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v12

Welcome to the my Web site, v. XII. The blog is typically published Monday - Saturday. My primary topics tend to be the Nats, Penn State (esp. football), BeltwayLand, transportation, media, photos and more. The rest of the site gets updated as warranted and is noted on the blog.

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Mmm, victory - William World News

Friday, December 29, 2006

Mmm, victory

PHILADELPHIA -- I finally cashed in my winnings from the Nats victory in the 2006 season series with the Fleas today. The Ombudsman was quite gracious in defeat. The cheesesteak was delicious of course.

I have a bad feeling that there will be no repeat next year. I fully expect that it'll be me giving a concession speech in Ben's Chili Bowl over chili halfsmokes.

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posted by WFY @ 7:48 PM | |

Heading up I-95 north - William World News

Heading up I-95 north

I am off to Philly to claim my winnings for the Nats victory over the Fleas in the 2006 season series. The Ombudsman owes me a trip to Jim's Steaks.

I will return this evening.

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posted by WFY @ 7:08 AM | |

The new DC Nats store is nothing special - William World News
Thursday, December 28, 2006

The new DC Nats store is nothing special

I met up with a friend for lunch at the Black Rooster today. It is a decent place, right next to Peace Corps HQ. Anyhow, since I was in that part of the District, I walked over the Nationals Team Store at 1050 Connecticut Ave. NW. In case you were thinking of going to it, don't bother, unless you are already nearby. The place is quite small, maybe 400 sq. ft. I am glad it is there, but there is nothing to it. If you really want to be surrounded by an officially sanctioned Nats store, head to RFK.

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posted by WFY @ 3:05 PM | |

Ladson's 2006 recap - William World News
Wednesday, December 27, 2006

Ladson's 2006 recap

New owners take control - nationals.com
A month by month recap of the Nationals during 2006.

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posted by WFY @ 7:30 AM | |

Lerners to spend money on the ballpark - William World News
Saturday, December 23, 2006

Lerners to spend money on the ballpark

Nationals Owners To Dig Even Deeper - The Post
The Lerner family has indicated that they will spend lots of moolah on the new ballpark, something that makes everybody happy. However, before we get too excited, keep in mind most of the spending is directly tied to revenue generation and not necessisarily things like real stone walls for the park's exterior instead of faux concrete ones. That could happen though, Mark Lerner indicated that they will spend "millions more each season to develop the park's personality." One columnist is gushing about what he has seen.

More from THOMAS BOSWELL of The Post: On the Waterfront, Hope Beginning to Spring Eternal

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posted by WFY @ 6:36 AM | |

RIP Cecil Travis - William World News
Friday, December 22, 2006

RIP Cecil Travis

Cecil Travis; Washington Senators Legend - The Post
One of the oldest surviving Senators, Cecil Travis, recently died. If you want to learn more about the former shortstop, visit Beltway Boys' tribute from last week.
Fruto baffling hitters in winter ball - nationals.com
P Emiliano Fruto, acquired in the Jose Vidro trade is doing well in the Dominican Winter League so far.

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posted by WFY @ 5:36 AM | |

Fick is back; Dominican system examined - William World News
Thursday, December 21, 2006

Fick is back; Dominican system examined

Utility Player Fick Re-Signs With Nationals - The Post
Robert Fick has been signed to a non-guaranteed contract. He looks to be the first option off the bench now since Daryle Ward and Marlon Anderson are long gone.

More from The Wash. Times: Nats re-sign Fick to minor-league deal
Tapping In to an Economy of Sale - The Post
A look into the "the renegade system in which major league teams procure Dominican players."

Just A Nats Fan also takes an extensive look at these practices.

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posted by WFY @ 5:29 AM | |

Vidro trade completed - William World News
Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Vidro trade completed

It's Official: Vidro Leaves Nats for Seattle - The Post
2B Jose Vidro is officially a Mariner having passed a physical. Oft injured OF Chris Snelling and 22-year-old pitching prospect Emiliano Fruto are coming to D.C. We never got to see Jose Vidro in his prime, which is a shame. Coffeetown is not happy with the trade.

The Nats saved so much money from the trade that they can now buy new parking $igns for RFK.

Also, IF D'Angelo Jimenez, OF Abraham Nuņez and LHP Luis Martinez were all offered minor league contracts.

More from The Wash. Times: Vidro officially traded to Seattle

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posted by WFY @ 5:27 AM | |

From the "where are they now?" file - William World News
Monday, December 18, 2006

From the "where are they now?" file

In order to restore faith in his leadership of Emmis Communications, Jeffrey Smulyan announced he will only be collecting a $1 salary (The Indy Star) in 2007. Apparently, bidding on the Nationals (among other things) was not too popular with the Emmis shareholders. So, all those fears we had about him being cheap as Nats owner seem to have been well founded. Had he been running the show, we could have had a slashed payroll and no investment in player development.

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posted by WFY @ 5:32 AM | |

Acta homecoming; Vidro physical delayed - William World News
Saturday, December 16, 2006

Acta homecoming; Vidro physical delayed

Back Home, a Hero's Welcome for Nats' Acta - The Post
Manny Acta made his first trip back to his native Dominican Republic to great fanfare. He is embarrassed that he is treated differently though; being named Nationals manager has made him a national hero.
Vidro Trade Still on Hold - The Post
Travel problems prevented Jose Vidro from taking a physical to complete the trade with Seattle.
T(H)OM LOVERRO - These guppies could use a big fish - The Wash. Times
"Most new owners want to make a big splash, which isn't always good. But the Lerner/Kasten group wants to take all the water out of the pool."

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posted by WFY @ 7:49 AM | |

I wonder if Seattle is trying to find a way for Vidro to fail his physical - William World News
Friday, December 15, 2006

I wonder if Seattle is trying to find a way for Vidro to fail his physical

Vidro Trade Still Pending Physicals - The Post
The Jose Vidro trade is still on hold since the second baseman has yet to pass his physical. The plan is for him to get it in Miami today. I wonder if they are now hoping he fails since they got fleeced by Jim Bowden. How did Bowden become so good at tricking other GMs?
Nationals obtain financial flexibility - The Wash. Times
The Nats have been quite successful at saving money this offseason, but the question is what are they going to do with it? Will the savings be passed along to the customer? Will they be spent in improving some aspects of the new ballpark? Is it even possible to put $15 million into scouting?
Nationals' Spring Schedule Released - AP/The Post
The schedule includes stops in the AAA homes of the Nats and Balmer as well as a March 31 exhibition at RFK with Balmer.
Nationals sign five to deals - The Free Lance-Star
Five players signed 2007 contracts yesterday:

  • OF Kory Catso -- the best player at AA Harrisburg last year
  • C Brandon Harper -- longtime minor leaguer who finally made the big club last year.
  • RHP Chris Schroder had a 6.35 ERA in 21 appearances last season. He also plays a mean piano.
  • LHP Mike Hickley - 6-8 with a 5.52 ERA in 28 starts with the P-Nats
  • RHP Chris Booker, who had half a cup of coffee with the Nats last season
    Things are awfully quiet for a December 15 which is usually isn't a good day for the Nats and their fans. Someone's birthday got ruined two years in a row. Whatever happened to that guy? I heard a rumor that he was a roadie for The Great Kat, but it was just a rumor.

