 and made two diving catches in his first home game at Nationals Park. “His ball was sharp.” Ryan Zimmerman’s take on Lowe: “He was him. You know what you’re going to get from him, and we got it.” The 37-year-old Lowe struck out the side in the third, including Zimmerman looking to end the inning. Zimmerman argued some with umpire Tim Welke while walking away; he tossed his bat, helmet and batting gloves on the ground, then yanked out his gum and chucked that, too. Lowe needed plenty of pitches, 105, and left after walking Zimmerman in the sixth. Adam LaRoche followed by singling off lefty Eric O’Flaherty, who got out of it by getting Michael Morse to ground out. “There was a lot of trying to figure each other out. I couldn’t go after them the same exact way I did last time, because with technology you can figure each other out,” Lowe said. “It was a cat-and-mouse game. That’s probably why I threw so many pitches in a short amount of time.” Four relievers got the last 10 outs. Craig Kimbrel worked a 1-2-3 ninth for the save, his second in the majors. Lowe’s only spot of trouble, really, came in the first, when Werth and Zimmerman singled, putting runners at the corners with one out. But LaRoche, a free agent brought in to take over for the departed Adam Dunn at first base, popped out to second, and Morse, who earned the left-field job vacated by the traded Josh Willingham, grounded out. “Lowe really locked down,” Nationals manager Jim Riggleman said. With two outs in the first, 1999 NL MVP Jones doubled to right on a 3-2 pitch in his first at-bat in a regular-season game since tearing up his left knee Aug. 10. He also singled in the ninth. McCann drove home Jones by grounding a single up the middle off Livan Hernandez (0-1) in the first, and Heyward led off the second with a homer. Heyward also homered in Game 1 a year ago, in his first major league at-bat. According to STATS and the SABR Home Run Log, he’s only the second player in major league history to homer in his first at-bat of his team’s opening day game as a rookie and again the following year. The other was Kazuo Matsui with the New York Mets in 2004 and 2005. The Nationals were without their most prized young player, pitcher Stephen Strasburg, who flew back to Florida on Thursday to continue rehabilitation from reconstructive elbow surgery that is expected to sideline him for most of 2011. In front of a non-sellout crowd of 39,055, neither starting pitcher was bothered one bit by the cold – it was 41 degrees when Hernandez threw a called strike to Martin Prado for the first pitch at 1:11 p.m. – or by the misty drizzle that came and went. “I couldn’t really feel my toes,” Nationals reliever Tyler Clippard said. After giving up Heyward’s homer on a hanging slider, Hernandez retired 16 of 17 batters the rest of the way, including 15 in a row. Making his ninth opening day start, Hernandez allowed four hits in 6 2-3 innings. “Both clubs pitched good,” Riggleman said, “but they were a little better than us today.” NOTES: Gonzalez got a good-luck phone call from Cox on Thursday morning. His debut as a major league manager also came against the Nationals, a 9-2 Marlins victory at RFK Stadium in 2007. … After Friday’s day off, the series resumes Saturday, with Atlanta RHP Tommy Hanson facing Washington LHP John Lannan. Thanks for reading! . Posted in nationals-news | No Comments »
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New Contracts For MICROS |
{“s” : “mar,mcrs”,”k” : “a00,a50,b00,b60,c10,g00,h00,l10,p20,t10,v00″,”o” : “”,”j” : “”} Zacks Equity Research, On Thursday March 31, 2011, 5:35 pm MICROS Systems Inc.’s (NasdaqGS: MCRS – News) MICROS 9700 Hospitality Management System (HMS) with Perpetual Inventory & Event Management was selected by Washington Nationals Baseball Club LLC to take charge of its food and beverage operations at Nationals Park in Washington, DC. The financial details were not disclosed. This Point-of-Service solution will be implemented from March 31, 2011, and will provide 283 MICROS Keyboard Workstation 270′s throughout the 50 concession outlets, 50 MICROS Workstation 5A’s throughout the 4 premium restaurants and Mobile MICROS for in-seat service for the Washington Nationals first home game of the season. Furthermore, the Nationals’ premium kitchens and in-seat pantries will apply 11 MICROS Kitchen Display Systems. As the MICROS 9700 HMS solution enhances transaction controls and employee accountability, there will be growth in the Nationals’ revenue and also a noticeable reduction in the probability of theft. In addition to onsite live support for Opening Day, MICROS will provide installation and training services. Earlier, AC Hotels, a newly formed AC Hotels by MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL INC. (NYSE: MAR – News) had selected the MICROS OPERA solution for its 91 properties located throughout Spain, Portugal and Italy.  The solution will be centrally hosted at the MICROS Frankfurt Datacenter and provide Property Management and Back Office along with MICROS Simphony Enterprise Restaurant Point-of-Service. The company enables AC Hotels and the Spanish and Mediterranean markets with solutions satisfying local fiscal and legal requirements.  The preparation of the project will initiate in May 2011 and finish by the end of the calendar year. Headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, MICROS designs, manufactures, markets and services enterprise information solutions for the hospitality and specialty retail industries. We would like to be on the sidelines until we get more clarity on the recovery of the business, as we are concerned about the hotel business, which failed to meet the internal budget. Thus, we have a Neutral recommendation on the stock with a Zacks #4 Rank translating into a short-term rating of Sell. MICROS SYSTEMS INC (MCRS): Read the Full Research Report MARRIOTT INTL INC NEW (MAR): Read the Full Research Report Zacks Investment Research Follow Yahoo! Finance on ; become a fan on Facebook. What do you guys think about this. Posted in nationals-news | No Comments »
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Chipper, Heyward, Lowe help Braves beat Nationals 2-0 |
Published: Thursday, March 31, 2011 at 5:00 p.m. WASHINGTON — Welcome back, Chipper. Nice way to start, Fredi. Returning from major knee surgery, Chipper Jones doubled before scoring the 2011 season’s first run on a chilly, damp opening day, and Derek Lowe allowed three singles in 5 2-3 innings, helping the Braves beat the Washington Nationals 2-0 Thursday to make Fredi Gonzalez a winner in his debut as Atlanta’s manager. The Braves played their first regular-season game since Bobby Cox retired at the end of 2010 after two decades — and 15 playoff appearances — as their skipper. With his sinker in fine, darting form, Lowe (1-0) struck out six and walked two. Brian McCann drove in 1999 NL MVP Jones by grounding a single up the middle off Livan Hernandez (0-1) in the first, and Jason Heyward led off the second with a homer. The Braves played their first regular-season game since Bobby Cox retired at the end of 2010 after two decades — and 15 playoff appearances — as their skipper. With his sinker in fine, darting form, Lowe (1-0) struck out six and walked two. Brian McCann drove in Jones with a single off Livan Hernandez (0-1) in the first, and Jason Heyward led off the second with a homer. Heyward also homered in Game 1 a year ago, in his first major league at-bat. According to STATS and the SABR Home Run Log, he’s only the second player in major league history to homer in his first at-bat of his team’s opening day game as a rookie and again the following year. The other was Kazuo Matsui with the New York Mets in 2004 and 2005. The Nationals were without their most prized young player, pitcher Stephen Strasburg, who flew back to Florida on Thursday to continue rehabilitation from reconstructive elbow surgery that is expected to sideline him for most, if not all, of this season. But Washington did see free-agent signing Jayson Werth in action. In his first regular-season at-bat for the Nationals — at second in the lineup, an unusual spot for a guy with a $126 million contract and some power — Werth singled to right. And then, doing exactly what general manager Mike Rizzo keeps saying he expects, Werth went from first to third on a single by Ryan Zimmerman. Lowe made sure the Nationals failed to convert that two-on, one-out opportunity, though. Adam LaRoche, a free agent brought