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.
Phillies fandom finally pays off for Cliff - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, January 03, 2008
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.
In case you wondering what Cal Thomas thinks of the '08 Nats - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Monday, December 31, 2007
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%.
...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?
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.
Dukes off the hook - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
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.
Nats 2008 schedule is out -- sell me your extra March 30 ticket to me! - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
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.
While I was away: Nats - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
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?
Lo Duca has never been a loser and he's going to be the starter - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
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."
Nats sign catcher Lo Duca; Bos puts #1 foam finger back on - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
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 Boswellis 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.
A look back at the winter meetings; a look ahead at the ballpark neighorhood - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Monday, December 10, 2007
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.
Booooone, Rule 5 and WMP - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Friday, December 07, 2007
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."
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 Sunsums 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.
Bowden's new M.O.: catching, catching, catching - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, December 06, 2007
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.
Boswell on Dukes; Nats look at Japanese pitchers; more - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Boswell on Dukes; Nats look at Japanese pitchers; more
THOMAS BOSWELL - Nats Get Their Man in Dukes. So Now What? - The Post Boswell goes through all the problems that Elijah Dukes has had, then evaluates him as a baseball player and sees...Austin Kearns? That isn't what the Nats braintrust is seeing, they are thinking a power-hitter who'll be in the lineup for the next ten years if it all works out.
Getting things in order - The Wash. Times With the acquisition of Dukes and Lastings Milledge this offseason and Wily Mo Pena last season, the Nats lineup looks a lot more powerful than the three previous incarnations. The new ballpark should help as well.Clippard acquired in trade - The Wash. Times The Tyler Clippard-Jonathan Albaladejo trade will be made official today as long as Albaladejo passes his physical.Japanese Pitchers Attracting Interest - The Post The Nats are looking at two Japanese pitchers, Kazuo Fukumori and Katsuhiko Maekawa. Details:
Fukumori, sources said, appears to have around eight or 10 teams interested. The 31-year-old had minor surgery on his elbow in August. He went 4-2 with 17 saves and a 4.75 ERA for the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles, and has a 3.68 ERA over parts of 13 seasons in the Japanese major leagues.
Maekawa might be more intriguing. Though he didn't pitch in 2007 in Japan because of a legal problem resulting from a car accident, he is playing winter ball in the Dominican Republic. Two people who have seen him pitch were impressed.
"I'd sign him up right now," one said.
In D.C., there's no place to play - The Wash. Times The Nationals have been focused on building a baseball academy in the District at the expense of upgrading fields around the city. This was all spelled out in the ballpark lease.
Bowden breaks free of chains, trades for toolsy degenerate - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Bowden breaks free of chains, trades for toolsy degenerate
Nationals Acquire Troubled Dukes - The Post It appears the relative calm of the last year and a half of Trader Jim Bowden's tenure as Nationals general manager is over. Yesterday, on the first day of the winter meetings in Nashville, Bowden acquired OF Elijah Dukes from Tampa Bay. on the baseball side, Dukes is an intriguing prospect, but good luck finding out many details about his skills, as beat writer Barry Svrluga acknowledged in a Nationals Journal post. His rap sheet overwhelms the conversation:
An exceptional athlete with rare gifts, Dukes has been dogged by legal problems. Since 1997, he has been arrested at least three times for battery and once for assault, records show. This past summer, he also admitted to marijuana use, and, in the course of a bitter divorce, left a chilling voice mail on the cellphone of his former wife, threatening her and her children.
snip
Though Dukes's temper and erratic behavior had long been an issue within the Tampa Bay system, his problems took on a different tenor last spring when the St. Petersburg Times first reported that his estranged wife, NiShea Gilbert, had sought a protective order against him. Gilbert had also received such an order in 2005, as had an ex-girlfriend of Dukes's. He has at least five children by at least four women, two with Gilbert, and has been involved in several legal cases in which women have pursued child support.
His interactions with Gilbert played out publicly when Gilbert played a voice mail to the St. Petersburg Times she said was left by Dukes.
"You dead, dawg," the message said. "I ain't even [kidding]. Your kids, too." She later said he sent a picture of a gun to her cellphone, which she took as a threat.
In the last four years alone, Dukes has been arrested multiple times and charged with assault and battery, suspended by both the Rays and their Class AAA Durham affiliate for various altercations with umpires, coaches, and teammates; accused of impregnating a 17-year-old, and admitted he smoked marijuana on a daily basis.
Yikes.
Third base coach Tim Tolman has been managing Dukes in the Dominican League, and says Dukes is not a problem, even though Dukes has not returned to that team since getting ejected and arguing with an umpire.
Dmitri Young, the reigning NL Comeback Player of the Year, has been tabbed as Dukes' support system, which will hopefully help. Thus far, Dukes has failed as a man. I want him to succeed, but I'm not jumping up and down to cheer for him.
Thom Loverro of The Wash. Timeswonders how Dukes will "fit in with the Washington Nationals' community relations program?"
So, what did the Nats lose to get Dukes? LHP Glenn Gibson, who pitched for Vermont last year. More from Nationals Farm Authority.
Bowden never ceases to amaze me. Why must DC be the Land of Misfit Players?