    Labels:

    posted by WFY @ 7:52 AM | |

  • Seattle wants every Jose on the Nats - William World News
    Thursday, December 14, 2006

    Seattle wants every Jose on the Nats

    Nationals to Trade Vidro for Prospects - The Post
    If 2B Jose Vidro passes a physical, he gets traded to Seattle. The prospects the Nats are said to be getting, Chris Snelling, an injury prone 25-year-old outfielder and Emiliano Fruto, a 22-year-old right-handed relief pitcher, could make the roster this year. What really makes the deal attractive is the salary dump. The Nats will owe the M's just $4 million of the $16 million left on Vidro's contract. It also clears up a logjam in the infield. Perhaps that worse part of the deal -- Cristian Guzman's spot at shortstop seems secured. Felipe Lopez is expected to take Vidro's place at second.

    About those prospects:
    Snelling, who has a reputation for playing hard, split his time between Class AAA Tacoma and Seattle in 2006, hitting .250 with three homers in 96 at-bats for the Mariners. The trade magazine Baseball America rated Snelling as Seattle's fourth-best prospect in 2005 and said he was the Mariners' best prospect in hitting for average and with strike-zone discipline. He should be thrown into the battle for the left field spot.

    Fruto went 2-2 with a 5.50 ERA in 23 appearances for the Mariners as a rookie last season, when he also made 28 appearances for Tacoma. Baseball America said he had the best change-up in the Seattle organization, and he should be added to a Nationals bullpen that likely will be the strength of the 2007 club.
    Looks like a pretty good deal to me.

    More from The Wash. Times: Nats finalize deal involving Vidro & The Seattle Times: M's deal for Nationals' Vidro

    Labels:

    posted by WFY @ 5:38 AM | |

    Minor league management announced - William World News
    Wednesday, December 13, 2006

    Minor league management announced

    Nats Hire Herr, Shuffle Minor League Staff - The Post
    The Nats have chosen who will manage their minor league teams, go to NFA for more analysis.

    Labels:

    posted by WFY @ 5:50 AM | |

    Acta well received in Florida - William World News
    Tuesday, December 12, 2006

    Acta well received in Florida

    Manager already big hit with fans - Florida Today
    Florida Nats fans enjoyed Manny Acta's visit to the Space Coast. Bill Ladson answered some mail on nationals.com and the AA Senators have a new manager (Patriot-News).

    Labels:

    posted by WFY @ 5:47 AM | |

    A little bit of Nats news - William World News
    Monday, December 11, 2006

    A little bit of Nats news

    Sutton Is Leading Contender To Join Nats' TV Coverage - The Post
    It appears Don Sutton is going to beat out Steve Stone for the Nats color job. I would rather have Stoney, but if they team creates a Nationals catalog for Sutton to hawk

    Nationals to connect locally - Florida Today
    Down on the Space Coast, Manny Acta will be contributing to the fan experience and community outreach by appearing at a free event.

    Also, Florida Today edtiorializes in favor of recent publicly funded upgrades to Space Coast Stadium. No more teal!
    LETTER TO THE EDITOR - Note to the Nats: We Want a Winner - The Post
    A frusturated fan gets his letter published.

    In Today's Market, Even Ohka May Be Beyond Nats - The Post
    With pitchers like Gil Menche going for way too much money, Tomo Ohka may be more than the Nats are willing to afford.

    Labels:

    posted by WFY @ 5:44 AM | |

    You're right — teams are spending wayyyy too much money on average players. The Nats are wise to not get into bidding wars with mediocre players. However, sitting out these bidding wars is ONLY helpful to Nats fans if the team uses the saved money to invest in the team. And there's no promise that's the case...

    # posted by Anonymous Anonymous : Monday, December 11, 2006 10:16:00 AM  

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    Rule 5 yields two, Bowden continues to lust after Willy Mo - William World News
    Friday, December 08, 2006

    Rule 5 yields two, Bowden continues to lust after Willy Mo

    No Major Moves, Two Minor Ones - The Post
    While it is discouraging that the Nationals have not been able to get a starting pitcher signed so far this offseason we must look at the bright side -- Jim Bowden has not traded Chad Cordero for Willy Mo Pena...yet.

    The Nats did take two in the rule 5 draft though. Welcome C Jesus Flores from the Mets system and RHP Levale Speigner from the Twins. Both have to stay in the majors or be offered back to their previous clubs for $25,000. Flores shows promise as Brian Schneider's back-up behind the plate while Flores will probably find time in the bullpen, but has started in the past.

    Also, the Cubs are interested in Ryan Church. The Nats want starting pitching, likely Sean Marshall, a rookie last year with a 6-9 record and a 5.59 ERA. It seems a high price for the Cubs, unless Marshall is the second coming of Brian Lawrence.

    RHP Tomo Ohka was offered a contract too (Nationals.com). He's not great, but he can eat some innings and probably won't turn his back on Manny Acta.

    More from The Wash. Times: Nats select two prospects

    Labels:

    posted by WFY @ 5:33 AM | |

    Will Cordero be around long enough to notice there is less art in the ballpark? - William World News
    Thursday, December 07, 2006

    Will Cordero be around long enough to notice there is less art in the ballpark?

    Nats Are Unmoved by Early Trade Offers for Cordero - The Post
    If you don't want closer Chad Cordero traded the news is good. So far. There is not much of a market for him, but it sounds to me like the Nats really want someone to trade them a couple of starting pitching prospects. I think their overestimation of his value will put the brakes on a trade for the forseeable future, but he is a marked man now. Jim Bowden is sulking:
    The dejected look on Jim Bowden's face said it all: As much as the Washington Nationals general manager would like to acquire pitching before he leaves the winter meetings, he's just not finding willing trade partners.
    I guess there is an upside.

    OF Ryan Church and "2B" Jose Vidro are also trade bait with the former the most likely to be headed elsewhere.

    A 3-way trade with Detroit and Balmer that would have yielded Rodrigo Lopez (The Sun) fell through.

    More from The Wash. Times: Nats yet to find right fit for trade
    Spending Cap May Block Beauty - The Post
    If you were hoping the new ballpark might have lots of "bronze statues, ornate entrance gates, even brightly colored tile mosaic staircases" you are probably going to be dissapointed. It looks like the spending cap will prevent a lot of that from being included in the new ballpark. Maybe the Lerners will chip in a few bucks. Maybe they'll make a good faith effort to field a decent team this year too.

    Labels:

    posted by WFY @ 5:24 AM | |

    Acta's talking the talk - William World News
    Wednesday, December 06, 2006

    Acta's talking the talk

    As Nats Plan for Future, Acta Embraces Present - The Post
    While the brass has written off 2007 as part of The Plan, new manager Manny Acta is not surrending to last place just yet.

    There is also talk that Chad Cordero could be traded, but only if the price (starting pitchers) is right. The closer was caught off guard (nationals.com) by this news.