in to take over for the departed Adam Dunn at first base, popped out to second, and Michael Morse, who earned the left-field job vacated by the traded Josh Willingham, grounded out. Four relievers combined to get the last 10 outs. Craig Kimbrel worked a 1-2-3 ninth for the save, his second in the majors. In front of a non-sellout crowd of 39,055 at Nationals Park, neither of Thursday’s starting pitchers was bothered one bit by the cold — it was 41 degrees when Hernandez threw a called strike to Martin Prado for the first pitch at 1:11 p.m. — or by the misty drizzle that came and went. The 37-year-old Lowe — more than 1½ years older than Hernandez — struck out the side in the third, including Zimmerman looking to end the inning. Zimmerman argued some with umpire Tim Welke while walking away; he tossed his bat, helmet and batting gloves on the ground, then yanked out his gum and chucked that down, too. Lowe needed plenty of pitches, 105, and left after walking Zimmerman in the sixth. LaRoche followed by singling off lefty Eric O’Flaherty, who got out of it by getting Morse to ground out. With two outs in the first, Jones doubled to right on a 3-2 pitch in his first at-bat in a regular-season game since tearing up his left knee Aug. 10. He also singled in the ninth. After giving up Heyward’s solo shot, Hernandez settled into a groove, retiring 16 of the 17 batters he faced the rest of the way, including 15 in a row. He got some help from Werth, who made a sliding catch of Alex Gonzalez’s sinking liner in the fifth. NOTES: Hernandez allowed four hits and two runs in 6 2-3 innings. … Fredi Gonzalez got a good-luck phone call from Cox about five hours before Thursday’s game. His debut as a major league manager also came against the Nationals, a 9-2 victory for his Florida Marlins at Washington’s RFK Stadium on April 2, 2007. … After Friday’s day off, the series resumes Saturday, with Atlanta RHP Tommy Hanson facing Washington LHP John Lannan. On Sunday, the Braves are scheduled to start RHP Tim Hudson against RHP Jordan Zimmermann. … Before Thursday’s game, the Nationals selected the contracts of INF Alex Cora, RHP Chad Gaudin, OF Laynce Nix and pinch-hitter Matt Stairs. They also released RHP Joe Bisenius, RHP Tim Wood and OF Jonathan Van Every. Leave your comments on the news below. Posted in nationals-news | No Comments »
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Chipper, Heyward, Lowe help Braves beat Nationals 2-0 |
Published: Thursday, March 31, 2011 at 5:00 p.m. WASHINGTON — Welcome back, Chipper. Nice way to start, Fredi. Returning from major knee surgery, Chipper Jones doubled before scoring the 2011 season’s first run on a chilly, damp opening day, and Derek Lowe allowed three singles in 5 2-3 innings, helping the Braves beat the Washington Nationals 2-0 Thursday to make Fredi Gonzalez a winner in his debut as Atlanta’s manager. The Braves played their first regular-season game since Bobby Cox retired at the end of 2010 after two decades — and 15 playoff appearances — as their skipper. With his sinker in fine, darting form, Lowe (1-0) struck out six and walked two. Brian McCann drove in 1999 NL MVP Jones by grounding a single up the middle off Livan Hernandez (0-1) in the first, and Jason Heyward led off the second with a homer. The Braves played their first regular-season game since Bobby Cox retired at the end of 2010 after two decades — and 15 playoff appearances — as their skipper. With his sinker in fine, darting form, Lowe (1-0) struck out six and walked two. Brian McCann drove in Jones with a single off Livan Hernandez (0-1) in the first, and Jason Heyward led off the second with a homer. Heyward also homered in Game 1 a year ago, in his first major league at-bat. According to STATS and the SABR Home Run Log, he’s only the second player in major league history to homer in his first at-bat of his team’s opening day game as a rookie and again the following year. The other was Kazuo Matsui with the New York Mets in 2004 and 2005. The Nationals were without their most prized young player, pitcher Stephen Strasburg, who flew back to Florida on Thursday to continue rehabilitation from reconstructive elbow surgery that is expected to sideline him for most, if not all, of this season. But Washington did see free-agent signing Jayson Werth in action. In his first regular-season at-bat for the Nationals — at second in the lineup, an unusual spot for a guy with a $126 million contract and some power — Werth singled to right. And then, doing exactly what general manager Mike Rizzo keeps saying he expects, Werth went from first to third on a single by Ryan Zimmerman. Lowe made sure the Nationals failed to convert that two-on, one-out opportunity, though. Adam LaRoche, a free agent brought in to take over for the departed Adam Dunn at first base, popped out to second, and Michael Morse, who earned the left-field job vacated by the traded Josh Willingham, grounded out. Four relievers combined to get the last 10 outs. Craig Kimbrel worked a 1-2-3 ninth for the save, his second in the majors. In front of a non-sellout crowd of 39,055 at Nationals Park, neither of Thursday’s starting pitchers was bothered one bit by the cold — it was 41 degrees when Hernandez threw a called strike to Martin Prado for the first pitch at 1:11 p.m. — or by the misty drizzle that came and went. The 37-year-old Lowe — more than 1½ years older than Hernandez — struck out the side in the third, including Zimmerman looking to end the inning. Zimmerman argued some with umpire Tim Welke while walking away; he tossed his bat, helmet and batting gloves on the ground, then yanked out his gum and chucked that down, too. Lowe needed plenty of pitches, 105, and left after walking Zimmerman in the sixth. LaRoche followed by singling off lefty Eric O’Flaherty, who got out of it by getting Morse to ground out. With two outs in the first, Jones doubled to right on a 3-2 pitch in his first at-bat in a regular-season game since tearing up his left knee Aug. 10. He also singled in the ninth. After giving up Heyward’s solo shot, Hernandez settled into a groove, retiring 16 of the 17 batters he faced the rest of the way, including 15 in a row. He got some help from Werth, who made a sliding catch of Alex Gonzalez’s sinking liner in the fifth. NOTES: Hernandez allowed four hits and two runs in 6 2-3 innings. … Fredi Gonzalez got a good-luck phone call from Cox about five hours before Thursday’s game. His debut as a major league manager also came against the Nationals, a 9-2 victory for his Florida Marlins at Washington’s RFK Stadium on April 2, 2007. … After Friday’s day off, the series resumes Saturday, with Atlanta RHP Tommy Hanson facing Washington LHP John Lannan. On Sunday, the Braves are scheduled to start RHP Tim Hudson against RHP Jordan Zimmermann. … Before Thursday’s game, the Nationals selected the contracts of INF Alex Cora, RHP Chad Gaudin, OF Laynce Nix and pinch-hitter Matt Stairs. They also released RHP Joe Bisenius, RHP Tim Wood and OF Jonathan Van Every. Not a lot else going on in the MLB world today. Posted in nationals-news | No Comments »
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Chipper, Heyward help Gonzalez win Braves debut |
CBSSports.com wire reports