I'm putting my faith in Svrluga's word that they're not shopping Kearns, according to an unnamed source. Now that Schneider's gone, Kearns is my favorite player- he can't go too!
# posted by DCSportsChick :
Tuesday, December 04, 2007 7:48:00 AM
Another toolsy outfielder who hits women - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Monday, December 03, 2007
Another toolsy outfielder who hits women
Elijah Dukes -- greeeeeeeaaaaaaat (Nationals Journal). Yet another talented by troubled find; hopefully it will work out, but I'm sick of Jim Bowden bringing in players based on their chance for redemption. This dumpster diving is getting old.
The Nationals acquired promising outfielder Lastings Milledge from the Mets for C Brian Schneider and OF Ryan Church, two holdovers from the Montreal days. Milledge comes to Washington a year removed from being seen by the Mets as an untouchable prospect; that view clearly changed last season, but the upside is seemingly higher and his salary is certainly lower. Manager Manny Acta knows Milledge from when both were part of the Mets organization in 2006 and does not share the concerns that may have led to this trade. The outfield looks to be Wily Mo Pena in left, Milledge in center and Austin Kearns.
Schneider will be missed behind the plate, but not at it. $9.8 million (over the next two seasons) is a lot to pay someone who bats .237. Church always seemed to be in the doghouse for some reason or another (mopery, not tough enough, "anti-semitism") and could not have met his potential in Washington. I'm not sure he can in New York either since it is a much tougher place to play.
Jesus Flores, picked up from the Mets last year in the rule 5 draft appears to be the #1 catcher now. I'd like to see them pick up an experienced catcher though to teach and back up Flores.
Mets fans reportedly lit up WFAN in disgust for this trade and I can see why. I think Trader Jim pulled off a pretty good one. He added (perhaps cautions is a better word) "we're not done."
Those GM meetings in Nashville this week could get pretty interesting.
Nats get Milledge for Schneider and Church - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Friday, November 30, 2007
Nats get Milledge for Schneider and Church
Nationals acquire Milledge from Mets - nationals.com Trading a fourth outfielder and an aging, overpriced catcher for a potential star outfielder strikes me as a good deal. More tomorrow when the broadsheets publish stories on the trade,
Agency Seeks City's Aid In Helping to Cover Rent Of Stadium's Main Tenant - The Post The D.C. Sports and Entertainment Commission just notified the city council that they won't be pulling in as much money since their primary tenant is leaving at RFK Stadium. The Nats lease at Ballpark to be Named Later mandates that all rent money is to be used for paying back construction costs.
Proposed D.C. Bowl Would Feature Service Academies - The Post Perhaps a proposed college football bowl game would help recoup some of the losses for the Commission. The idea is to have a service academy play someone else in December at either Ballpark to be Named Later or RFK Stadium. My vote would be for RFK (put the academy students in the bouncing seats), but I will understand if the ballpark is chosen.
Corey Paterson? (nationals.com) Why? Just for fun, let's compare his stats with Ryan Church.
Patterson
SPLIT G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BA OBP SLG Season 132 461 65 124 26 2 8 45 37 .269 .304 .386
Church
SPLIT G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BA OBP SLG Season 144 470 57 128 43 1 15 70 3 .272 .349 .464
But Patterson can bat leadoff you say! Well, .304 OBP is about right for a Nats leadoff hitter, right?
I think there is something to be said for the "Andruw Jones or bust" at least more than for Corey Patterson.
Several things came out of the latest ballpark event:
The ballpark is on time and on budget.
An announcement that the "first game" will be on Saturday, March 29 against Balmore. No tickets will be sold, but season ticket holders, D.C. children's organizations and construction workers and their families will be invited.
The grass is completely installed and greening up.
Seating assignments will be announced on Friday -- "Kasten said that 90 percent of buyers received one of their top three choices and that half of the buyers got their first choice."
Single game tickets will go on sale in February.
Parking arrangements have not yet been finalized, but it is expected that RFK Stadium lots will be used with a shuttle running back and forth between the ballpark and the stadium.
"The team will spend at least $40 million on enhancements by the time the project is completed."
The papal visit is still "in discussions" and not finalized. Archbishop of Washington Donald Wuerlbegan discussions with the Lerner family and the Vatican, according to The Wash. Examiner.
50% of the suites are sold with an expectation that the entire inventory will be sold by Opening Day. Club seats are sold out.
There may still be time for a company to buy naming rights before Opening Day. Somehow, I think the exposure of a papal visit might be enticing to a company looking for name recognition. I would imagine a defense contractor sponsorship might be a little awkward though.
Season tickets are being renewed at a 95% rate, but Kasten would not elaborate on how many other tickets have been sold. It is expected the lower level and some upper levels will be sold out though.
"First" game at new ballpark set but Sunday night opener probably off - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
"First" game at new ballpark set but Sunday night opener probably off
First Game in New Stadium Will be Against O's - WTOP There will be an exhibition game at the new ballpark on March 29. Free tickets will be given out to season ticketholders as well as construction workers and their families and D.C. children. The opponent will be Balmer. More interesting news:
The first regular season game will either be the following Friday, April 4, 2008 or Monday, April 7, 2008. Major League Baseball has not yet decided.
