Phillies fandom finally pays off for Cliff

WASHINGTON D.C. -- Everybody knows that it isn't easy being a Phillies fan, especially my friend Cliff who is loyal to that team. The Phillies have more losses than any other franchise, over 10,000 in fact. They only won it all once, back in 1980. The feat was so rare that someone I knew said it was the happiest day of her life. She was 10 at the time, so draw your own conclusions about what has happened to her since.

Cliff probably doesn't remember that '80 victory too well, given how young he was at the time. What I'm trying to say is being a Phillies fan rarely pays off; just ask Joe Queenan. This year it finally did off for Cliff. Not only did his team win the division, he won our annual Half-smoke/Cheesesteak Challenge which is determined by head-to-head records between the two clubs. Last year, I won a cheesesteak.

Cliff was in town last week, so I finally got to make good on our bet. This was his first trip to Ben's, so I wondered how he would enjoy a chili half smoke.


It turns out I didn't need to wonder much, he even bought himself another. We had cheese fries too.

Next year, a cheesesteak will be won again, I assure you.

Labels: Family and Friends, Food and Drink, Nats/MLB 2007, The District, Wagers

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posted by WFY @ 5:45 AM | |

In case you wondering what Cal Thomas thinks of the '08 Nats

On WTOP this morning, Cal Thomas predicted the Nats would have more wins than in 2007 and might make the playoffs. As with all of his other predictions, Thomas noted that his predictions had an accuracy margin of 100%.

Labels: Nats/MLB 2007

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posted by WFY @ 12:05 PM | |

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New ballpark FAQ

There is a new feature from jdland's Ballpark & Beyond that you ought to take a look at -- Nationals Ballpark Frequently Asked Questions and Rumor-Destruction Page.

Labels: Nats/MLB 2007

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posted by WFY @ 6:17 AM | |

Ballpark project superintendent profiled

Ballpark Field General Rallies the Troops - The Post
Ronnie Strompf is the man making sure the ballpark gets done. This is his story.

Labels: Nats/MLB 2007

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posted by WFY @ 6:01 AM | |

Ben's to ballpark not a done deal

H/T Mr. Irrevelant -- According to DCist, Ben's Chili Bowl at the new ballpark is not fait accompli.

...co-owner Kamal Ali tells DCist that the Ben's stand at the stadium is far from a done deal.

"We are in a good faith conversation with them, but it would be premature to say it's definitely happening. There is no signed contract yet," Ali said.

Ben's Chili Bowl has never had a second location before, despite having operated in the District continuously since 1958. Ali said their inexperience with this sort of venture was something of an obstacle to the details being worked out.

"This is an entirely different animal than what we're used to. They asked us to come, but (the question is) would we come under what circumstances?" Ali said. "We hope it works out, but we haven't gotten down to the nitty gritty."

So, is this like Charlie Slowes' contract renewal?

Labels: Food and Drink, Nats/MLB 2007, The District

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posted by WFY @ 12:02 PM | |

Ballpark job creation; Ben's coming to ballpark

MARC FISHER - In Stadium Contract, a Prototype for Job Creation - The Post
A couple of days ago, WTOP had a story about Gelberg Sign Company, the District business that is making signs for Nationals Park. In a column today, Fisher takes a look at who is working for Gelberg sees a success story:

But "we'd interview 60 people from an ex-offenders program and it was a struggle to find two who might work out," says Guy Brami, who owns the business with brothers Luc and Neil. "We'd ask, 'Is there a problem getting here at 6:30 in the morning every day?' And they'd say, 'Yes!' "

Luckily, when Brami put out word that he needed to staff up, he heard from the Artisans training program at Covenant House, a Catholic charity in Northeast that focuses on homeless young people.

Working from a small woodshop just off Kenilworth Avenue NE, Artisans takes kids with no marketable skills and puts them through a six-month course that is ostensibly about carpentry but is really a boot camp that injects troubled young people with dependability, courtesy and a strong work ethic.

Make sure you read the whole column, it is a real pick me up.