March 31, 2011 WASHINGTON — Welcome back, Chipper. Nice way to start, Fredi. Returning from major knee surgery, Chipper Jones doubled before scoring the 2011 season’s first run on a chilly, damp opening day, and Derek Lowe allowed three singles in 5 2/3 innings, helping the Braves beat the Washington Nationals 2-0 on Thursday to make Fredi Gonzalez a winner in his debut as Atlanta’s manager. The Braves played their first regular-season game since Bobby Cox retired at the end of 2010 after two decades — and 15 playoff appearances — as their skipper. With his sinker in fine, darting form, Lowe (1-0) struck out six and walked two. Brian McCann drove in 1999 NL MVP Jones by grounding a single up the middle off Livan Hernandez (0-1) in the first, and Jason Heyward led off the second with a homer. The Braves played their first regular-season game since Bobby Cox retired at the end of 2010 after two decades — and 15 playoff appearances — as their skipper. With his sinker in fine, darting form, Lowe (1-0) struck out six and walked two. Brian McCann drove in Jones with a single off Livan Hernandez (0-1) in the first, and Jason Heyward led off the second with a homer. Heyward also homered in Game 1 a year ago, in his first major league at-bat. According to STATS and the SABR Home Run Log, he’s only the second player in major league history to homer in his first at-bat of his team’s opening day game as a rookie and again the following year. The other was Kazuo Matsui with the New York Mets in 2004 and 2005. The Nationals were without their most prized young player, pitcher Stephen Strasburg, who flew back to Florida on Thursday to continue rehabilitation from reconstructive elbow surgery that is expected to sideline him for most, if not all, of this season. But Washington did see free-agent signing Jayson Werth in action. In his first regular-season at-bat for the Nationals — at second in the lineup, an unusual spot for a guy with a $126 million contract and some power — Werth singled to right. And then, doing exactly what general manager Mike Rizzo keeps saying he expects, Werth went from first to third on a single by Ryan Zimmerman. Lowe made sure the Nationals failed to convert that two-on, one-out opportunity, though. Adam LaRoche, a free agent brought in to take over for the departed Adam Dunn at first base, popped out to second, and Michael Morse, who earned the left-field job vacated by the traded Josh Willingham, grounded out. Four relievers combined to get the last 10 outs. Craig Kimbrel worked a 1-2-3 ninth for the save, his second in the majors. In front of a non-sellout crowd of 39,055 at Nationals Park, neither of Thursday’s starting pitchers was bothered one bit by the cold — it was 41 degrees when Hernandez threw a called strike to Martin Prado for the first pitch at 1:11 p.m. — or by the misty drizzle that came and went. The 37-year-old Lowe — more than 1½ years older than Hernandez — struck out the side in the third, including Zimmerman looking to end the inning. Zimmerman argued some with umpire Tim Welke while walking away; he tossed his bat, helmet and batting gloves on the ground, then yanked out his gum and chucked that down, too. Lowe needed plenty of pitches, 105, and left after walking Zimmerman in the sixth. LaRoche followed by singling off lefty Eric O’Flaherty, who got out of it by getting Morse to ground out. With two outs in the first, Jones doubled to right on a 3-2 pitch in his first at-bat in a regular-season game since tearing up his left knee Aug. 10. He also singled in the ninth. After giving up Heyward’s solo shot, Hernandez settled into a groove, retiring 16 of the 17 batters he faced the rest of the way, including 15 in a row. He got some help from Werth, who made a sliding catch of Alex Gonzalez’s sinking liner in the fifth. Notes Hernandez allowed four hits and two runs in 6 2/3 innings. … Fredi Gonzalez got a good-luck phone call from Cox about five hours before Thursday’s game. His debut as a major-league manager also came against the Nationals, a 9-2 victory for his Florida Marlins at Washington’s RFK Stadium on April 2, 2007. … After Friday’s day off, the series resumes Saturday, with Atlanta RHP Tommy Hanson facing Washington LHP John Lannan. On Sunday, the Braves are scheduled to start RHP Tim Hudson against RHP Jordan Zimmermann. … Before Thursday’s game, the Nationals selected the contracts of INF Alex Cora, RHP Chad Gaudin, OF Laynce Nix and pinch-hitter Matt Stairs. They also released RHP Joe Bisenius, RHP Tim Wood and OF Jonathan Van Every. What are your opinions. Posted in nationals-news | No Comments »
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Chipper, Heyward, Lowe help Braves beat Nats 2-0 |
Welcome back, Chipper. Nice way to start, Fredi. Returning from major knee surgery, Chipper Jones doubled before scoring the 2011 season’s first run on a chilly, damp opening day, and Derek Lowe allowed three singles in 5 2-3 innings, helping the Braves beat the Washington Nationals 2-0 Thursday to make Fredi Gonzalez a winner in his debut as Atlanta’s manager. The Braves played their first regular-season game since Bobby Cox retired at the end of 2010 after two decades — and 15 playoff appearances — as their skipper. With his sinker in fine, darting form, Lowe (1-0) struck out six and walked two. Brian McCann drove in 1999 NL MVP Jones by grounding a single up the middle off Livan Hernandez (0-1) in the first, and Jason Heyward led off the second with a homer. The Braves played their first regular-season game since Bobby Cox retired at the end of 2010 after two decades — and 15 playoff appearances — as their skipper. With his sinker in fine, darting form, Lowe (1-0) struck out six and walked two. Brian McCann drove in Jones with a single off Livan Hernandez (0-1) in the first, and Jason Heyward led off the second with a homer. Heyward also homered in Game 1 a year ago, in his first major league at-bat. According to STATS and the SABR Home Run Log, he’s only the second player in major league history to homer in his first at-bat of his team’s opening day game as a rookie and again the following year. The other was Kazuo Matsui with the New York Mets in 2004 and 2005. The Nationals were without their most prized young player, pitcher Stephen Strasburg, who flew back to Florida on Thursday to continue rehabilitation from reconstructive elbow surgery that is expected to sideline him for most, if not all, of this season. But Washington did see free-agent signing Jayson Werth in action. In his first regular-season at-bat for the Nationals — at second in the lineup, an unusual spot for a guy with a $126 million contract and some power — Werth singled to right. And then, doing exactly what general manager Mike Rizzo keeps saying he expects, Werth went from first to third on a single by Ryan Zimmerman. Lowe made sure the Nationals failed to convert that two-on, one-out opportunity, though. Adam LaRoche, a free agent brought in to take over for the departed Adam Dunn at first base, popped out to second, and Michael Morse, who earned the left-field job vacated by the traded Josh Willingham, grounded out. Four relievers combined to get the last 10 outs. Craig Kimbrel worked a 1-2-3 ninth for the save, his second in the majors. In front of a non-sellout crowd of 39,055 at Nationals Park, neither of Thursday’s starting pitchers was bothered one bit by the cold — it was 41 degrees when Hernandez threw a called strike to Martin Prado for the first pitch at 1:11 p.m. — or by the misty drizzle that came and went. The 37-year-old Lowe — more than 1½ years older than Hernandez — struck out the side in the third, including Zimmerman looking to end the inning. Zimmerman argued some with umpire Tim Welke while walking away; he tossed his bat, helmet and batting gloves on the ground, then yanked out his gum and chucked that down, too. Lowe needed plenty of pitches, 105, and left after walking Zimmerman in the sixth. LaRoche followed by singling off lefty Eric O’Flaherty, who got out of it by getting Morse to ground out. With two outs in the first, Jones doubled to right on a 3-2 pitch in his first at-bat in a regular-season game since tearing up his left knee Aug. 10. He also singled in the ninth. After giving up Heyward’s solo shot, Hernandez settled into a groove, retiring 16 of the 17 batters he faced the rest of the way, including 15 in a row. He got some help from Werth, who made a sliding catch of Alex Gonzalez’s sinking liner in the fifth. NOTES: Hernandez allowed four hits and two runs in 6 2-3 innings. … Fredi Gonzalez got a good-luck phone call from Cox about five hours before Thursday’s game. His debut as a major league manager also came against the Nationals, a 9-2 victory for his Florida Marlins at Washington’s RFK Stadium on April 2, 2007. … After Friday’s day off, the series resumes Saturday, with Atlanta RHP Tommy Hanson facing Washington LHP John Lannan. On Sunday, the Braves are scheduled to start RHP Tim Hudson against RHP Jordan Zimmermann. … Before Thursday’s game, the Nationals selected the contracts of INF Alex Cora, RHP Chad Gaudin, OF Laynce Nix and pinch-hitter Matt Stairs. They also released RHP Joe Bisenius, RHP Tim Wood and OF Jonathan Van Every. Thanks for reading! . Posted in nationals-news | No Comments »
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Nationals opening day |
SuperFan SuperFan badge holders consistently post smart, timely comments about Washington area sports and teams. If your comments or those of another user measure up, please let Post editors know. Washingtologist Washingtologists consistently post thought provoking, timely comments on events, communities, and trends in the Washington area. If your comments or those of another user measure up, please let Post editors know. Post Writer This commenter is a Washington Post editor, reporter or producer. Post Recommended Washington Post reporters or editors recommend this comment or reader post. Feel free to leave your comments below. Posted in nationals-news | No Comments »