    More from The Wash. Times: Acta believes in Nats
    THOMAS BOSWELL - Nats' Risky Business - The Post
    Bos wants the team to at least make an effort to show a little bit of good faith for the 2007 season. I think he, like the rest of us, will be dissapointed.
    JIM WILLIAMS - Nats not bystanders after all - The Wash. Examiner
    Williams is not as down on the Nats as everyone else.
    Stadium to sport Nationals' hue - Florida Today
    It looks like the teal seats at Space Coast Stadium, the Nationals spring training home, are on the way out.
    By the way, the new ballpark is expected to be the first in baseball to be certified as a green building (WTOP).

    Labels:

    posted by WFY @ 5:33 AM | |

    Trade for Manny! Sort of - William World News
    Tuesday, December 05, 2006

    Trade for Manny! Sort of

    Nationals Could Play Small Role in Big Deal - The Post
    There is talk out of Orlando that a three way trade involving Washington, Boston and San Francisco.The BoSox want to get rid of Manny Ramirez but might need the Nats help to send the enigimatic outfielder to San Francisco.
    Here, in the land of Mickey and Goofy, in the midst of a spiraling free agent market that sometimes stretches the imagination, could the lowly Nationals somehow find a place at the center of the most intricate, most explosive chain of personnel moves of this offseason?
    The Post story is short on specifics, but The Wash. Times notes that closer Chad Cordero could be involved along with Ryan Church. I want Church out of here so he gets a chance to make something of himself, but I am not crazy about losing Cordero.
    T(H)OM LOVERRO - Spending wisely - The Wash. Times
    While Loverro agrees with The Plan overall, he believes that the plan should be able to accomodate things like a full rotation which the Nats are about four pitchers short of having right now.

    Notes: Loss of Guillen nets draft pick - nationals.com
    Offering RF Jose Guillen arbitration has yielded an extra draft pick since he signed with the Mariners. Also, the Nats trainer is out, but it has nothing to do with the Gary Majewski saga.

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    posted by WFY @ 5:41 AM | |

    Nats <strike>doing stuff</strike> letting things happen - William World News
    Monday, December 04, 2006

    Nats doing stuff letting things happen

    Avoiding Costly Moves - The Post
    The Nats don't feel like spending any money this offseason. The pitching staff will be held together with kite string and chewing gum. Again.

    More from The Wash. Times: Nationals figure to remain quiet
    Reds file grievance over Majewski - Cincy Post
    The Reds are finally filing a grievance with MLB over the Gary Majewski trade. Somehow, GM Wayne Krivsky was the only person in baseball who didn't know the pitcher was damaged goods. He wants MLB to punish the Nats because he is a bad GM who didn't do his homework like watching Majewski pitch. Duh.
    M's agree to deal with Jose Guillen - Seattle Times
    RF Jose Guillen is headed to Seattle for a one year, $5.5 million deal. Not even Jim Bowden would throw that kind of money at Guillen. I won't miss him.

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    posted by WFY @ 5:56 AM | |

    While we wait for the Nats to turn the hot stove on... - William World News
    Friday, December 01, 2006

    While we wait for the Nats to turn the hot stove on...

    Nationals to Open Downtown Office for Sales and Marketing - The Post
    The Nats are opening a downtown office to sell season ticket plans. It is adjacent to the new team store on Conneticut Ave.
    White & Partners tapped to market Washington Nationals - The Wash. Examiner
    More about the marketing/advertising company the team hired.

    Labels:

    posted by WFY @ 5:50 AM | |

    Kasten does another Q&A - William World News
    Thursday, November 30, 2006

    Kasten does another Q&A

    Q&A with Nats president Stan Kasten - nationals.com
    The Nats president talks about Alphonso Alfonso Soriano, free agency, Manny Acta and even Frank Robinson.
    Nationals' charity sues developer for pledged aid - The Wash. Times
    A former bidder for the Nationals, developer Franklin Haney, is being sued by the Washington Nationals Foundation for not coming through on a $400,000 pledge. Mental note to self -- don't make any pledges to the Nats charity.
    Have you seen the new ballpark logo yet?



    What about the new slogan?

    Labels:

    posted by WFY @ 5:41 AM | |

    Logo looks great to me!

    # posted by Blogger MC Hamme : Thursday, November 30, 2006 10:01:00 AM  

    Yeah I actually like it. It'll look real nice on the parking garages there.

    # posted by Anonymous Sweet : Friday, December 01, 2006 10:25:00 AM  

    Post a Comment

    Naming rights and Tomo Tomo Tomo - William World News
    Tuesday, November 28, 2006

    Naming rights and Tomo Tomo Tomo

    With New Stadium, Name of Game Is Money - The Post
    There is speculation that the new Nationals ballpark could fetch up to $10 million a year for naming rights. However, it seems as though $4 million is more likely. Given how much exposure the bank/military/other company has gotten from renaming RFK, you just know it is a going to be a high. Some of the possible names:
    Capital One Financial, Sprint Nextel, Chevy Chase Bank, Geico, XM Satellite Radio and America Online.

    Ohka interested in returning - nationals.com
    Injury-plagued free agent RHP Tomo Ohka may be interested in returning to Chocolate City. He had spent the last 1 1/2 seasons with Milwaukee after being traded following an incidient with former manager Frank Robinson. Ohka's agent says that was overblown. Jim Bowden is saying that trade was his biggest mistake of 2005. I don't know about that, but it was up there.

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    posted by WFY @ 5:39 AM | |

    Tomo wants to come back, eh? I can't see that being much of a problem, now that Frank's gone...and given that their pitching staff is nonexistent.

    # posted by Anonymous Anonymous : Tuesday, November 28, 2006 12:43:00 PM  

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    Acta's coaching staff complete - William World News
    Wednesday, November 22, 2006

    Acta's coaching staff complete

    Acta Completes His Staff - The Post
    The Nationals announced their 2007 coaching staff yesterday.
    New third base coach Tim Tolman managed for years in the minor league system of the Houston Astros, where he encouraged Acta to go to scouting school and develop as an instructor; Acta described Tolman yesterday as "my mentor." Bullpen coach Rick Aponte also comes from the Astros, for whom he played and worked for 32 years in a variety of capacities, mostly as a minor league instructor and a scout. But before that, he helped discover Acta in the Dominican Republic, and Acta referred to him as "a second father for me."

    New first base coach Jerry Morales served in the same capacity with the Montreal Expos from 2002 to 2004, the same years Acta was the third base coach in Montreal under former manager Frank Robinson.

    (Pat) Corrales might be the most important hire. He managed three teams -- Texas, Philadelphia and Cleveland -- from 1978 to '87, and served for 17 years on Bobby Cox's staff in Atlanta.
    Pitching coach Randy St. Claire was retained and hitting coach Mitchell Page was rehired.

    More from The Wash. Times: Acta hires staff of veteran coaches

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    posted by WFY @ 5:35 AM | |

    Nats move on - William World News
    Tuesday, November 21, 2006

    Nats move on

    Nats Face Post-Soriano Era - The Post
    With Alfonso Soriano gone, the Nats need to fill two outfield positions and four spots in the rotation. Pitching, pitching, pitching will be targeted at the winter meetings.

    More from RICK SNIDER of The Wash. Examiner: It’s always about the money
    THOMAS BOSWELL - National Pastime Getting World Serious - The Post
    Bos notes the new direction baseball is goign with more players from overseas. Stan Ksaten is quoted throughout. Boswell ends with this:
    For now, the Nats are simply watching the madness of $51 million negotiation-rights bids, $12 million deals for spot relievers and an eight-year contract for a player without a true defensive position. In just one year, however, that posture will completely change. Or, at least, it better.