Sounds like the Sunday, March 30 night game won't happen.
BREAKING NEWS: Nats will be frugal - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
BREAKING NEWS: Nats will be frugal
Nats won't spend big - The Wash. Times The Nats probably won't sign a high profile free agent this offseason because Stan Kasten prefers to build through the farm system. In other news, the sky is blue.
The Pope will probably get in the ballpark before I do - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Monday, November 12, 2007
The Pope will probably get in the ballpark before I do
Pope Set to Visit Washington, New York in April - The Post Pope Benedict XVI is scheduled to celebrate Mass at the new Nationals Park on April 17 of next year. A few days later Yankee Stadium gets its final papal visit too.
I take issue with a line in the article though:
"On his last day in the United States, he will visit the site of the Sept. 11, 2001"
Does that mean Pope Benedict XVI will go to the Pentagon in Arlington, the World Trade Center site in New York and Shanksville, Penna. on the same day? I am guessing, no; so the reporter should have been more clear. The overwhelming tragedy of WTC has caused people to forget that there were three location attacked, not one. This fact should not be ignored by The Post whose circulation area includes one of those attacks.
I'm not exactly a fan of outdoor Masses, so I can't really get behind the whole idea of going to the (soon-to-be-sponsored) Nationals Park for his visit. Maybe I'll luck out and get a chance to see the Extraordinary Rite (Traditional Mass) done at either the Basillica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (at CUA) or the Basillica of the Blessed Virgin Mary (in Balmer).
I never got Mass in large venues. It tends to detract from things. Then again, the letters at the top of St. Peter's in the Vatican are ten feet tall, so then again, maybe I should lighten up.
# posted by Muha :
Monday, November 12, 2007 2:54:00 PM
Pearlstein on Nats gala in P.G.: So what? - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Pearlstein on Nats gala in P.G.: So what?
STEVEN PEARLSTEIN - A Broader View of Home-Field Advantage - The Post Using the recent controversy over the Nationals holding their Dream Gala at National Harbor in Maryland, Pearlstein argues that borders really don't matter much anymore:
Let's start with a simple but profound reality: There is no longer any such thing as the District's economy, or the Prince George's economy, or the Fairfax economy. There is only a regional economy, with a regional housing market, a regional labor market and regional retail markets. Our economic lives no longer respect the political boundaries set down 300 years ago.
Furthermore, he notes a larger regional cooperation is on the way:
As it happens, District Mayor Adrian Fenty, Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine and Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley, with the prodding of several business leaders, are quietly working on their own regional economic development strategy. Although still taking shape, the idea behind the Chesapeake Crescent is that the area from Baltimore to Richmond is fast becoming a single regional economy, and that collaboration in areas such as the environment, transportation, technology transfer and worker training could catalyze that process.
Very interesting. I'll bet Hampton Roads wants in too.
Back on the subject of the Nationals and the District, a Post editorial suggests that everybody Play Nice and work together as partners. Why this seemingly hasn't occurred to either the District or the Nationals is beyond me.
A more beautiful Farragut Square - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Friday, November 09, 2007
A more beautiful Farragut Square
WASHINGTON D.C. -- Normally, the arrival of a Citibank location is not cause for a shrug, much less a celebration. However, I welcome this new branch with open arms because of what it used to be -- the Orioles Store. For years it stood as a landmark to the misguided notion that Washington couldn't support Major League Baseball and the Orioles were allegedly D.C.'s team. Peter Angelo$ stubbornly kept it open for the first three seasons of the Nationals existence. He surely took a bath on it since team stores tend to be loss-leaders and having one in the wrong city is probably even less financially expedient.
While I like the idea of Angelo$ losing money, I have to think that the District was losing money by having so little sales tax revenue coming in from there. Thankfully, the reminder of that dark time has been removed form the landscape -- here's to urban renewal.
Carpenter returning to MASN for 2008 - The Wash. Times More details on Bob Carpenter's return to the pressbox for one more season of TV play-by-play. On the subject of analyst Don Sutton, Carpenter thinks that "everything's going to be cool with him and me." Sutton apparently expressed concerns about Carpenter's style to Nats president Stan Kasten that prompted the team looking to look for someone else.
At the end of the nationals.comarticle on the Nats interest in Andruw Jones, comes the news that Dave Jageler has reached a deal to remain in the radio booth. Charlie Slowes still hasn't come to terms though. I would be very disappointed if he does not return, especially with all the curly W's around the ballpark.
Carpenter coming back; Zimmerman surgery and more - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Carpenter coming back; Zimmerman surgery and more
Barry Svrluga'sNationals Journal (washingtonpost.com) notes that Bob Carpenter will be the play-by-play voice for the Nationals TV broadcasts next season. MASN apparently got to announce the news, rather than the Nats (for obvious reasons), but do you think I'm going to link to MASN?
Carpenter apparently signed a one year contract and thanked the fans for sticking up for him. No word on Charlie Slowes and Dave Jagler though. I really hope that they get retained, I was ambivalent about Carpenter.