Also, buried in the column comes some news that will certainly be welcomed by many:

Another bit of welcome news: They're making a sign to go above a Ben's Chili Bowl stand. The legendary U Street eatery will have an outpost at the ballpark.

Excellent, even though I prefer Hard Times, I'm pleased to see a District institution being represented in the ballpark. I'll be sure to get some chili half-smokes from them in 2008.

In other news:

New season ticket purchasers soon can select seats - The Wash. Times
Thinking about buying season tickets? You can pick your seat now when you buy them.

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Nationals Make Coaching Moves In Minor Leagues - The Post
If you haven't been following along on Nationals Farm Authority, here are the minor league coaching staffs for 2008.

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Lo Duca skips his own youth camp - The Arizona Republic
Paul Lo Duca skipped his own youth camp, leaving his old high school coach to defend him.

Labels: Food and Drink, Nats/MLB 2007, The District

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posted by WFY @ 5:59 AM | |

Dukes off the hook

Charge Against Dukes Is Dismissed - The Post
Elijah Dukes accuser didn't show up in court yesterday, so charges against the troubled outfielder were dropped. His attorney painted Dukes as the victim in this matter:

In a petition filed Dec. 10, Reese, who said she dated Dukes from August to October, claimed Dukes sent her threatening text messages, once in October and again in November. Irvin, though, said Dukes had entrusted Reese to watch his home and car while he traveled to the Dominican Republic, where he played winter baseball.

"When he became suspicious of this person and the company that she kept, she asked him to leave his property," Irvin said.

Ah, the old "she said, he texted" scenario.

The 2008 schedule was announced yesterday:

Nationals Host ESPN Opener; Rangers to Visit - The Post

ESPN will showcase opener at new ballpark - The Wash. Times

We've Got Heart noted that there is no July 4 home game which can only mean MLB hates freedom.

Labels: Nats/MLB 2007

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posted by WFY @ 5:29 AM | |

Nats 2008 schedule is out -- sell me your extra March 30 ticket to me!

At last, the schedule for the Nationals debut season in Nationals Park is available. Since the press release included a PDF link (WTF?) to the schedule, you will want to visit Nationals Journal or Chatter to see it as a Web page.

Opening Night is Sunday, March 30. Here is what Stan Kasten said:

"I cannot think of anything more fitting than the first domestic contest of 2008 being played in the nation's capital," said Kasten. "The Washington Nationals are honored to host ESPN's prestigious Sunday Night game and introduce Nationals Park to baseball fans worldwide."

The president has been invited too.

I am interested in going, but I imagine demand will be high, so if you have an extra ticket, I'm interested.

Also, the first day game at the new park won't be until Saturday, April 12, the fourth home game of the year -- very disappointing.

Labels: Nats/MLB 2007

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posted by WFY @ 12:01 PM | |

While I was away: Nats

So, it was a quiet week for baseball, no? Forgive me if I can't get real excited about the Mitchell Report. I had long ago accepted there was doping going on and gotten over it. Both ownership and the players ignored the elephant in the room for years, so I can't work up much righteous indignation against Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds. I don't approve of what they did, but no one working for the league saw much point in the "integrity of the game." I can't even get worked up about the fact that Peter Angelo$ had a lot of players listed in the report.

Oh and when it comes to George Mitchell, a director for the Boston Red Sox, I'll add that in my business there is a saying "the appearance of a conflict of interest means you have a conflict of interest."

New Nats catcher Paul Lo Duca apparently used something while with the Mets. I'm much more interested in the fact that Mike Stanton, Nook Logan, Jose Guillen (no way) and Gary Bennett showed up in the report as well. Seeing them as users of performance enhancers says "Just Say No!" rather well doesn't it?

Nats Were Unaware About Lo Duca - The Post

Kasten discusses report - The Wash. Times

Kasten on report: Nats weren't 'told anything' - The Free Lance-Star

Newly acquired OF Elijah Dukes is in trouble again (nationals.com). Somehow, I don't think he will be let go just yet.