    When a city builds a $611 million park for a team, that club must get off the sidelines and into the game before the gates on the Southeast waterfront open -- no matter where on earth they have to roam, checkbook in hand, to find those players.

    Labels:

    posted by WFY @ 5:38 AM | |

    I don't think Kasten and Lerner plan on spending any significant money for free agents this year or next, or ever. They are anticipating good season ticket sales this year, regardless of the team's poor prospects, as fans jockey for seating in the new park for 2008. Then, the new park will be a big draw for a couple of years regardless of the team's performance. So, I think they are counting on a free ride until 2010. By then, they expect the cheaper approach of rebuilding the farm will pay off with a competitive team. Maybe this works, maybe it doesn't but it is quite clear that it is going to be a rather ugly for the next two or three seasons.

    # posted by Anonymous phil dunn : Tuesday, November 21, 2006 12:15:00 PM  

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    Soriano to North Side - William World News
    Monday, November 20, 2006

    Soriano to North Side

    Soriano Headed To Cubs - The Post
    The Cubs just signed Alfonso Soriano to "an eight-year, $136 million deal with the Chicago Cubs." They also included a no trade clause.

    Suckers!

    Sure, they may get a few years of production similar to 2005 from Soriano, but I even doubt that will happen. Last season was an aberration, he is likely going to revert to his pre-2005 form sooner than later. When is it a good idea to sign 31 year-old players to massive eight year contracts with no trade clauses?

    The Nats will get one first round pick and a sandwich pick for compensation. Thanks for the memories Alfonso!

    More from The Wash. Times: Cubs land Soriano with huge deal & The Chicago Tribune: Cubs open wallet for Soriano

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    posted by WFY @ 5:43 AM | |

    Kurkjian's got to wear shades; more Team Stores? - William World News
    Friday, November 17, 2006

    Kurkjian's got to wear shades; more Team Stores?

    TIM KURKJIAN - Acta is the antithesis of Robinson - ESPN
    Praise for Manny Acta from one of ESPN's baseball writers. It is hard not to like what we are hearing about Acta.
    PRESS RELEASE - Washington Nationals Baseball Club opens two additional retail outlets - nationals.com
    I am surprised to see the Nationals opening additional retail stores because Stan Kasten made a point of telling season ticketholders that stores lose a lot of money.

    One of them will be in White Flint and only open through January 7. The downtown location (Washington Square at 1050 Connecticut at L Street) will be open into 2008.

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    posted by WFY @ 6:18 AM | |

    Scouting for trouble - William World News
    Thursday, November 16, 2006

    Scouting for trouble

    Dozens Charged With Running Gambling Ring - The Post
    A former Nationals scout is among those charged in connection with a "billion-dollar-a-year gambling ring that rivaled casino sports books." Frank Falzarano of Long Island was one of the biggest earners in a $3,300,000,000 operation. The Nats press release is not available on nationals.com, but The Post reports they had this to say.
    The Nationals have no information nor any comment on any aspect of the legal proceedings announced today involving Frank Falzarano. Mr. Falzarano was a part-time scout who worked for an area scout, who is no longer with the club. Falzarano's contract with the Nationals expired on October 31 and was not renewed.
    I guess the FBI might be stopping by RFK sometime.
    Robinson Congratulates His Protege, Replacement - The Post
    Frank Robinson called to congratulate his replacement, Manny Acta. Acta of course was on Robinson's staff in Montréal.

    Also, expect longer pregame shows on the radio next year. In other radio news, DCRTV says Nats execs are apparently mad at WTWP for not running the Acta press conference live.

    Notes: Third stint for Stanton? - nationals.com
    Mike Stanton has started a campaign to return to Washington for the third time. Is anybody surprised by this revelation?

    Mitchell Page will be returning as hitting coach after not having his contract renewed on Oct. 31.

    Labels:

    posted by WFY @ 5:45 AM | |

    Nats radio not changing stations, voices - William World News
    Wednesday, November 15, 2006

    Nats radio not changing stations, voices

    Post Radio Will Broadcast Nats Again - The Post
    Charlie Slowes and Dave Shea will return to WTWP (1500 AM/107.7 FM) for the second consecutive year. The Nats signed a one-year deal after backing out of the previous two-year deal. There was speculation that Dan Snyder's Triple X Radio was interested, but none of those stations has a decent signal yet.

    Labels: ,

    posted by WFY @ 12:12 PM | |

    Press conference for new manager gives Bowden opportunity to remind us he's a doofus - William World News

    Press conference for new manager gives Bowden opportunity to remind us he's a doofus

    Yesterday, Manny Acta was named manager of the Washington Nationals (The Post). D.C. Sports Bog was there and noted that GM Jim Bowden used the occasion to try and act cool - "time to Acta-vate." He failed. Again. The Bog also talked to Kasten, got some initial quotes and noted the downtown location (a Lerner office building) of the presser was right next to a post office. The Wash Times was there too. Rick Snider of The Wash. Examiner was impressed. Thomas Boswell added his two cents as well.

    Alphonso Alfonso Soriano, who is being courted by the Cubs (Chicago Sun-Times, thanks dl004d) to play centerfield and will meet with the Fleas today, was the first to call Acta (The Wash. Times).

    In other Nats news, there will be parking garages at the ballpark, go to jdland.com for more. 3B Ryan Zimmerman wants to buy a house inside the Beltway and Baseball on the Barn may not come back. : (

    Labels:

    posted by WFY @ 5:28 AM | |

    NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!! Baseball on the barn cannot die!

    # posted by Blogger MC Hamme : Wednesday, November 15, 2006 8:45:00 AM  

    Post a Comment

    Zimmerman denied - William World News
    Tuesday, November 14, 2006

    Zimmerman denied

    Ramirez Is Top Rookie - The Post
    Marlin Edges Nats' Zimmerman For the NL Award
    3B Ryan Zimmerman came in second in the closest Rookie of the Year vote since 1980. Had he gotten one more first place vote, he would have won. Zimmerman had a lot to say about the selection which says to me he is dissapointed. The actual winner was Marlins SS Hanley Ramirez.

    I guess my Zimmerman poster and dog tag won't be worth quite as much on ebay as it could have been.

    More from The Wash. Times: Zimmerman falls short
    Presence Bestowed Upon Nats - The Post
    Manny Acta started coaching in the minors at age 22. Now, 15 years later, he finally gets to manage. He will be the youngest manager in the majors, a completely new direction for the team that had the oldest one.

    The announcement of his hiring is expected to be made today.

    More from The Wash. Examiner: Jim Williams: Praise for Acta already started
    Leaner Stadium Parking Possible - The Post
    Oh boy, the D.C. council is suppossed to approve two free standing parking garages. It is getting sued by developer Herb Miller too for backing out of his plan to provide more than just parking.
    So, what did you think of the Stan Kasten chat? Capital Punishment has the breakdown.