Zimmerman has wrist surgery - nationals.com 3B Ryan Zimmerman had wrist surgery last night and will be looking at 4-6 weeks of recovery. By the way, We've Got Heart was at the home run derby Zimmerman participated in down in the Hampton Roads area before he broke his wrist.
There will be a "celebration" of the ballpark's new turf, 13-month-old Kentucky Bluegrass sod, in strips 5/8" thick and 65" long next week. According to JDLand: Near Southeast DC Redevelopment, Mayor Adrian Fenty and other big wigs will be there and Stan Kasten will go over seat relocation. Do you think Kasten and the pols will kiss and make up?
"In case you can't tell, I'm a talker." I told him that I had noticed. "I mean, I'll talk to that wall, and if I've got a way for him to be a better wall, I'll tell him."
Mock has a higher ceiling than Matt Chico, but has been injured and is trying to get back on track with some fall ball right now.
Zimmerman has broken wrist; District mad at team; Guillen SMASH! - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Zimmerman has broken wrist; District mad at team; Guillen SMASH!
Nats' Zimmerman Breaks Bone in Wrist - The Post 3B Ryan Zimmerman broke a small bone in his left wrist while taking batting practice at his high school on Sunday. He probably needs surgery that will require several weeks of healing, but should not be a problem when spring training starts.
Also, Zimmerman didn't win the gold glove, his Hampton Roads contemporary David Wright of the Mets did, according to the Free Lance News-Star. Here are some numbers to crunch:
Wright had a fielding percentage of .954, made 21 errors in 452 chances and was involved in 24 double plays. Zimmerman had a fielding percentage of .955, made 23 errors in an NL-high 511 chances and was involved in 39 double plays.
I guess it helps to play on a contending (for 159 games at least) team in a big city.
Nationals' Events in Maryland Anger D.C. - The Post In the latest public relations gaffe, the Nationals are moving their "Dream Gala" to P.G. County. An offer to use the National Harbor Gaylord National hotel for free spurred that decision. Other events, such as the fanfest will also be outside of D.C. do to difficulties getting venues arranged.
District officials are not happy; six council members are quoted in the article. Sure, the council is grandstanding, but team ownership should be having events in the city that is building the $611 million ballpark. If those events can't be accommodated this year, they should smart enough to say, "you know you have a point there, let's make sure these events are in D.C. next year." Is ownership politically tone deaf or does it just not care?
While I agree that there should be a Nationals gala in the District, given that that's where the team is housed (and where businesses are financing the ballpark), aren't we kinda splitting hairs at the same time? Having events in PG County or Bethesda doesn't strike me as that big a deal, because the Nats aren't exclusive just to the District. Nats fans permeate the whole DC area, and because the team serves two states and one district, this seems like the DC Council grabbing for entitlement once again.
I mean, let's face it--the DC Council is forever going to be bitter about the ballpark financing package, and will probably never let us forget it. Remember how much bitching they did way back in the days of securing ballpark financing? They'd have you believe (to vary Peter Angelos's infamously debunked claim) that Nationals fans don't exist in northern Virginia or Montgomery County, and as such have no business cheering for the DC team.
At the same time, should we at all be surprised by the "snub", as it were, from the Nats front office? I mean, this is MLB we're talking about here. What this essentially boils down to is a time-tested trademark of Washington: big egos clashing for dominance.
Thankfully Adrian Fenty had the good sense to stay out of this one.
# posted by Fritz :
Wednesday, November 07, 2007 10:41:00 AM
Kasten visits A. Jones; old pitchers pretend to be interested in D.C. - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Kasten visits A. Jones; old pitchers pretend to be interested in D.C.
Nationals' President Meets With A. Jones - The Post Stan Kasten was in Atlanta talking to Andruw Jones at the centerfielder's home. While I am sure this gets some of your excited, I think it was probably just a courtesy call or a chance to reminisce about days gone by and not serious talk about the free agent coming to D.C.
Kasten: Remember that time you gave Pat Corrales the hot foot?
Jones: Ya man. Maybe I could do that again..
Kasten: That was awesome.
Jones: So, I'm kind of interested in seeing what the Nationals have to offer.
Kasten: No you aren't! Hey, remember that time when you were a rookie during the '96 series and you had to crank call Ted Turner or buy everyone dinner?
Jones: Oh man, you had to bring that up, didn't you...
Kasten: *claps as he laughs* IS YOUR REFRIGERATOR RUNNING?! And they made you buy dinner anyway!
So, don't get too excited about this meeting.
Glavine and Hernandez show interest - nationals.com Both Tom Glavine and ¡LIVAN! are apparently interested in the Nats. The theory on Gavline is he'd be an old pro who could teach the youngsters a thing or two and win some games. ¡LIVAN! of course would come in eat lots of innings, but with the healthy clubhouse fare, he wouldn't be able to eat as many burgers, hot dogs, Twinkies, etc. so don't expect him around here. Also, despite being listed as 33 years old, he is probably older than Glavine, who is 42. The Nats would only sign one of them too.