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Washington Nationals Opening Day: Livan Hernandez Takes On Derek Lowe And The Braves |
Baseball is back, and since we’ve already celebrated the National Holiday that is Opening Day, I think it’s time to focus on the actual game that the Nationals will be playing today. They will take on the Braves at 1:05. You can catch the game on MASN, and it will be your first chance to get to know new Nats’ color guy F.P. Santangelo. The bad news is that President Obama will not be throwing out the first pitch this year. But they do have a worthy replacement – or replacements. According to the Washington Business Journal, uniformed personel representing the five branches of the Military will handle the first pitch duties this year. The men who will take the mound during the actual game are Livan Hernandez and Derek Lowe. We know what we’re going to get form Livan (a handful of innings, working out of trouble, nothing over 86 mph). Lowe is one of the best sinker ball pitchers in the game, and when he is on, he is almost unhittable. Well, actually, you’ll be able to hit it; it’s just going to stay in the infield and probably result in an out anyway. Here are the Opening Day lineups, via a Nationals press release. Braves: Nationals: Leave your comments on the news below. Posted in nationals-news | No Comments »
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Washington Nationals’ 2011 Season Matters, Even If They Won’t Be Good |
By Mike Prada – Senior Editor Read More: Ivan Rodriguez (C – WAS), Adam LaRoche (1B – WAS), Matt Capps (P – MIN), Adam Dunn (DH – CWS), Nyjer Morgan (CF – MIL), Ian Desmond (SS – WAS), Wilson Ramos (C – WAS), Jordan Zimmermann (P – WAS), Danny Espinosa (2B – WAS), Stephen Strasburg (P – WAS), Drew Storen (P – WAS), Bryce Harper (CF – WAS), Washington Nationals With Stephen Strasburg sidelined, the 2011 Nationals won’t be good or full of star power. But if you are interested in where this team is headed, 2011 is a huge year for a number of key youngsters. Follow , and Like SB Nation DC on Facebook.
Mar 31, 2011 - Sports, by nature, are measured by the scorecard, and baseball is no exception. Score more runs than your opponent, and you have had a successful game. Score more runs than your opponent more frequently than not, and you will have a successful season. By this token, the 2011 Washington Nationals are very unlikely to have a successful season. One could argue that there is even less talent on the roster than it was last season, with the injury to phenom pitcher Stephen Strasburg and the departure of Adam Dunn in the middle of the lineup. At the very least, they are unlikely to be much better, and while there’s been a nicer buzz at Spring Training, given the strength of the NL East, that’s unlikely to result in much this season. In a town that — let’s be honest — is as fickle as it is with its support, and with a fanbase that’s experienced so much losing for six straight season, it’s easy to think this means the 2011 season doesn’t really matter. But that’s what makes the 2011 Nationals so unique. Even with Strasburg sidelined and Bryce Harper still not ready to be in the Majors, this is an important year for the franchise. Thomas Boswell of the Washington Post described the Nationals as a team “caught between its present and its future.” That’s an odd way of phrasing it, but it’s also on point. What Boswell really means is that 2011 will be known as the Year of Player Development. Forget Strasburg and Harper for this year, because this year isn’t as instructive for either of them. Strasburg is rehabbing, and Harper is too young. No, 2011 is the year where we figure out whether some of these other youngsters can be a part of this franchise in the long term. The Nationals will enter 2011 with many regulars that are being counted on in some capacity in the team’s future, but have either yet to receive enough of a chance to prove it or have to make the most of their chance. The success of 2011 will be determined not by wins and losses, but by the development of these players. If they develop well, suddenly, we’re not talking about a future of a couple stars and nobody else. We’re talking about a future contender that’s deep enough to protect its two stars and have the kind of balance needed to win in the playoffs.
Specifically, we’re talking about the following players: Ian Desmond, Danny Espinosa, Wilson Ramos, Michael Morse, Jordan Zimmermann and Drew Storen. Baseball’s not really a sport about “supporting casts” as much as it is a sport where you want as much top-to-bottom talent as possible, but in a way, these six players are the six most likely candidates to make up the “supporting cast” of the mythical Strasburg-Zimmerman-Werth-Harper era. But to get there, each player has questions they must answer with their play in 2011. Namely: Can Desmond be a better fielder? Can he get on base enough to hit leadoff? The Nationals handed Desmond the starting shortstop job last season, throwing him into the deep end right away and hoping he could fend for himself. In the end, he was OK, but he wasn’t great at getting on base (.308 OBP) and he committed a ton of errors (34, to be exact). Some blame a lot of those errors on Adam Dunn’s defense, so will having Adam LaRoche instead make a big difference? It’ll have to, especially with the Nationals’ insistence on being a defense-first team. Strong defense starts up the middle, and with Nyjer Morgan gone, Desmond is definitely the weak link there. As for his hitting, the Nationals moved him up and down the lineup, but this year, he’ll have to hit leadoff with the departure of Morgan. Can he handle that? Desmond has decent skills, and he’s certainly young enough, but it’s a big jump. They need him more this year; that’s for sure. Can Espinosa and Morse follow through on their big performances in small sample sizes? Espinosa took everyone by surprise in September, belting six home runs and showing off a ton of power, but now the league knows him, and he will need to respond. Morse, meanwhile, isn’t young, but will get his chance to be an everyday player for the first time after an unbelievable spring training. Are these stretches both flashes in the pan, or are they the start of something greater? The Morse situation is interesting. The Nationals believed in his spring training success so much that they made him their No. 5 hitter in the lineup. (Of course, they may have no other options, but I digress). Statistically, Morse was fantastic last year, but as Dave Nichols of Nats News Network noted, that was because he was hitting primarily against lefties. Now, he’s going to have to hit against righties more, and that’s going to be a challenge. Throw in less lineup protection, and it’s not being a Debbie Downer to say he’s going to struggle. Can Ramos actually make an on-field impact? Ramos was very highly-touted since he came to the Nationals in the Matt Capps deal last summer, but with Ivan Rodriguez being the legend he is, Ramos hasn’t had a chance to play. But Pudge can’t hold up forever, and Ramos will likely get a shot this season. He’s got to show some signs that he’s a long-term answer at the position. Is Zimmermann fully healthy? Zimmermann, of course, went through the same Tommy John process Strasburg is going through now, and his health is a great unknown. Prior to the injury, he looked like a potential front-line starter, but you never know what happens after a surgery like that, even today. Zimmermann will begin the year as the No. 3 guy, but the Nationals need him to emerge as the best non-Strasburg starter they have. Can Storen close? I agree with the baseball folks who suggest that closers are overvalued, but I do think there is value in having someone you know who can shut down teams at the end of games. Storen, so far, has been a wreck as a closer after being so solid as a regular old reliever. He had his moments last season, then had a poor enough spring training where the team in going closer by committee. This is the 10th overall pick in the 2009 draft that we’re talking about, and to the best of our knowledge, he’s not hurt. He needs to come forward and anchor the bullpen in whatever capacity.