    Labels:

    posted by WFY @ 5:26 AM | |

    Acta to be named soon - William World News
    Monday, November 13, 2006

    Acta to be named soon

    Nationals Know What They'll Get - The Post
    All signs point to Mets 3B coach Manny Acta will be named the Nationals new manager, possibly today. He was part of the organization during the last two Montréal seasons. P John Patterson is probably the player most excited to have Acta in the dugout. Acta looks to be more of a players manager than his predecessor, but then again, who wouldn't be?

    More from The Wash. Times: Acta to get warm welcome & nationals.com: Prospect of Acta has players excited

    Nats president Stan Kasten will be chatting on washingtonpost.com today at 10 a.m. Expect lots of remarks like "I will not confirm any rumors" "player development, customer satisfaction, and community involvement" "yes, your seats will be similar in the new ballpark" and "try the brisket."

    Labels:

    posted by WFY @ 6:07 AM | |

    Acta still in the mix - William World News
    Friday, November 10, 2006

    Acta still in the mix

    Nats Stay In Touch With Acta About Job - The Post
    Mets 3B coach has returned from barnstorming in Japan with the MLB delegation. He still wants the Nats job, but will inteview with Oakland too. Tony Pena is not believed to be a serious contender any more.

    Steve Stone remains in the mix for the annual one-year contract to provide MASN with color commentary. Don Sutton and Harold Reynolds names are being thrown around too, but there is no indication that they are actually candidates.

    Jim Williams adds his thoughts on the situation in The Wash. Examiner. One possiblity he adds -- Stone gets picked for Balmer games while Nats fans get Buck Martinez. I'll take Stone any day over Martinez.

    Labels:

    posted by WFY @ 5:46 AM | |

    A couple of things I missed yesterday - William World News
    Thursday, November 09, 2006

    A couple of things I missed yesterday

    Yesterday, The Wash. Times covered Tom Paciorek's departure and the hiring of ten scouts.
    Nationals 1B Johnson, LHP O'Connor Have Surgery - WJLA
    1B Nick Johnson had surgery to remove scar tissue, while P Mike O'Connor got his elbow cleaned out a little bit.

    Labels:

    posted by WFY @ 6:06 AM | |

    The search continues; Paciorek is angry - William World News
    Wednesday, November 08, 2006

    The search continues; Paciorek is angry

    Managerial Search Continues - The Post
    Stan Kasten says that the Nationals are being very thorough searching for a manager and that price is not an issue. Check out what he says here:
    "During this search we have interviewed people who would be across the full salary spectrum, from very large contract to very small," Kasten said in an e-mail, "and we are prepared to hire the best fit, irrespective of which it is.

    "Having said that, I should also tell you that I have encountered some people during this process who have a very different [read: higher] view of an appropriate contract for themselves than do I. In such cases, I typically give more weight to my view."
    Intersting.

    Also, nationals.com has more on on Tom Paciorek's departure. He is really bitter about being let go. Possible replacements include Buck Martinez and Steve Stone. I prefer the latter, since it would extend a streak of former Chicago color commentators to start.

    Labels:

    posted by WFY @ 7:02 AM | |

    Nats add 21 players and get rid of Wimpy - William World News
    Tuesday, November 07, 2006

    Nats add 21 players and get rid of Wimpy

    Nats Sign 21 Minor Leaguers; Paciorek Won't Return to TV - The Post
    Jim Bowden added 21 free agents, including a baker's dozen of pitchers yesterday. Four were added to the 40 man roster. Capitol Punishment breaks it down for us. Needham thinks Bowden has put together a division champion -- for Columbus.

    Also, for the third cosecutive year, MASN will hvae a new analyst in the booth during Nats games since Tom Paciorek's contract was not renewed. This will certainly be good news for some people who couldn't stand him. Since MASN prohibited me from watching the Nats for most of the year, I did not see enough games to develop too much of an opinion about Paciorek. I can't help but wonder if MASN is going to bring in a new analyst annually so they don't have to spend a lot of money. When it comes to MASN, I just assume bad faith.

    Labels:

    posted by WFY @ 5:13 AM | |

    Kasten: Really, there is a plan - William World News
    Monday, November 06, 2006

    Kasten: Really, there is a plan

    Nats Offer Glimpse of Big Picture - The Post
    Stan Kasten elaborated on the state of the Nationals again the other day. Key points:

  • John Patterson is the only pitcher with a spot in the rotation right now.

  • No free agent splashes this year.

  • The first phase of the manager search is finished, but there are few other details.

  • Nick Johnson will have arthroscopic surgery to remove scar tissue on his broken leg.

    Labels:

    posted by WFY @ 5:45 AM | |

  • But what about the awful teal seats? - William World News
    Friday, November 03, 2006

    But what about the awful teal seats?

    County puts $2.6M in play to upgrade stadium - Florida Today
    The Lerners played a little hardball down in Florida to make sure the Nationals spring training home, Space Coast Stadium, is up to specs. Brevard County will wind spending more on the upgrades than planned.
    WALLACE MATTHEWS - Omar, Sori's your guy - Newsday
    A LawnGuyland columnist thinks Alfonso Soriano cures what ails the Mets.

    Labels:

    posted by WFY @ 5:33 AM | |

    Add another name to the list - William World News
    Thursday, November 02, 2006

    Add another name to the list

    Pirates' AAA Skipper Is Latest to Interview - The Post
    The Nats interviewed Trent Jewett who was the AAA manager for the Pirates last season. He has a lifetime 851-841 record in the minors.

    Also, Brian Schneider is barnstorming through Japan with other major leaguers like Jose Reyes, David Wright, Ryan Howard, and Andruw Jones.

    Lastly, Ramon Oritz filed for free agency. He might be worth keeping, if he doesn't cost too much.

    Labels:

    posted by WFY @ 5:18 AM | |

    Hey! Where ya been?

    # posted by Anonymous Anonymous : Wednesday, November 15, 2006 6:45:00 PM  

    Post a Comment

    Sorry ladies - William World News
    Wednesday, November 01, 2006

    Sorry ladies

    I am sure that Tony Beasley fans are disappointed to learn that he has left the Nationals for the Pirates organization. Shockingly people magnet Jim Bowden's handiwork is all over this one (The Post):
    Tony Beasley, the third base coach, was offered the job managing Class AA Harrisburg. He said three days after the season, he asked Bowden for more time to consider his options, but he was told that he couldn't have it. He has accepted a job as an infield coordinator in the Pittsburgh Pirates' minor league system.

    "I wanted to explore my options before making a hasty decision," Beasley said by phone. "I told them I needed time, and Jim said: 'You're turning down the job. I'm going to give it to someone else.'

    "That's fine. That's no problem with me. I definitely wasn't going to make a quick decision. They made me a nice offer. It was very fair. But I thought it ought to be right and fair to me to have the opportunity to explore options."
    Why is Bowden still around again? In terms of transactions his batting average is around the Guzman line with drafting Ryan Zimmerman and the Kearns/FLop trade being his only hits. It still bothers me that he got to keep his job longer than Frank Robinson. Bowden isn't worthy of carrying Robinson's golf bag.

    Labels:

    posted by WFY @ 12:13 PM | |

    Bowden isn't worthy of licking the dirt off of FRobby's golf shoes. Yes, I will miss Beasley; he's such a nice guy and the Pirates' system doesn't deserve him.