This must be like Christmas for Trader Jim - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Monday, November 05, 2007
This must be like Christmas for Trader Jim
For the Nats, Upgrades Could Be a Real Deal - The Post The first meeting of MLB GMs starts today in Orlando, so there may be a trade or two coming up. The company line is still a preference for building from within over trades and free agency, but with Jim Bowden around I expect something to happen. The club has already spoken to a few of the "marquee" centerfielders out there, but I would be surprised if either Torii Hunter or Aaron Rowland is wearing a curly W next year. Andruw Jones seems more likely, but is coming off a poor 2007 season.
Ooh, nice Superman II reference. Have you seen this? http://www.zod2008.com/
# posted by DCSportsChick :
Friday, November 02, 2007 7:13:00 AM
Yeah, sods great and all but...
His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI is comimg to town!!! The current rumor is that he will celebate mass at the new statdium during his visit in April. And you can bet if there is mass I'll be there kneeling.
# posted by CLY :
Friday, November 02, 2007 8:35:00 AM
DCSC: I've seen zod2008.com, but not in a while.
CLY: I heard that rumor too, now that I think of it. It seems too small a venue for the Pope though. If he does celebrate Mass there I hope they give him a BENEDICT 16 jersey.
Peanut free at RFK; Bascik signs minor league deal - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Peanut free at RFK; Bascik signs minor league deal
No Peanuts and Cracker Jack - KidsPost The Nationals used the auxilary press box as a "peanut free zone" last month. I imagine they'll set something up at the new ballpark too.
Food allergies are scary.
Also, we may not have seen the last of LHP Mike Bacsik, who signed a minor league deal (nationals.com) that is essentially an invitation to spring training.
Lamar leaves as Nats '07 draft named #1 - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Friday, October 26, 2007
Lamar leaves as Nats '07 draft named #1
LaMar Leaves Nationals' Front Office - The Post Chuck LaMar, special assistant to the general manager, has left the Nationals for the Phillies. LaMar spent the last 18 months building the scouting department, but it is said his philosophy did not match up with others in the front office.
Baseball America ranked the Nats 2007 draft as the best in baseball.
Mooney remembers special time in D.C. - The Wash. Times Joe Mooney, former Red Sox groundskeeper, started off in Washington. He shared stories of being at RFK in the 1960s amongst Otto Graham, Vince Lombardi and Ted Williams with columnist Thom Loverro.
Potential parking at RFK problem: DC United games - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Potential parking at RFK problem: DC United games
Parking at RFK no done deal; D.C. United moves forward - The Wash. Examiner The plan to park cars for Nats games at RFK Stadium could be complicated by D.C. United's schedule. With RFK planed to be soccer only in 2008, D.C. United doesn't plan on scheduling around the Nats. I can't blame them, but hope that there are not too many overlaps between the two teams. Obviously, having two different sets of fans parking in the same place would be a problem, but I also would rather each team get the whole night to themselves so that there is a sporting event going on as many nights as possible.
In a news release, team president Stan Kasten said that fans who buy season tickets -- including full-, half- or partial-season plans -- will be able to buy spaces in parking lots close to the new stadium, which is being built near the Navy Yard and South Capitol Street in Southeast Washington. Kasten gave no details about where the lots are or how much it will cost to reserve a spot.
For fans who do not have season tickets or those who don't want to pay for parking, the release says, "there will be free parking at RFK Stadium with a speedy and free" round-trip shuttle service to the games. The statement did not give additional information about the shuttle service.
The team's announcement surprised city officials, who said no final decision has been made about whether to make available RFK's parking lots, which can hold up to 10,000 cars.
The only good news is that there are still several months to figure it all out. Knowing the Nats and the District, that will happen around March 15 if at all.
Durkin and Rizzo worked closely with the Arizona Diamondbacks, where Durkin spent the previous 11 seasons. Rizzo called him the "heart and soul" of a Diamondbacks' scouting operation that produced the vast majority of players who took Arizona to the National League West title as well as the National League Championship Series.
Nats stay on 1500/107.7 and Trogdor smote the Kerrick and all was laid to burnination - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Nats stay on 1500/107.7 and Trogdor smote the Kerrick and all was laid to burnination
Nats stay on 3WT for three seasons - The Wash. Times Once again, the Nationals will be carried by Bonneville's 1500 AM, 107.7 FM and 820 AM frequencies. The former Washington Post Radio is now a talk station called 3WT and is also home of the Capitals. There is potential for some problems of overlap if/when either team makes the playoffs, something that hasn't been publicly addressed.
Charlie Slowes and Dave Jagler have not yet signed contracts, likely because of the Nationals dragging their feet. Just get it done Stan.
In other news, the Nats hired an amateur scout for North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma. Kerrick Johnson had recently completed the team's diversity internship program.
"The team also hired Marteese Robinson, a former director of professional scouting for the St. Louis Cardinals, as East Coast crosschecker. Robinson takes over for Jeff Zona, who was promoted to special assignment scout."
Torii Hunter tells nationals.com that he is interested in playing D.C. because his friend Dmitri Young is on the team and there is a large African-American community. The Nats would have to open their pocketbook though.
Nats offer Carpenter "until we find someone we like better" contract - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Nats offer Carpenter "until we find someone we like better" contract
Carpenter may return as Nats TV voice - nationals.com The Nationals have offered Bob Carpenter, the TV voice for the last two seasons, a one year contract.