These questions won’t dramatically affect the team’s win/loss record this season. The supporting cast is just too old and too unproductive to make it work. But if these players can live up to their potential, suddenly, all that’s left is subbing in a Harper, a Strasburg and a few big free agents into the holes that exist. That part of the job is much easier than having to wonder whether the young players are worth keeping around. Let the 2011 Year of Player Development begin in NatsTown. It’s not the sexiest motto, but it’s still accurate and important. Follow , and Like SB Nation DC on Facebook. Do you like this story?Mike PradaSenior Editor Mike Prada is the senior editor of SB Nation D.C. and also runs SB Nation’s Wizards blog Bullets Forever. He lives and breathes D.C. sports, which means he’s breathing cursed air. Be careful,… Read full bio SB Nation Profile Other features by Mike Prada
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Atlanta Braves Opening Day 2011: Braves Travel To Nationals To Begin Season |
Baseball is officially back. The Atlanta Braves open the 2011 season on the road with a three-game series against the Washington Nationals. The Nationals finished the 2010 season with a 69-93 record. Adam Dunn led the offense with 38 home runs and 103 RBI, including a .536 SLG. Ryan Zimmerman was right behind with a .899 OPS and 25 home runs. However, the pitching staff was atrocious, as only two starters posted over 20 starts, and the next highest innings total behind Livan Hernandez’s 211.2 was John Lannan at 143.1. Only one starter with at least 15 starts had an ERA under four, and only one other starter had an ERA under five. The Nationals are throwing a similar rotation at opponents this season, featuring the usuals Hernandez and Lannan. Jordan Zimmermann is looking to return from injury and have a solid season, and the Nationals are banking on it with him penciled in third in the rotation. Cheap pickups Jason Marquis and Tom Gorzelanny round out the rotation for Washington. Of course, the big hole is due to Stephen Strasburg’s elbow surgery. The offense figures to be somewhat of a strength for the Nationals, due in large part to the addition of Jayson Werth. However, they are replacing Dunn’s production with a frail Adam LaRoche, and they are counting on Rick Ankiel in center field. The top of the order is promising for the Nationals, but it fades rather quickly. Quick primer on pitching stats to be used this season (Visit this for full glossary): Thursday, March 31 – 1:05 (SportSouth) The Opening Day matchup features two veterans who know how to pitch to their advantage. Lowe progressed as the season wore on last year, and four runs allowed in the entire month of September capped a solid second half. One of the big reasons for this success was more sliders, as he backed off the sinker a bit and pitched backward more often. It’s worth watching to see how much he takes from this in his first start and whether it is a sign of things to come in 2011. Hernandez is a well-traveled pitcher who does nothing spectacular, but he manages to post sub-four ERA’s with consistency. He pitches to contact, has a miniscule strikeout rate, does not induce fly balls and yet he keeps the ball in the park for the most part while giving the Nationals a ton of innings, which is crucial for this staff. Hitting his offspeed and breaking stuff is always key. Saturday, April 2 – 1:05 (SportSouth) Hanson is the proverbial ace-in-waiting, but he still has to clear a hurdle in 2011: durability. His velocity and sharpness declined as the season progressed last year, and as he reaches his peak stage, it’s about time to start seeing him blow through 200 innings with a little more ease. Hanson’s breaking stuff was very sharp in spring camp and look for it to continue as the season begins. Lannan was knocked around a good bit last season, seeing an increase in line drives to 21%. His rates remained pretty similar, but he just threw more hittable pitches. While his contact percentage actually went down, his outside contact increased, due in large part to his slider getting crushed. If he just continues on the path he set last year, throwing fewer breaking pitches and more fastball/changeup combinations, he should fare better this season. Look for the Braves to try to jump on the breaking stuff. Sunday, April 3 – 1:35 (Fox Sports South) Hudson’s offseason has been filled with doubters due to his 2.83 ERA last season, some of which may not have been deserved, but so much was due to a 64.1 GB%. Many will automatically look at the difference between ERA and FIP and discredit his season, but watching all of his starts may change your opinion some. One area of concern is the 228 innings he threw was his most since 2003, and at 35 years old this year, he may not have many of those type seasons again. Still, look for more top of the rotation type stuff this year. Zimmermann’s 31 innings last season should not be looked at very closely due to it being his return from Tommy John surgery. The Nationals have high hopes as Zimmermann returns to full health and a third spot in the rotation, but only time will tell how the surgery affects his command. He has always been a solid control pitcher, but he doesn’t miss many bats with his stuff, and he relies on command to keep the ball in the park. Zimmermann is a fastball/slider pitcher who goes to the curve in spots, while the changeup is show-me. The Nationals bullpen remains a strength, though it does get overused at times due to the weak rotation. Drew Storen and Tyler Clippard are valuable back-end relievers. Sean Burnett is a great option as LOOGY. Projected Nationals Lineup: Getting around the top three of Ian Desmond, Werth and Zimmerman should be the gameplan for the Braves. LaRoche and Michael Morse are decent power threats with little on-base ability. Ankiel is a pretty big hole. Espinosa is a switch-hitting rookie that has flashed power potential from the second base spot, but he will likely go through the usual rookie struggles. For more on the series, Braves fans should visit Talking Chop, and Nationals fans should visit Federal Baseball. If anybody needs tickets to games, remember to click the tickets link at the top. Posted in nationals-news | No Comments »
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Washington Nationals Opening Day |
Updated: Thursday, 31 Mar 2011, 5:59 AM EDT WASHINGTON – It’s opening day for the Washington Nationals. The Nationals open their season Thursday afternoon against the Atlanta Braves. To accommodate fans, Metro will be running a handful of eight-car trains on the green line and special shuttle trains between the Mt. Vernon Square and Navy Yard stations. Metro expects to carry about 20,000 people to and from the game. Game Time: Metrorail: Metrobus & DC Circulator: Driving: Copyright AP Modified, Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. What do you guys think about this. Posted in nationals-news | No Comments »
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Exactly what Perform Football Uniforms State? |
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You will discover an array of different nfl wholesale jerseys in existence currently available but not each of them is developed similarly, both in terms of that sewing as well as the design and style per se. Sometimes the particular colors of your respective soccer uniforms provide an enormous effect on the kind of message some people pout all over to help people.
Your sports uniforms that your team has won have to intimidate other online players though instilling a feeling associated with self-assurance actually need to run men and women. A person’s soccer uniforms really need to maintain your fans shut along with the some other groups at bay, there exists a lot of mindsets concerned I this selecting the best soccer uniforms on your workforce. You shouldn’t get this selection casually simply because this is a significant determination that will impact just how the crew does out within the area.