    # posted by Anonymous Anonymous : Thursday, November 02, 2006 5:34:00 PM  

    Post a Comment

    Nats coaches return to old jobs - William World News

    Nats coaches return to old jobs

    Nationals Reassign Two Coaches to Minors - The Post
    Hitting coach Mitchell Page is now the roving minor league hitting instructor again and Randy Knorr heads back down I-95 to mange the P-Nats after replacing John Wetteland as bullpen coach.

    In other news

  • The Phillies will offer Alfonso Soriano a lot of money (The Inky). I'm thrilled because I think he will ultimately weaken whichever team he signs with over the life of the contract. He may be enough to get the Fleas over the hump and into the postseason early in his contract though. That does not matter too much because the Nats will stink for a couple of years anyway. It might be bad for my annual "mayor's bet" with The Ombudsman. I still need to collect my 2006 winnings.

  • The Lerner family gave over $7,000 (The Post) to the Fenty campaign.

  • Dave Shea Tom Paciorek fans rejoice, he is nominated for the Ford Frick award, along with Bob Carpenter and some Expos announcers.

    Labels:

    posted by WFY @ 5:50 AM | |

    As much as I agree with you about Soriano, does he have to sign with another team in our division?

    # posted by Anonymous Anonymous : Wednesday, November 01, 2006 9:39:00 AM  

    I understand your point too. Having Soriano in the same lineup with Ryan Howard is kind of scary, but it also means the Fleas will have less to spend on what they always need -- pitching. Those two can help Philly lose more 7-5 games.

    # posted by Blogger WFY : Wednesday, November 01, 2006 12:40:00 PM  

  • Post a Comment

    Expos to Nats: How lawyers see it - William World News
    Tuesday, October 31, 2006

    Expos to Nats: How lawyers see it

    National Pride: Baseball Returns to Washington - DC Bar
    A lawyers publication looks at baseball's return to D.C. It appears to be exhaustive; I have not read it yet, though.

    Nats hat tip to NatsFans list-serv.

    Labels:

    posted by WFY @ 12:04 PM | |

    Tepid stove league! - William World News

    Tepid stove league!

    O's Find Soriano Is Seeking A Rich Free Agent Payday - The Post
    I am disappointed to hear that Balmer is overwhelmed by Alfonso Soriano's contract demands. I was hoping an opportunistic would sign Soriano to spite the Nationals and then get stuck with diminishing returns on a monster contract.

    In other Nats news, Robert Fick and Jose Guillen filed for free agency (nationals.com). Both want to come back, but it seems unlikely that Fick will get the opportunity. I expect Guillen to be offered an incentive-laden deal; Jim Bowden probably figures that at the very least, he'll have a potential baby-sitter for his kids. I'll be interested to see if Guillen signs it, or if he is insulted by the offer and vows vengence against the Nationals and Bowden, should he able to play against them. The latter is much more entertaining than having him stewing on the bench because Austin Kearns is the real rightfielder now. It is much more entertaining than the former -- Guillen playing right field. He blew it for himself (but saved the Nats from more Bowden stupidity) when he rejected a contract in spring training. I don't think he adds anything that Kearns does not, other than potential locker room cancer.
    Phil Wood: 1,000 reasons to honor East Capitol - The Wash. Examiner
    Wood wants the 1,000th baseball game at RFK Stadium to be turned into a special occasion with players from the first game featuring the Senators and Tigers in attendance. Okay, sounds like fun.

    Labels:

    posted by WFY @ 5:32 AM | |

    Soriano, some other guy file on day 2 of free agency - William World News
    Monday, October 30, 2006

    Soriano, some other guy file on day 2 of free agency

    Nats' Soriano Files For Free Agency - The Post
    LF Alfonso Soriano is officially a free agent now. Nats president Stan Kasten is trying to soften the eventual blow:
    There's certainly nothing certain about what will happen after this year, but we do love Alfonso and what he's done for our team, what he means to our team, and what he means to our fans. And if there's a way for us to keep him consistent with building a world championship, we'll do that.
    Soriano is going to ask for $18 million over 5 to 6 years. Who would be stupid enough to spend that on him?

    Also, Tony Armas, Jr. filed for free agency, but it hardly matters since no one will really want him this year either. I'll bet he is back in D.C. next season. Lastly, the team was given permission to speak to Jose Oquendo, 3rd base coach for the world champs. This might be an attractive offer based soley on the fact that D.C. is a safer place to live than St. Louis (USA Today).

    More from The Free Lance-Star: Soriano officially a free agent

    Labels:

    posted by WFY @ 5:38 AM | |

    The series is over, does that mean the Nats will hire a manager - William World News
    Saturday, October 28, 2006

    The series is over, does that mean the Nats will hire a manager

    Nats Candidates Russell, Acta Feel They're Ready to Make a Jump - The Post
    If you go by this story, Manny Acta and John Russell are the two leading candidates to be Nats manager. Neither have been a MLB manager before, but both say they are reday. Russell was officially contacted by the Nats (The Free Lance Star) yesterday.

    Labels:

    posted by WFY @ 7:36 AM | |

    Four weeks after the season has ended, the Nats want your 2007 money - William World News
    Friday, October 27, 2006

    Four weeks after the season has ended, the Nats want your 2007 money

    Nationals accepting deposits for 2007 - The Wash. Times
    It is still October and the Nationals are already accepting $100 deposits for season tickets. For season tickets, prices are holding steady, but there is no word on single game tickets yet.

    The big lure of buying season tickets this year is getting preferred seating opportunities in the new ballpark, though the specifics of that have not yet been made. In the season ticketholders meeting I crashed, Stan Kasten emphasized that seat locations would be kept as consistent as possible when the new ballpark opens.

    Labels:

    posted by WFY @ 6:15 AM | |

    Bos hopes Nats mimic Tigers, Cardinals - William World News
    Thursday, October 26, 2006

    Bos hopes Nats mimic Tigers, Cardinals

    THOMAS BOSWELL - Nationals Can Watch And Learn - The Post
    Bos wants to see the Nats emulate the Tigers and Cardinals. He also comments on the ballpark.
    Nationals won't renew Siegle's contract - nationals.com
    Anybody know why Assistant GM Tony Siegle was let go?

    Labels:

    posted by WFY @ 5:54 AM | |

    Acta was in town - William World News
    Wednesday, October 25, 2006

    Acta was in town

    Nationals interview Mets' Acta - The Wash. Times
    Manny Acta interviewed with the Nationals yesterday. In 2002, he was the third base coach for the Expos.

    John Russell, manager of the 2006 Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons, has been added to the list.
    Severe Penalties Await City if Parking Garages Aren't Provided, Gandhi Warns - The Post
    CFO Natwar Gandhi is saying the District could be on the hook for major fines if it is unable to provide the parking garages in the lease agreement.
    A deal to smile about - The Wash. Times
    T(h)om Loverro is happy about the new MLB labor deal. Check Basil Tsimpris' Federal Baseball for complete analysis.
    Braves' Pendleton Pulls Out Of the Nats' Manager Chase - The Post
    A little more on Terry Pendleton.