If I'm Carpenter, I'd say two years or nothing. Oh and at a significantly higher salary as well. This was handled very poorly by the front office and he owes them nothing
Of course, I was generally indifferent to his play-by-play. Some liked him, some didn't and he was great to bloggers.
Nationals Outright Two More to Columbus - The Post RHP Micah Bowie and OF Alex Escobar were sent to AAA-Columbus. Since they were both eligible for salary arbitration, they can become free agents.
Hurler aims to heal for opening day - The Mississauga News Shawn Hill's hometown paper recounts the righty's many surgeries over the last three years.
Acta on Fox en español - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Friday, October 12, 2007
Acta on Fox en español
Nats' Acta Is Working as a Fox Analyst - The Post Nats manager Manny Acta will be providing analysis Fox Sports's Spanish-language broadcasts for the ALCS and the World Series.
Acta will also be headed to Dominican Republic for a charity event. He is also setting up a foundation to help kids in Consuelo, his hometown. The foundation will also be active in the D.C. area.
11th Street Bridges Assessment Digested - The Post The ballpark and beyond column focuses mostly on the 11th Street Bridge project this week. There is some parking information on page 2 as well.
Nats320 has part two of the latest Stan Kasten interview.
Hill injured his left shoulder running the bases in April, and it grew worse a couple of weeks later when he tried to make a play at first base. The injury put his mechanics out of whack, and he ended up hurting the right elbow. Hill went on the disabled list and didn't pitch for three months.
Noted surgeon Dr. James Andrews will be performing the surgery.
Navy Yard Metro station will likely be renamed - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Navy Yard Metro station will likely be renamed
Looks Like Metro Nearest Stadium Will be Renamed - WTOP Good news Nats fans, councilman Jim Graham is going to take time out from closing down night clubs to address renaming the Navy Yard Metro station.
Ballpark update - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Ballpark update
On deck: Playing field for stadium - The Wash. Times The new ballpark is coming along with 1,800 to 2,000 seats being installed every week. The bluegrass field is expected to be installed in about 2½ weeks. The contingency fund is drying up though:
The most recent budget report from the D.C. Sports and Entertainment Commission shows the city has spent $428.9 million toward the ballpark project, including about $280 million toward the hard and soft costs of the stadium. Just $2.8 million of the project's $19.2 million contingency fund remains.
The project is expected to be completed in time for a late March opening.
"Here's a little more data on the Navy Yard station expansion. We're expanding the mezzanine to accommodate 15,000 fans per hour instead of the 5,000 per hour it can handle now. We're doing the mezzanine expansion. The work we are doing is ON SCHEDULE. Meanwhile, Monument Realty is doing work on the entrance to their building. To get to the station, one will need to enter their building. Their work is what is not on schedule."
While it is nice to know the public part of the project is going well, it really won't matter why the station is dealyed, will it?
"Rename the Navy Yard station? We didn't think of that" - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
"Rename the Navy Yard station? We didn't think of that"
What's Missing at New Nats Stadium? - WTOP Apparently, it has not occurred to The District to rename the Navy Yard Metro station to something like Navy Yard-Ballpark. Since the Stadium-Armory station won't be changing names, there could be some confusion next season.
No Nats headlines - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Friday, October 05, 2007
No Nats headlines
Maybe I haven't looked hard enough, but there are NO Nationals headlines today. I think this is probably the first time since January that a day has gone by without any Nats headlines.
RFK parking likely next year - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, October 04, 2007
RFK parking likely next year
Price not set for likely shuttle from RFK - The Wash. Times It looks like you will be able to park near RFK Stadium and take a shuttle to the new ballpark for $5 next season.
Shapiro stumps for Carpenter; More on Young's award - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Shapiro stumps for Carpenter; More on Young's award
LEONARD SHAPIRO - Carpenter Deserves Recognition in Nats' Booth - The Post Shapiro thinks Bob Carpenter, flaws and all, got a raw deal from the Nationals, Stan Kasten and Don Sutton.
I spoke with Carpenter by telephone on Monday as he was driving across the country back to his home in Tulsa. He was probably going to make a stop along the way to talk with another club that was interested in his services, but he also made it very obvious that he would dearly love to stay with the Nationals, despite the shabby way he's been treated.
"I'm in a holding pattern," he said. "I was approached (by the Nationals) last weekend and told that maybe it's not over, and in a week they'll let me know what they're thinking. It's a bizarre situation. The club has made no comment. I don't know if the reaction of fans has turned the tide. I just know the door is not closed. It's not wide open, but it's a lot more ajar."
Apparently, there was talk of a contract extension earlier:
Ironically, this past June, MASN was prepared to offer Carpenter a three-year extention of his original two-year deal signed in 2006. But the Lerners, who now own about 12 percent of the cable network (with a majority share held by Peter Angelos, the bumbling owner of the Baltimore Orioles), apparently wanted to explore other options and never signed off on the deal.
Interesting.Dmitri Young has a press conference yesterday after winning the NL Comeback Player of the Year award:
Da Meathook is da comeback player of the year - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Da Meathook is da comeback player of the year
Here is to 1B Dmitri Young for winning the NL Comeback Player of the Year. I'm glad he has gotten his life in order and can hit a baseball pretty well too. Next year -- gold glove!