Look at the item using this method, when you set a person’s group out there in sports uniforms which are most lilac as well as cozy, what would you imagine would materialize? Would you believe that anybody, whether it is alternative squads as well as your followers, might have a person’s crew significantly? Of course not necessarily, sometimes those competitors independently could have problems using effectively inside a majority of these basketball uniforms. That is why your uniforms that you select ought to be so excellent. They have to help to make that competitors feel safe and sturdy; they have to realize these people bode well and also good whenever they are generally around within the arena. As long as they experience the idea they’ll be the item, it’s as common as which.
You’ll find a myriad of locations when you can receive a person’s sports uniforms, via significant companies including Nike or perhaps Adidas produce these individuals and many of the even bigger Football clubs will get these companies to create their particular Football uniforms. It’s likely you will certainly not manage to have the funds for such extravagant basketball uniforms on your group why not really endeavor to obtain your own wholesale jerseys nfl on-line. The online world wonderful location wherever you save hundreds of money on the soccer uniforms, if you have possibly not seemed generally there to your soccer wants still subsequently it can be about time that you got about more than now there right now.
Usually when you use the online world in your football uniforms it will be easy of choice just the most effective they usually cost a tiny proportion regarding what you would usually need to pay. You may also manage to locate all those significant brand names with soccer uniforms during discounted charges. It can be certainly well worth a hit when you find yourself considering different soccer uniforms.
Exactly what Perform Football Uniforms State?You will discover an array of different nfl wholesale jerseys in existence currently available but not each of them is developed similarly, both in terms of that sewing as well as the design and style per se. Sometimes the particular colors of your respective soccer uniforms provide an enormous effect on the kind of message some people pout all over to help people.Your sports uniforms that your team has won have to intimidate other online players though instilling a feeling associated with self-assurance actually need to run men and women. A person’s soccer uniforms really need to maintain your fans shut along with the some other groups at bay, there exists a lot of mindsets concerned I this selecting the best soccer uniforms on your workforce. You shouldn’t get this selection casually simply because this is a significant determination that will impact just how the crew does out within the area.Look at the item using this method, when you set a person’s group out there in sports uniforms which are most lilac as well as cozy, what would you imagine would materialize? Would you believe that anybody, whether it is alternative squads as well as your followers, might have a person’s crew significantly? Of course not necessarily, sometimes those competitors independently could have problems using effectively inside a majority of these basketball uniforms. That is why your uniforms that you select ought to be so excellent. They have to help to make that competitors feel safe and sturdy; they have to realize these people bode well and also good whenever they are generally around within the arena. As long as they experience the idea they’ll be the item, it’s as common as which.You’ll find a myriad of locations when you can receive a person’s sports uniforms, via significant companies including Nike or perhaps Adidas produce these individuals and many of the even bigger Football clubs will get these companies to create their particular Football uniforms. It’s likely you will certainly not manage to have the funds for such extravagant basketball uniforms on your group why not really endeavor to obtain your own wholesale jerseys nfl on-line. The online world wonderful location wherever you save hundreds of money on the soccer uniforms, if you have possibly not seemed generally there to your soccer wants still subsequently it can be about time that you got about more than now there right now.Usually when you use the online world in your football uniforms it will be easy of choice just the most effective they usually cost a tiny proportion regarding what you would usually need to pay. You may also manage to locate all those significant brand names with soccer uniforms during discounted charges. It can be certainly well worth a hit when you find yourself considering different soccer uniforms. Posted in nationals-news | No Comments »
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Nats open without Strasburg buzz |
WASHINGTON (AP) — Even Washington Nationals opening day starter Livan Hernandez wishes Stephen Strasburg could take that assignment today. Yes, Hernandez is proud to be pitching against Derek Lowe and the Atlanta Braves in Game 1 of 2011. He also knows that Strasburg probably would be the guy getting that honor if not for September’s reconstructive elbow surgery. “He’s the No. 1 guy on the team, no doubt,” Hernandez said at Nationals Park, where rain interrupted the home team’s workout Wednesday and is forecast for today. “When we’ve got him on the team, the team is much, much better. … I want to see the young guys happy and doing something I’ve done before. He should be the guy out there.” In some ways, today’s season opener in the nation’s capital is as noteworthy for who won’t be there as who will be. Strasburg will miss the game, flying back to Florida to resume his rehabilitation work. The Braves’ manager will be Fredi Gonzalez, not Bobby Cox, who retired after last season. “He’s somebody that’ll be missed,” said new Nationals first baseman Adam LaRoche, who played for Cox in Atlanta. “Knowing Bobby, I wouldn’t be surprised if he was sitting over there in the dugout. We’ll wait and see what happens.” Cox took Atlanta to the playoffs 15 times in his two decades there. Hernandez recalled fondly the mind games that went on when he’d pitch against those Braves teams. “All the time I’m thinking, ‘Bobby, he knows me very good. He’s going to tell his players what I do.’ That makes me think,” Hernandez said. “He’s the kind of guy who knows what you do, what you throw, what kind of pitches you’re going to throw in what counts. So smart. Sometimes, I would look into the dugout, and he’s looking at me, and I’d think, ‘What is he thinking?’” The 47-year-old Gonzalez says he didn’t see any reason to make many changes, given all of the success the Braves enjoyed under his 69-year-old predecessor. As for the players? Well, outfielder Jason Heyward pointed to one obvious difference between the two managers. “I feel like Fredi is just younger, obviously, than Bobby,” Heyward said. “It’s not for me to compare, but that’s what we have to work with as far as comparisons. … He’s younger, has a little more pep in his step, pays a little more attention to detail, to things he wants to take care of right away. So he’s a little more hands-on.” There are, of course, key players who’ll garner a lot of attention today, whatever they do. There’s Jayson Werth, the right fielder whose $126 million, seven-year contract with the Nationals that caught all of baseball’s attention this offseason. He’s part of an all-new starting outfield in Washington, with Rick Ankiel in center, and Michael Morse in left. “I’m starting a new chapter in my life. I plan on being here a long time and making the most of it,” said Werth, who went from the perennial NL East champion Philadelphia Phillies to the perennial last-place Nationals. “Obviously, there’s a responsibility, taking on the contract that I’ve taken on and coming here to Washington. I plan on being a leader on this team.” The Braves, meanwhile, welcome back Chipper Jones, who’s coming off major knee surgery that kept him out of last year’s playoffs. Today, Jones will be at third base and batting in his customary No. 3 slot. “He’s had a good spring, a real good spring,” Gonzalez said. “There’s a twinkle in his eye. There’s something there.” Strasburg is stuck thinking ahead to a year from now — when he wants to start Washington’s first game of 2012. The right-hander knows the work he’s “putting in right now is going to let me be there next opening day — hopefully pitching it, too.” Strasburg is throwing on flat ground from up to 105 feet and aims to throw off a mound in about a month. He’s expected to miss most or all of 2011. He says the Nationals are watching him “like hawks” to make sure he doesn’t overdo his rehab work. “I’m kind of not placing expectations on myself. I can’t control how fast my body heals. Everything’s pointing to me being back at the end of the year, so that’s what I’m hoping for,” Strasburg said. “But at the same time, I’m just going to let it heal naturally. I’m not going to try and push the envelope.” NOTES: Bryce Harper, the No. 1 overall pick in last year’s amateur draft, was at Nationals Park for the team’s workout and a fan event. He’s slated to start the season at Class A Hagerstown. “I’m really excited to go to a town that — I don’t know if they like baseball or not,” Harper said. “Everybody’s telling me it’s not that great. But I’m going to make it great, make it a baseball town.” … Nationals manager Jim Riggleman said LaRoche is OK to play Thursday. LaRoche got a cortisone shot over the weekend after an MRI exam revealed a small labral tear in his left shoulder. Leave your comments on the news below. Posted in nationals-news | No Comments »