    Labels:

    posted by WFY @ 5:45 AM | |

    Pendleton says no too - William World News
    Tuesday, October 24, 2006

    Pendleton says no too

    Pendleton bows out of Nats' manager search - nationals.com
    Terry Pendleton does not think the Nationals manager is an attractive enough position to leave Atlanta. He cites family and loyalty to the Braves as factors for removing himself from consideration. He had not been offered the job yet.

    More from AtlantaBraves.com: Pendleton to remain with Braves

    Labels:

    posted by WFY @ 5:59 PM | |

    Girardi says no - William World News

    Girardi says no

    Top Candidate Withdraws - The Post
    Former Marlins manager Joe Girardi has removed himself from consideration for leading the Nationals. He does not want to move again after relocating to South Florida 10 months ago. He is leaving the door open for other jobs though.

    The door is still open for Atlanta hitting coach Terry Pendleton, Mets third base coach Manny Acta, Yankees first base coach Tony Peņa, Houston bench coach Cecil Cooper, White Sox third base coach Joey Cora and possibly others.

    Frank Robinson has not yet been offered a job by the Nationals. That could turn into a PR problem if the braintrust does not come out and say something like "we are 100% focused on finding a new manager and will talk to Frank after that has happened."

    Speaking of Robinson, he had a few things to say about the Kenny Rogers scandal:
    "It's not difficult going out there," Robinson said Monday by phone. "It's just a matter of you doing what you have to do for your team, to protect your team. If someone is breaking a rule, I'm not going to sit there in the dugout and watch him do it. If I feel like a rule is being broken, then it's my duty as a manager to correct it..."

    ..."What is starting to happen in baseball, there are starting to be unwritten codes, kind of a buddy-buddy, friendly-type of code," Robinson said. "Lots of guys have played with each other or coached with each other, and they don't want to upset anybody. It doesn't belong in baseball. It doesn't belong in sports, period."
    I'll leave the Gary Bennett angle of the story to MissChatter.
    Phil Wood: New Nats manager needs to know flow - The Wash. Examiner
    Early deadline Phil?
    I’m going to go out on a limb and predict Joe Girardi will not — repeat, not — be the next manager of the Washington Nationals.
    Wood goes on to say he think Acta will get the job.

    Labels:

    posted by WFY @ 5:44 AM | |

    Nats still looking - William World News
    Monday, October 23, 2006

    Nats still looking

    he Candidates Keep On Coming - The Post
    The Nationals continue to interview people in search of the new manager. The earliest we can expect an announcement on a selection is Friday, assuming either Detroit or St. Louis wins the rest of the games in the World Series.
    Negotiators Have Worked Out 5-Year Labor Dea - The Times
    MLB and the union have reached an tenative agreement on the new labor deal. Of particular concern to the Nationals:
    The new agreement will not have any major changes. Draft-choice compensation for lost free agents will be reduced, not eliminated. Teams losing the top tier of free agents will continue to receive compensation
    I don't have the time today to find the specifics, but this is good (not great) news for that Nats who will likely let Alfonso Soriano walk this offseason. There was concern free agent compensation would be removed completely.

    Labels:

    posted by WFY @ 5:34 AM | |

    Nick Johnson in good spirits - William World News
    Friday, October 20, 2006

    Nick Johnson in good spirits

    Recovering Johnson staying positive - nationals.com
    Nick Johnson doesn't blame Austin Kearns for the collision the ended his season and has not yet read all the cards that people sent him -- but he plans too soon.

    Labels:

    posted by WFY @ 5:45 AM | |

    More managerial candidates and no parking plan - William World News
    Thursday, October 19, 2006

    More managerial candidates and no parking plan

    Nats' List of Managerial Candidates Appears to Be Growing - The Post
    It could be November before the Natoinals have a new manager because they said to be interested in a couple of coaches (Manny Acta and Jerry Manuel and Jose Oquendo) whose teams are still in the playoffs. Additionally, the commisioner discourages teams from "making news" during the World Series so the focus can be on the games.

    Other candidates include Oakland coach Ron Washington, former Oakland manager Ken Macha and of course, Joe Girardi.
    Stadium Garages Proposal Rejected - The Post
    The city council was unable to pass legislation that would have solved the parking dilema at the new ballpark. Maybe they'll have better luck next week.

    More from The Wash. Times: Bid to hasten construction of ballpark parking hit
    Beasley may return in ’07 - Altoona Mirror
    Nats 3B coach Tony Beasley has an offer to be a minor league roving infield coordinator for the Pirates organization. He previously managed AA Altoona in that organization.

    Unrelated note: It looks like the Altoona Mirror finally has a functional Web site. They had been a holdout for a decade.

    Labels:

    posted by WFY @ 5:07 AM | |

    *sniff* I'll miss Tony...he's such a nice guy.

    # posted by Anonymous Anonymous : Thursday, October 19, 2006 7:34:00 PM  

    He's not gone yet -- I am sure he is employed through the 31st and the next manager may retain him.

    # posted by Blogger WFY : Friday, October 20, 2006 5:36:00 AM  

    Post a Comment

    St. Claire staying in D.C. - William World News
    Tuesday, October 17, 2006

    St. Claire staying in D.C.

    Girardi at Top of Nats' Short List; St. Claire Will Stay - The Post
    While the buzz that Joe Girardi will be the next Nats manager continues, the club announced that Randy St. Claire will be retained as pitching coach. Now all the team has to do is get him some pitchers.

    The rest of the coaching staff will have to wait to see if the new manager wants to keep them around or find jobs elsewhere, like Davey Lopes (The Inky) did when he was hired by the Phillies.
    More from The Wash. Times: Pitching coach retained by Nats
    Phil Wood: Will Nats be Joe's Co.? - The Wash. Examiner
    Wood's thinking out loud.

    Labels:

    posted by WFY @ 5:34 AM | |

    Yesterday's Nats news, today - William World News
    Monday, October 16, 2006

    Yesterday's Nats news, today

    With Piniella, Cubs Close, Girardi Emerges as Nats' Front-Runner - The Post
    It sounds like the Nats are waiting for the Cubs to hire Lou Pinella before they grab Joe Girardi. Why wait?

    Labels:

    posted by WFY @ 5:51 AM | |

    Nats deny offerring contract to Soriano - William World News
    Friday, October 13, 2006

    Nats deny offerring contract to Soriano

    Nats' Kasten Denies Credibility of Soriano Report - The Post
    A Dominican newspaper reported that Alfonso Soriano rejected a 5 year, $70 million contract from the Nats. Stan Kasten denied it, as he always does.

    More from The Wash. Times: Nats reject report on offer to Soriano
    T(H)OM LOVERRO - Baylor would be great hire for Nats - The Wash. Times
    Get out your bulleyes, Loverro is stumping for Don Baylor to be hired as the second Nats manager.

    Labels:

    posted by WFY @ 5:55 AM | |

    Nats 2006: What I learned - William World News
    Thursday, October 12, 2006

    Nats 2006: What I learned

    Like every other Nats blogger, I feel obligated to do a season wrap-up. Unlike every other Nats blogger, I waited two weeks to do it.

  • It is not hard to crash a major press conference. The Lerner announcement was the second I had been too in as many years.