Labels: Nats/MLB 2007

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posted by WFY @ 5:33 AM | |

Lo Duca has never been a loser and he's going to be the starter

Lo Duca to Start for Nats; Flores's Role Is Uncertain - The Post
New catcher Paul Lo Duca arrives in D.C. as the starter behind the plate. it has not yet been determined whether catcher of the future, Jesus Flores will stay in the majors as Lo Duca's backup or catch every day in the minors.

Lo Duca also praised Lastings Milledge, his Mets teammate and said he would defer to clubhouse leaders like Ryan Zimmerman and Dmitri Young.

Both of the papers below quoted Jim Bowden as saying "We're ready to start winning. We're opening a new ballpark, and it's time to win."

For Nationals, new faces bring new attitude - The Wash. Times

Additions buoy Nats' optimism - The Free Lance-Star

Nats sign backstop Lo Duca - nationals.com

New outfielder, Milledge is here to win (nationals.com) and wear striking sweater-vests.

Labels: Nats/MLB 2007

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posted by WFY @ 5:50 AM | |

Nats sign catcher Lo Duca; Bos puts #1 foam finger back on

Nationals, Lo Duca Agree to 1-Year Deal - The Post
C Paul Lo Duca has reportedly signed with the Nationals for around $5 million. He'll cost slightly more than Brian Schneider did. Lo Duca isn't as strong behind the plate as Schneider, but is a better hitter.

Thomas Boswell is very excited, even though Lo Duca "can't throw worth a darn."

The difference in defense between Schneider and Lo Duca may be easy to overestimate. In the last two seasons, both men threw out 49 runners, but opponents had 156 steals against Lo Duca to 111 against Schneider. So the Nats will probably allow about 22 more steals this year. If Lo Duca matches his normal career offensive numbers and Flores matures on schedule, the Nats may end up happy some day, because it's rare to grab a division rival's top offensive prospect like Milledge.

Tom Glavine says Lo Duca is underrated because of his arm and speaks highly of him as a teammate. Lo Duca has had his share of off the field issues (MSNBC, h/t Nats320) like gambling and "canoodling."

Boswell also talks about Lastings Milledge, the outfielder the Nats acquired from Brian Schneider. Glavine says that Milledge's problems have been overblown and were probably "youthful exuberance."

Lo Duca's arrival gives the Nationals the opportunity for Jesus Flores to develop, rather than being handed the responsibilities of #1 catcher.

Nationals, Lo Duca agree to a contract - The Wash. Times

Lo Duca reportedly bound for Nationals - The Free Lance-Star

Bill Ladson doesn't like Schneider (nationals.com).

I need to look at the roster and see how many former Mets or Reds are in prominent roles within the organization.

Labels: Nats/MLB 2007

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posted by WFY @ 5:48 AM | |

A look back at the winter meetings; a look ahead at the ballpark neighorhood

New-Look Nationals Raise Hope, Questions - The Post
On paper, the Nationals had a very good week at the winter meetings, acquiring younger, cheaper talent with higher ceilings. Veterans Ryan Zimmerman and Austin Kearns say they are pleased. Other than the Elijah Dukes trade, I am too.

The club also heads to spring training with John Patterson, Shawn Hill, Jason Bergmann, Matt Chico, John Lannan, Garrett Mock and Ross Detwiler all in the mix for spots in the rotation. All of them are under 30 years old.

The Plan just might work, but probably not this year.

In ballpark news...

Stadium's Neighbors Fear Fan Inundation - The Post
New ballpark = there goes the neighborhood. Residents in Ward 6 are concerned that the District has not released plans about parking and traffic patterns.

There are also eminent domain details from Legal Times if you are interested.