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Opening day for the Washington Nationals |
It’s opening day for the Washington Nationals. The Nationals open their season Thursday afternoon against the Atlanta Braves. To accommodate fans, Metro will be running a handful of eight-car trains on the green line and special shuttle trains between the Mt. Vernon Square and Navy Yard stations. Metro expects to carry about 20,000 people to and from the game. Feel free to leave your comments below. Posted in nationals-news | No Comments »
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Missing faces noted in opener |
After a month’s worth of spring training, the new era of Fredi Gonzalez as the Braves’ manager will begin in earnest today at Washington. slideshow WASHINGTON — Even Washington Nationals opening day starter Livan Hernandez wishes Stephen Strasburg could take that assignment today. Yes, Hernandez is proud to be pitching against Derek Lowe and the Atlanta Braves in the first game of the 2011 season. He also knows that Strasburg probably would be the guy getting that honor if not for September’s reconstructive elbow surgery. “He’s the No. 1 guy on the team, no doubt,†Hernandez said at Nationals Park, where rain interrupted the home team’s workout Wednesday and is forecast for today. “When we’ve got him on the team, the team is much, much better. … I want to see the young guys happy and doing something I’ve done before. He should be the guy out there.†In some ways, today’s season opener in the nation’s capital is as noteworthy for who won’t be there as who will be. Strasburg will miss the game, flying back to Florida to resume his rehabilitation work. The Braves’ manager will be Fredi Gonzalez, not Bobby Cox, who retired after last season. “He’s somebody that’ll be missed,†said new Nationals first baseman Adam LaRoche, who played for Cox in Atlanta. “Knowing Bobby, I wouldn’t be surprised if he was sitting over there in the dugout. We’ll wait and see what happens.†Seeking to explain the challenge he faces, Gonzalez said: “It’s like following Bear Bryant. Or Jimmy Johnson following Don Shula. Those kinds of things.†Cox took Atlanta to the playoffs 15 times in his two decades there. Hernandez recalled fondly the mind games that went on when he’d pitch against those Braves teams. “All the time I’m thinking, ‘Bobby, he knows me very good. He’s going to tell his players what I do.’ That makes me think,†Hernandez said. “He’s the kind of guy who knows what you do, what you throw, what kind of pitches you’re going to throw in what counts. So smart. Sometimes, I would look into the dugout, and he’s looking at me, and I’d think, ‘What is he thinking?â€â€˜ The 47-year-old Gonzalez says he didn’t see any reason to make many changes, given all of the success the Braves enjoyed under his 69-year-old predecessor. As for the players? Well, outfielder Jason Heyward pointed to one obvious difference between the two managers. “I feel like Fredi is just younger, obviously, than Bobby,†Heyward said. “It’s not for me to compare, but that’s what we have to work with as far as comparisons. … He’s younger, has a little more pep in his step, pays a little more attention to detail, to things he wants to take care of right away. So he’s a little more hands-on.†There are, of course, key players who’ll garner a lot of attention today, whatever they do. There’s Jayson Werth, the right fielder whose $126 million, seven-year contract with the Nationals that caught all of baseball’s attention this offseason. He’s part of an all-new starting outfield in Washington, with Rick Ankiel in center, and Michael Morse in left. “I’m starting a new chapter in my life. I plan on being here a long time and making the most of it,†said Werth, who went from the perennial NL East champion Philadelphia Phillies to the perennial last-place Nationals. “Obviously, there’s a responsibility, taking on the contract that I’ve taken on and coming here to Washington. I plan on being a leader on this team.†The Braves, meanwhile, welcome back Chipper Jones, who’s coming off major knee surgery that kept him out of last year’s playoffs. Today, Jones will be at third base and batting in his customary No. 3 slot. “He’s had a good spring, a real good spring,†Gonzalez said. “There’s a twinkle in his eye. There’s something there.†Strasburg is stuck thinking ahead to a year from now — when he wants to start Washington’s first game of 2012. The right-hander knows the work he’s “putting in right now is going to let me be there next opening day — hopefully pitching it, too.†Strasburg is throwing on flat ground from up to 105 feet and aims to throw off a mound in about a month. He’s expected to miss most or all of 2011. He says the Nationals are watching him “like hawks†to make sure he doesn’t overdo his rehab work. “I’m kind of not placing expectations on myself. I can’t control how fast my body heals. Everything’s pointing to me being back at the end of the year, so that’s what I’m hoping for,†Strasburg said. “But at the same time, I’m just going to let it heal naturally. I’m not going to try and push the envelope.â€
If anybody needs tickets to games, remember to click the tickets link at the top. Posted in nationals-news | No Comments »
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Gonzalez era begins for Braves |
WASHINGTON — Even Washington Nationals opening day starter Livan Hernandez wishes Stephen Strasburg could take that assignment today. Yes, Hernandez is proud to be pitching against Derek Lowe and the Atlanta Braves in Game 1 of 2011. He also knows that Strasburg probably would be the guy getting that honor if not for September’s reconstructive elbow surgery. “He’s the No. 1 guy on the team, no doubt,†Hernandez said at Nationals Park, where rain interrupted the home team’s workout Wednesday and is forecast for Thursday. “When we’ve got him on the team, the team is much, much better. … I want to see the young guys happy and doing something I’ve done before. He should be the guy out there.†In some ways, today’s season opener in the nation’s capital is as noteworthy for who won’t be there as who will be. Strasburg will miss the game, flying back to Florida to resume his rehabilitation work. The Braves’ manager will be Fredi Gonzalez, not Bobby Cox, who retired after last season. “He’s somebody that’ll be missed,†said new Nationals first baseman Adam LaRoche, who played for Cox in Atlanta. “Knowing Bobby, I wouldn’t be surprised if he was sitting over there in the dugout. We’ll wait and see what happens.†Seeking to explain the challenge he faces, Gonzalez said: “It’s like following Bear Bryant. Or Jimmy Johnson following Don Shula. Those kinds of things.†Cox took Atlanta to the playoffs 15 times in his two decades there. Hernandez recalled fondly the mind games that went on when he’d pitch against those Braves teams. “All the time I’m thinking, ‘Bobby, he knows me very good. He’s going to tell his players what I do.’ That makes me think,†Hernandez said. “He’s the kind of guy who knows what you do, what you throw, what kind of pitches you’re going to throw in what counts. So smart. Sometimes, I would look into the dugout, and he’s looking at me, and I’d think, ‘What is he thinking?â€â€™ The 47-year-old Gonzalez says he didn’t see any reason to make many changes, given all of the success the Braves enjoyed under his 69-year-old predecessor. As for the players? Well, outfielder Jason Heyward pointed to one obvious difference between the two managers. “I feel like Fredi is just younger, obviously, than Bobby,†Heyward said. “It’s not for me to compare, but that’s what we have to work with as far as comparisons. … He’s younger, has a little more pep in his step, pays a little more attention to detail, to things he wants to take care of right away. So he’s a little more hands-on.