  • Alfonso Soriano was better than I expected and much more entertaining. He had a great individual season and will fleece somebody, possibly Peter Angelo$, in the offseason. He will be like a new car, diminishing returns as soon as the contract is signed. Of course, if the free agent compensation picks are taken away, Soriano's season will do nothing to help the Nats in long-term. If you look at the standings, it did nothing in the short term.

  • Brad Wilkerson is not as good as I thought. I hope he found a new bank though.

  • Ramon Ortiz is terrified of comebackers and going into the ninth with a no-hitter.

  • Ryan Zimmerman is better than advertised.

  • The briskets, while tasty, are not quite as good as Stan Kasten said they were.

  • Tom Paciorek's Ray Romano impression horrifies most people.

  • Blogging about a team on the way to a 71-91 season takes its toll on even the most prolific blogger.

  • The Natmosphere is not as "pasty" as I had been led to believe.

  • MissChatter throws (and crashes) the best parties.

  • Nationals Farm Authority may get linked from nationals.com at some time.

  • Fans loved Frank Robinson a lot more than I expected.

  • There is a general manager who is so dumb that Jim Bowden could sneak one past him.

  • Bowden gets beat-up by his girlfriend and might have a drinking problem.

  • Jose Guillen is less bright than I thought -- he refused a good contract offer in spring training even though he was hurt. Now, he'll have to fight for a roster spot with someone in the spring for the league minimum.

  • Fred Malek likes grilled puppy

  • Austin Kearns shops at Harris Teeter in Pentagon City.

  • The much-vaunted soft-serve (still unavailable in a batting helmet) was actually ice-milk at the begining of the season. Did it switch to real ice cream?

  • Biking to RFK was much easier than I expected, though I am still a little skeptical of leaving it in the parking lot.

  • Marc Fisher was right when he said Marion Barry would jump on the bandwagon eventually.

    Things I already knew

  • The ballpark would remain controversal.

  • The Nats would stink

  • Robinson was dead man walking

  • Bowden is a "preening schmo"

  • Everything I ever said about Peter Angelo$ is true

    Labels: ,

    posted by WFY @ 12:37 PM | |

  • Ballpark on schedule - William World News

    Ballpark on schedule

    Park construction still on schedule - The Wash. Times
    The new Nats ballpark is on schedule and on budget.

    More from nationals.com: Nats' new stadium going smoothly
    MARC FISHER - For the Stadium, It's Decision Time; for the Mayor, It's the Offseason - The Post
    While the ballpark itself is on schedule, the lack of a resolution over parking is jeopardizing development and the ballpark and Fisher (along with just about everybody else) is calling out Mayor Tony Williams to come back from overseas and fix the mess that he made.
    Schneider Named to Team for Japan Tour - The Post
    Is it just me or is putting C Brian Schneider on a tour of Japan foolish? After a full season and the World Baseball Classic he could use a break.
    Nats, Girardi Talk Again About Manager Vacancy - The Post
    The Nats are talking to Joe Girardi again. Is Girardi interested or he using the Nats for leverage with the Cubs?

    Labels:

    posted by WFY @ 5:43 AM | |

    No Lou - William World News
    Tuesday, October 10, 2006

    No Lou

    Piniella Rules Out Nationals - The Post
    Lou Pinella has removed himself from consideration for the Nationals position because he thinks he has a shot at the Yankees job, even though Joe Torre has not been fired yet. I am greeting this with a sigh of relief since Pinella flamed out in Tampa Bay because he was impatient with the young team.

    Remaning candidates are believed to include Houston Astros bench coach Cecil Cooper and Chicago White Sox third base coach Joey Cora, Atlanta Braves hitting coach Terry Pendleton as well as former managers Joe Girardi (Marlins), Dusty Baker (Cubs, Giants), and Tony Peņa (Royals).
    Jim Williams: Nats could be right fit for Piniella, Girardi - The Wash. Examiner
    Williams is a day behind the newscycle.
    A Nationals' cause - The Miami Herald
    When you are rookie of the year candidate like Ryan Zimmerman, you get to start up your own foundation. ziMS will support families with multiple sclerosis. Zimmerman's mother Cheryl was diagnosed with it in 1995. No Web site to link to yet (so far as I know).

    Labels:

    posted by WFY @ 6:14 AM | |

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    President's Race: Let Teddy Win
    Nationals Inquisition
    Nationals News Network
    Oleanders & Morning Glories
    Nationals Enquirer
    Nats320
    JD Land's SE Ballpark
    Church of Baseball
    Nationals Nation
    Nats Triple Play
    Nationals Baseball Fan
    National Record
    The Nationals Review

    NationalsPride
    Official
    nationals.com
    Harrisburg Senators
    Potomac Nationals
    Hagerstown Suns

    Media
    Post coverage
    Nationals Journal
    Wash. Times coverage
    City Desk coverage
    Examiner coverage
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    BeltwayLand

    Blogs
    We Love DC
    DCRTV
    City Desk
    Fishbowl DC
    Capital Weather
    Get There

    Media
    The Post
    The Wash. Times
    The Wash. Examiner
    Ch. 4 WRC
    Ch. 5 WTTG
    Ch. 7 WJLA
    Ch. 9 W*USA
    103.5 FM WTOP
    88.5 FM WAMU
    90.9 FM WETA
    CityPaper
    Vienna Times
    Vienna/Oakton Connection


    Pro sports teams
    Nationals
    Capitals
    Redskins
    Les Boulez
    D.C. United
    Mystics
    Federals

    DC Sports Blogs

    DC Sports Bog
    DC Pro Sports Report
    Japers Rink
    Ted Leonsis
    Dump and Chase
    Mr. Irrelevant
    On Frozen Blog
    AwfulAnnouncing


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    Down the Shore!

    Down the Shore with Jen

    nj.com (Star-Ledger)
    Everything Shore
    Jersey Shore Blogs

    philly.com (The Inky & Philly Daily News)
    Shore Guide
    Downashore
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    Lion Country

    Official
    Penn State Univ.
    College of Communications
    COMM BLOG
    Penn State Football
    Penn State Football video
    Penn State Sports
    Penn State Sports

    Media (PSU Sports)
    CDT coverage
    Patriot-News coverage
    Post-Gazette coverage
    Tribune-Review coverage
    YDR coverage
    Blue White Illustrated
    Fight on State

    Media (in general)
    CDT
    The Collegian

    Sports Blogs
    Black Shoe Diaries
    2thelion FOOTBALL
    The Nittany Line
    The Nittany Notebook
    There is No Name on My Jersey
    Zombie Nation
    The Lion's Den
    50 Yard Lion
    NittPickers
    The Other Joe
    Nittany Lines
    Jeff Rice's blog
    Monday Morning Quarterback
    Ask Jeff

    Happy Valley (past & present)
    By Daniel Victor
    Kevin McGuire's Ramblings 1.5
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    Outside the Beltway

    Media
    NPR (not literally)
    The Times
    Daily News
    NY Post
    The Sun
    The Inky
    USA Today (barely)
    CDT
    The Collegian
    Patriot-News
    Boston Globe
    Post-Gazette
    Tribune-Review
    The Morning Call
    The Onion

    Sports
    Yankees
    Yale football
    UniWatch
    Chris Creamer's sportslogos.net
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