Nats offseason begins - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Nats offseason begins
Summer's Over, So It's Back to School - The Post For some minor leaugers, it is off to the Instructional League in Viera. Justin Maxwell will be headed to Arizona with players like Kory Casto and pitchers Adam Carr, Garrett Mock, Alexis Morales and Zechry Zinicola.A successful season — for now - The Wash. Times Building up the farm system and winning 73 games have led many to call this past season a success.Goals Unmet on Stadium Construction Jobs for D.C. Workers - The Post Old news -- the CityPaperbroke this story a couple of weeks ago.What's next for Nats? - The Wash. Times Four things to look for in the offseason: improving the offense, bolstering the pitching staff, sorting out logjams, and moving to the new ballpark.Nats Report Card - The Wash. Times Position by position breakdown of the roster.HARRY JAFFE - City’s lies about parking threaten Opening Day - The Wash. Examiner Jaffe says the District lied about parking at the new ballpark. He warns that "unless the city, the Metro and the local landowners start cooperating, we might have to hike to the field — or watch opening night on TV."RICK SNIDER - Will Nats find playoffs next year? - The Wash. Examiner Probably not. Snider also thinks the start time of games should be 7:35.PHIL WOOD - Expect Bowden, Nats to make significant noise in the offseason - The Wash. ExaminerLooking for new motivation - Times-Dispatch Not being historically awful seemed to motivate the Nats, but what about next year when expectations are higher?
At the start of the season, I joked that I was an optimist when I said the Nats would go 62-99 (with a rainout) because I was an "optimist." It turns out I was considerably off, with the Nats having won 73 games. Not bad, though we didn't learn too much other than some of the "core" players -- Felipe Lopez, Austin Kearns and Brian Schneider really aren't very good. We also learned that every pitcher other than Matt Chico is fragile. Ryan Zimmerman may be a Gold Glove third baseman though (The Post). Also, the article notes that Bob Carpenter may be back, something I mentioned yesterday.
That was fun watching the Nats decide the NL East wasn't it? The next time they make a difference, I want it to be because they are the ones in pursuit of a title, not merely destroying the Mets. The spin is the Nats have no gained playoff-like experience, but I'm not sure I buy into that theory.
Jason Bergmanndidn't pitch well yesterday (The Wash. Times). Oh well, it kept the Mets out of it, so that makes it tolerable.
By virtue of this year's fourth place finish, one can argue that this was the Nationals most successful season.
How long until hockey season? Football season seems like a lost cause.
Nats fall 6-1 to NL East Champion Fleas - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Nats fall 6-1 to NL East Champion Fleas
PHILADELPHIA 6 Washington 1 (CBS SportslineBoxscore)
I'm sure Cliff is pretty happy about the Phillies making the playoffs for the first time since 1993. Keep in mind that they couldn't have done it without the help of the Nats. I think some flowers or a fruit basket sent to the team office's would be appropriate.
Bob Carpenter dropping hints - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Bob Carpenter dropping hints
Bob Carpenter was just thanking fans for their support over the last few weeks. He also noted that he talked to Stan Kasten on Friday and quoted Yogi Berra who said, "it ain't over until it's over."
Matt Chico denied the Phillies yesterday, allowing only run over six innings. That was win 73 for Washington. The loss puts Philadelphia in a first place tie with the Mets.
Thomas Boswell was actually at the game yesterday and wrote a column about it.
I watched the wrong game yesterday.
I wonder how good that half-smoke that Cliff won will taste if the Nats beat the Phillies today and the Mets win too. I'll be a good friend and not call him should Washington win.
P Cole Hamles dominated Washington, Citizens Bank Park was full and the Mets lost, so the Phillies are alone in first place with two games to go. The Nats meanwhile still need one victory or Marlins loss to stay out of first place.
Manny Acta had his contract extended (The Post) for the 2009 season. Perhaps talk of Acta being on the Mets radar spooked the Nats into making what I think is a rash decision. Acta was signed through next year with a club option, why rush it? As Capital Punishment noted, Acta has not really been held responsible for game managment this year.
Thom Loverrowants to apologize (The Wash. Times) for all the things he said about the Nats this year. Loverro acknowledges apologizing to Jim Bowden is the hardest part. Has/will Stan Kasten go after him too?
Dmitri Young might not be done (The Wash. Times) for the season after all. Don't forget that today's game is on FOX at 3:55.
Nats start final series in Philly tonight - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Friday, September 28, 2007
Nats start final series in Philly tonight
The Nats begin their final series of the 2007 season tonight in Philadelphia. The Phillies, now tied for first place in the NL East have the Nats to thank for sweeping the Mets. The Nats have already lost the season season by at least a three game margin but can deny the Fleas a playoff berth in the final weekend. It should be fun.
More on the strong finish to the season that Ryan Church has had, from The Wash. Times. John Lannan is the minor league pitcher of the year for the Nationals, while Justin Maxwell (Olney, Md. native) is the player of the year. In the same Postarticle, it is noted that no team has ever gone without a ten game winner or ten game loser in a full season. Matt Chico, who takes the mound tonight, has nine losses. I would rather this remain a statistical oddity.