Labels: Nats/MLB 2007

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posted by WFY @ 6:03 AM | |

Booooone, Rule 5 and WMP

For Experience, Nats Add A. Boone - The Post
Nepotism both figurative (former Red) and literall (son of front office employee) strikes again! Aaron Boone, who will always be remembered fondly here for his pennant winning walk-off home run while with the Yankees is now a National. He says he'll be pinch hitting for the most part, but ESPN's Jerry Crasnick said earlier that Boone might be insurance in case Ryan Zimmerman's wrist hasn't healed. The club denied that was the reason. Boone's father Bob is VP of Player Development. Barry Larkin, who has some role like Special Adisor/drinking buddy to GM Jim Bowden, told the (barely living) Cincy Post that

"We're the Cincinnati Reds East. We've got Austin (Kearns), Wily Mo (Pena) and Felipe (Lopez) in Washington," Larkin said. "Myself and Rijo had a conversation today that we know where we should be."

That's in Cincinnati.

Keep your focus on Washington, Larkin.

By the way,
Nats320 talked to Zimmerman the other day at the holiday lightings.

In other news, LF Wily Mo Pena signed a two year extension. The second year, the club has a $5 million option on him, while Pena has a $2 million option on the club.

Also, the club picked up two Rule 5 draftees, Matt Whitney and Garrett Guzman, as well. Whitney is a corner infielder with big A and AA numbers, while Guzman is a fifth outfielder type. Two Guzmans on one team?! That's almost as good as two Marlons, right?

Nats close busy meetings - The Wash. Times
No other team was as agressive at the winter meetings as the Nats:

Yep, the Nationals completed more deals, acquired more players and generated more actual news (not rumors) than the New York Yankees, the Boston Red Sox or any other franchise in attendance.

I'm on board with all but one decision which Paul Marchman of the NY Sun sums up well:

The newest National, outfielder Elijah Dukes, was available for good reason. He's physically attacked managers, teammates, and umpires, and he's notoriously threatened to kill his own wife and children this year. He's legitimately vile and dangerous, and I wouldn't have him in my house.

Still, the key to this deal is that the Nationals not only gave up next to nothing; they incurred no obligation. They won't have to pay Dukes a dime over the league minimum for two years, and they can thus release him at will for the price of a pitching machine. If Dukes hits and doesn't act like a sociopath, the Nationals could have a franchise player. If he doesn't hit, or if he does something unspeakable, they're out nothing. That's a win.

More from The Free-Lance Star: It's a busy season for Nationals

Labels: Nats/MLB 2007

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posted by WFY @ 6:10 AM | |

Bowden's new M.O.: catching, catching, catching

Nationals Pursue Lo Duca - The Post
There is a lot going on at the winter meetings, but no new trades took place yesterday. Tyler Clippard is a officially a National though. They are also looking into Katsuhiko Maekawa, a left-hander from Japan with off the field baggage. There are also rumors of an extension (Nationals Journal) for Wily Mo Pena.

At Catcher, Nats Are Out of Position - The Post
Incumbent catcher Jesus Flores exceeded expectations last year, but I imagine the Nats want a veteran around so that Flores can be eased into full-time catching. A lot of the talk centers around Paul Lo Duca, a free agent catcher who last played for the Mets. He is also talking to Toronto, so he's no shoe-in for the position. The Nats are also thought be pursuing another young catcher, Arizona's Miguel Montero.

Fight for rotation spots looks less wide open - The Wash. Times
This year's rotation is much more promising than last year's. Shawn Hill and Jason Bergmann seem to be set for the rotation with John Patterson in the mix if healthy. Matt Chico and John Lannan also have opportunities to build on solid rookie seasons while Collin Balester, Garrett Mock and Ross Detwiler should get shots at the big league during spring training. I think they could use a veteran, though, and my pick is LIVAN!

DICK HELLER - For Zimmerman, this could be a plum spot - The Wash. Times
3B Ryan Zimmerman isn't signed to a long-term contract yet and Dick Heller wants that to change.

Nats' name game endures - The Wash. Times
Don't expect a corporate sponsored name for the ballpark until 2009. Also, there was a "holiday lighting" event yesterday and Nats320 and MissChatter were there.

MIKE HUME - Picking Splinters: Dealing With Dukes - Falls Church News-Press
Another skeptical column about Elijah Dukes.

The Rule 5 draft is today --Nationals Journal, Chatter, Nationals Farm Authority and Capital Punishment are usually on top of things.

Labels: Nats/MLB 2007

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