†There are, of course, key players who’ll garner a lot of attention today, whatever they do. There’s Jayson Werth, the right fielder whose $126 million, seven-year contract with the Nationals that caught all of baseball’s attention this offseason. He’s part of an all-new starting outfield in Washington, with Rick Ankiel in center, and Michael Morse in left. “I’m starting a new chapter in my life. I plan on being here a long time and making the most of it,†said Werth, who went from the perennial NL East champion Philadelphia Phillies to the perennial last-place Nationals. “Obviously, there’s a responsibility, taking on the contract that I’ve taken on and coming here to Washington. I plan on being a leader on this team.†The Braves, meanwhile, welcome back Chipper Jones, who’s coming off major knee surgery that kept him out of last year’s playoffs. Today, Jones will be at third base and batting in his customary No. 3 slot. “He’s had a good spring, a real good spring,†Gonzalez said. “There’s a twinkle in his eye. There’s something there.†Strasburg is stuck thinking ahead to a year from now — when he wants to start Washington’s first game of 2012. The right-hander knows the work he’s “putting in right now is going to let me be there next opening day — hopefully pitching it, too.†Strasburg is throwing on flat ground from up to 105 feet and aims to throw off a mound in about a month. He’s expected to miss most or all of 2011. He says the Nationals are watching him “like hawks†to make sure he doesn’t overdo his rehab work. “I’m kind of not placing expectations on myself. I can’t control how fast my body heals. Everything’s pointing to me being back at the end of the year, so that’s what I’m hoping for,†Strasburg said. “But at the same time, I’m just going to let it heal naturally. I’m not going to try and push the envelope.†What do you guys think about this. Posted in nationals-news | No Comments »
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Gonzalez era begins for Braves |
WASHINGTON — Even Washington Nationals opening day starter Livan Hernandez wishes Stephen Strasburg could take that assignment today. Yes, Hernandez is proud to be pitching against Derek Lowe and the Atlanta Braves in Game 1 of 2011. He also knows that Strasburg probably would be the guy getting that honor if not for September’s reconstructive elbow surgery. “He’s the No. 1 guy on the team, no doubt,†Hernandez said at Nationals Park, where rain interrupted the home team’s workout Wednesday and is forecast for Thursday. “When we’ve got him on the team, the team is much, much better. … I want to see the young guys happy and doing something I’ve done before. He should be the guy out there.†In some ways, today’s season opener in the nation’s capital is as noteworthy for who won’t be there as who will be. Strasburg will miss the game, flying back to Florida to resume his rehabilitation work. The Braves’ manager will be Fredi Gonzalez, not Bobby Cox, who retired after last season. “He’s somebody that’ll be missed,†said new Nationals first baseman Adam LaRoche, who played for Cox in Atlanta. “Knowing Bobby, I wouldn’t be surprised if he was sitting over there in the dugout. We’ll wait and see what happens.†Seeking to explain the challenge he faces, Gonzalez said: “It’s like following Bear Bryant. Or Jimmy Johnson following Don Shula. Those kinds of things.†Cox took Atlanta to the playoffs 15 times in his two decades there. Hernandez recalled fondly the mind games that went on when he’d pitch against those Braves teams. “All the time I’m thinking, ‘Bobby, he knows me very good. He’s going to tell his players what I do.’ That makes me think,†Hernandez said. “He’s the kind of guy who knows what you do, what you throw, what kind of pitches you’re going to throw in what counts. So smart. Sometimes, I would look into the dugout, and he’s looking at me, and I’d think, ‘What is he thinking?â€â€™ The 47-year-old Gonzalez says he didn’t see any reason to make many changes, given all of the success the Braves enjoyed under his 69-year-old predecessor. As for the players? Well, outfielder Jason Heyward pointed to one obvious difference between the two managers. “I feel like Fredi is just younger, obviously, than Bobby,†Heyward said. “It’s not for me to compare, but that’s what we have to work with as far as comparisons. … He’s younger, has a little more pep in his step, pays a little more attention to detail, to things he wants to take care of right away. So he’s a little more hands-on.†There are, of course, key players who’ll garner a lot of attention today, whatever they do. There’s Jayson Werth, the right fielder whose $126 million, seven-year contract with the Nationals that caught all of baseball’s attention this offseason. He’s part of an all-new starting outfield in Washington, with Rick Ankiel in center, and Michael Morse in left. “I’m starting a new chapter in my life. I plan on being here a long time and making the most of it,†said Werth, who went from the perennial NL East champion Philadelphia Phillies to the perennial last-place Nationals. “Obviously, there’s a responsibility, taking on the contract that I’ve taken on and coming here to Washington. I plan on being a leader on this team.†The Braves, meanwhile, welcome back Chipper Jones, who’s coming off major knee surgery that kept him out of last year’s playoffs. Today, Jones will be at third base and batting in his customary No. 3 slot. “He’s had a good spring, a real good spring,†Gonzalez said. “There’s a twinkle in his eye. There’s something there.†Strasburg is stuck thinking ahead to a year from now — when he wants to start Washington’s first game of 2012. The right-hander knows the work he’s “putting in right now is going to let me be there next opening day — hopefully pitching it, too.†Strasburg is throwing on flat ground from up to 105 feet and aims to throw off a mound in about a month. He’s expected to miss most or all of 2011. He says the Nationals are watching him “like hawks†to make sure he doesn’t overdo his rehab work. “I’m kind of not placing expectations on myself. I can’t control how fast my body heals. Everything’s pointing to me being back at the end of the year, so that’s what I’m hoping for,†Strasburg said. “But at the same time, I’m just going to let it heal naturally. I’m not going to try and push the envelope.†That’s all the news for today. Posted in nationals-news | No Comments »
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Obama to skip Nationals’ opening day |
Star News ServicesWASHINGTON | Nationals Park will feature all the patriotic trappings one would expect on opening day for the national pastime in its capital city. Everything, that is, except for the president of the United States. The White House and the Washington Nationals say President Barack Obama is skipping the season opener, despite a standing invitation for the first fan to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Uniformed personnel representing all five service branches will fill in for their commander in chief, part of a tribute by the team to the U.S. military and their families before the game today against the Atlanta Braves. Last season, Obama helped Major League Baseball mark the 100th anniversary of a U.S. president participating in opening day. Obama has plenty keeping him away from the ballpark, of course. And he also appears to be smarting from criticism he faced for filling out his NCAA brackets on ESPN. “A lot of folks focused on the fact that I filled out my bracket,†he told ABC’s “Diane Sawyer on Tuesday. “Obviously I hadn’t been spending that much time studying it since I don’t have anybody in the Final Four.†OTHER NEWS
•PHILLIES RELEASE CASTILLO: Philadelphia released 35-year-old second baseman Luis Castillo on Wednesday, cutting him after his brief tryout as a fill-in for injured star Chase Utley. •RETIREE NOT QUITE GONE: The Braves have released retired closer Billy Wagner in an unusual agreement that allows the team to protect his rights if he returns in 2011. General manager Frank Wren said Wagner has not wavered on his retirement. If that changes, he’s still a Brave. •ISRINGHAUSEN STAYS IN FLORIDA: Mets reliever Jason Isringhausen will extend his spring training for two weeks in the hope of landing a spot with the team. He has been bothered by inflammation in his right elbow the last few weeks. •REDS PUT FIVE ON DL: Cincinnati is opening the season with five players on the disabled list for the first time since 2007: outfielder Fred Lewis, starters Johnny Cueto and Homer Bailey and relievers José Arredondo and Jared Burton. •GIANTS CLOSER ON DL: Brian Wilson, who strained a muscle on his left side March 17, will begin this season on the disabled list for the world champion Giants. What do you guys think about this. Posted in nationals-news | No Comments »
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