Mike Bacsik, Jr. (have noticed the "Jr." showed up after he gave up Barry Bonds 756th homer?) had a rough night for the Nationals. He gave up three home runs, including two to Carlos Beltran, in a mere 2 1/3 innings. He was replaced by Joel Hanrahan who lost his rotation spot to Bacsik. Hanrahan gave up a run over 1 2/3, but earned the win. Chris Schroder, Jonathan Albaladejo, Saul Rivera, Jon Rauch, Luis Ayala went the rest of the way and held the Mets scoreless.
At the plate, the Nats got on board with a 2-run Ryan Church homer, his 15th, in the fourth inning. In the fifth, the Nats really got going, scoring five runs. Ronnie Belliard, Ryan Zimmerman and Austin Kearns knocked in a run, while Wily Mo Peña knocked in two. Church doubled two more runs in to finish off the scoring. As noted in the Post gamer, he has actually put together a decent season "hitting .275 with 43 doubles, 15 homers and 70 RBI, all in 466 at-bats," comparable with Kearns who has 109 more at-bats. That could be very attractive to other clubs out there, so I'd like to see him traded to a team that won't jerk him around.
Last night's victory was the 72nd of the season, better than last year's total.
Hittin coach Lenny Harris had a learning curve (The Post) when he was thrust into the role of hitting coach. Among the things he had to learn is studying videos is more important than playing cards with the players.
Nobody has ever accused Chad Cordero of being a "lights out" closer, but when September rolls around (The Wash. Times), he tends to be "lights on."
Here is a somewhat misleading headline:
Struggles Cloud Stadium Progress - The Post The stadium is fine, everything is on schedule -- the parking situation however is not. Over 6,500 parking spots need to be identified between now and the end of March. The Navy Yard Metro expansion is also 7 weeks behind.
"These are top priorities of the administration," Mayor Adrian M. Fenty (D) said yesterday. "We're looking to finish the Metro on time and steer as many people to public transportation as possible. Having parking around the stadium is a critical, critical issue, and we're working beyond diligently to find as many areas as we can for cars to park."
The Nats tied last year's win total by barely holding on to beat the Mets. Behind homers from Austin Kearns, Tony Batista and Justin Maxwell, the Nats were able to put ten runs on the board. They need every one of them as Jesus Colome gave up for runs over 1 1/3 innings late and Chad Cordero allowed two as well. Jon Rauch got the last two outs to save a tense 10-9 victory.
Jason Bergmann gave up three runs over 5 2/3 innings to earn his sixth victory in 11 decisions, beating Tom Glavine.
Maxwell is getting more playing time (The Wash. Times) than Manny Acta expected:
"He has looked comfortable," Acta said. "He's still an A-ball hitter. When guys make good pitches on him, they're going to get him out, and he's going to look awkward at times because of his age and his experience. But we like the energy he has. I agree ... with what [general manager Jim] Bowden has said about his makeup. I won't call it 'off the charts,' but it's a very good makeup. I think that helps him."
There are questions about Shawn Hill's durability as he prepares for yet another surgery (The Post) on his pitching arm. Jim Bowden is guaranteeing the budding ace will be ready for spring training.
Matt Chico didn't pitch too well for the Nationals (5.2 IP 3 R), but he didn't need to last night. 2B Ronnie Belliard and PH Ryan Langerhans each had 3 RBI with the latter's coming on a home run. 3B Ryan Zimmerman scored three runs and RF Austin Kearns hit his 15th homer. That puts the team at 70 wins with five games remaining to try and exceed last year's total of 71. I reluctantly say the "magic number" to clinch fourth place is three games; fourth place isn't magical unless you are the Devil Rays or Royals.
Okay, that was the good news, the bad news is that Shawn Hillhas been shut down for surgery (The Post). Naturally, he has a compressed radial nerve which are like torn labrums in 2006 -- everybody has one (The Wash. Times). The ailment has plauged John Patterson as well.
RFK memories - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Monday, September 24, 2007
RFK memories
As much as I enjoyed finally seeing a hometown team at RFK Stadium, I don't have much sentimentality about it. More than anything I am happy it was still standing so that MLB could finally come to its senses and put a team in the nation's capital. There were a lot of highlights though.
I think the ultimate highlight was my bachelor party in June 2005. The timing was great, the Nats were never better than that time and it appeared everything was coming together after so long.
The first time the Cubs played here in 2005 was a Friday night game that Fritz and I attended proved to be memorable, despite the loss. Early in the game, after moving seats, we saw an eight-year old kid catch a fly ball backhanded in section 503 or so. Pretty impressive. We also met the Bridges which led to a long stint with Metroblogging DC. The game almost ended in perfect fashion, with Jose Guillen coming within ten feet of a walkoff grand slam with two outs in the ninth. That would have been pandamonium.
Washington Nationals, Nats, Jim Bowden, Chad Cordero
Facebook | 
Del.icio.us | 
Digg | 
Technorati | 
Blinklist | 
Furl | 
Newsvine | 
Reddit it!
# posted by
Brad :
Thursday, July 24, 2008 10:04:00 PM