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.
That was one hell of a finish to the inaugural game at Nationals Park! I'm still amazed we were able to get tickets for that game! Events like this are priceless, once-in-a-lifetime.
# posted by Fritz :
Monday, March 30, 2009 2:31:00 PM
So, Mark Teixierais headed to my AL club (ESPN) and not my NL one. This makes sense for me since Teixiera would not make the Nationals champions in the short-term and not even in the long-term by himself. I was not crazy about a contract that big from the Nationals at this point in The Plan (if it still exists).
As a Yankee Teixiera can be an important part of the team without having to carry it. While he said no the Nats, he also spurned to his "hometown" Orioles. Hey, Peter Angelo$ you lose!
The Yankees better win it all this year.
Silver lining for D.C. fans -- good relations (if that is possible) with uber agent Scott Boras. Will that mean a discount with the #1 pick, Steven Strasberg. Of course not, but at least they have an idea of how to deal with the agent.
Now, can we just move on?
NOTA BENE: I have been trying to get this to appear for hours, blogger and my have not been talking to each other for some reason.
3. The Nats make a low-risk, high-upside commitment to a guy who I think has an even shot to give them at least what they would've got from Redding, at a 25% to 50% discount.
If they'd spent $5 million, say, or brought him on board for umpteen years, I'd feel kind of bad. But that's not what the Nats do with pitchers, nor should they in this offseason. A year from now may present a different perspective.
# posted by Hendo :
Monday, December 22, 2008 6:32:00 PM
NatsFest, winter caravan announced - William World News
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
NatsFest, winter caravan announced
The first annual NatsFest will be held on Sunday, January 25 from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. There will be autographs, Q&A and probably some mascots. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for fans under 12. They probably ought to mention if the proceeds are going to the Washington Nationals Dream Foundation if that is the case and if not, why it is not free.
There is also the winter caravan which makes stops in Richmond, Annapolis and Martinsburg, W. Va. The caravan runs between Jan. 22 - 26.
Hey Nats, say "no" to an opt-out contract - William World News
Monday, December 15, 2008
Hey Nats, say "no" to an opt-out contract
THOM LOVERRO - Nats, Teixeira seeking a way out - The Wash. Times If the only way the Mark Teixiera signs in D.C. is a contract with an opt-out clause, as Loverro suggests, I don't want him. I think a half-assed commitment from both sides does not set the franchise in the right direction.
Ask Boswell - The Post "Washington Post sports columnist Thomas Boswell was online Friday, Dec. 12 at 3 p.m. ET to take your questions about the Redskins, the Caps, the Hot Stove league and his latest columns."
I don't know about you, but I'm eager to hear what Bos says about the Capitals.
Reliever Colome released by Nats - nationals.com This is good news, since Jesús Colome destroyed the season in the fourth game at Philadelphia. His poor pitching and failure to cover a base cost the Nats the game and an undefeated record. Things would have been totally different if he had not screwed up.
Teixeira given big offer from Nats - William World News
Teixeira given big offer from Nats
Nationals Offer Teixeira Long-Term Deal - The Post There you have it, the Nationals have offered Mark Teixeira a big contract. We will see how this plays out. I would be lying if I said the biggest reason I want Teixeira was not spite. Signing him would be a big middle-finger in the direction of Peter Angelo$, not too mention a big help to the lineup. Spite is not a great reason to spend $20 million a year though. If this drives up the price for Teixeira so that Angelo$ or the Red Sox has to pay more, that is okay too.
I was wondering what your take on the offer would be. I should have known you would have used it as a way to shove it in the face of the Orioles ownership! :)
Do you think the Nats have a legit shot at signing Tex? Money sways minds easily so it could happen. Woulld be interesting to see.
# posted by Kevin McGuire :
Thursday, December 11, 2008 7:18:00 AM
I think they have a shot since they seem willing to spend the money. Frankly, Angelo$ needs Teixeira more than we do. Nats owner Ted Lerner really seems to like Teixeira though.
The Red Sox or Angels would be more attractive if Teixeira wants to win soon. The more I think about it, the more Anaheim makes sense for him since they play in the least tough division of the four suitors.
This could also help relations with Scott Boras, who is the agent of the likely #1 pick the Nats have in the next draft.
Ultimately, I think what happens is the Nats help make Teixeira some money and he signs elsewhere. If he signs in Baltimore, I hope he is the next Albert Belle.
# posted by WFY :
Thursday, December 11, 2008 12:16:00 PM
Post a CommentShenin chat at 1 p.m. - William World News
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Shenin chat at 1 p.m.
Baseball Winter Meetings - The Post "Live from Major League Baseball's winter meetings in Las Vegas, Post national baseball writer Dave Sheinin will be online Dec. 10 at 1 p.m. ET to take your questions about the free agent signings, trade rumors and more."
Johnson's future remains unclear - The Wash. Times Nick Johnson is a pretty good part of your lineup at the plate and in the field when he is healthy. I heard a clip on WTOP this morning that makes it pretty clear GM Jim Bowden would not mind trading him.
Also, Nationals president Stan Kastenhas endorsed Paul Beeston (Nationals Journal, washingtonpost.com) for the Blue Jays presidency. Kasten was rumored to have talked to the Blue Jays and have even traveled to Toronto.
13 days before the solstice, "winter" meetings begin - William World News
Monday, December 08, 2008
13 days before the solstice, "winter" meetings begin
Time for Nats to Show Their Hand in Teixeira Derby - The Post Nats look to gamble at winter meetings - The Wash. Times How serious are the Nationals about landing Mark Teixeira? Is he even interested? Then there is Adam Dunn, thought by some to be the second prize in free agency this year, would he put on a curly W? These questions frame the MLB meetings that started today in Las Vegas.
Bos wants big bats, I finally write about Tex - William World News
Saturday, December 06, 2008
Bos wants big bats, I finally write about Tex
THOMAS BOSWELL - Nats Need to Buy Some Pop - The Post Like everyone else, Thomas Boswell wants Mark Teixeira to come to Washington and makes the case fairly well. Do I want Teixeira wearing the curly W? Sure, but he is not the end all be all though I have to admit it would be very fun to take something Peter Angelo$ wants so badly. I say offer him 8 years at whatever the rate MASN pays the Nats every year. Okay, that is probably all I am going to say about Teixeira unless he signs.
I am not as sure about the second prize in this year's free agency class Adam Dunn though. Some GM, I cannot remember which one, said Dunn did not appear to like baseball too much. That is a problematic statement if true, even though Dunn hits the ball pretty fair and has a strong OBP, despite many strikeouts.
Fixing the Nats: Hire Frank Howard right now - William World News
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Fixing the Nats: Hire Frank Howard right now
One Free Agent the Nats Would Be Fools to Pass Up - Nationals Journal Frank Howard was let go from the "lifetime" contract he signed with George Steinbrenner when the sons took over, something Howard does not seem to mind too much. Since he is available, the Nationals have to hire him, period. It would be a good step on fixing the franchise's identity problem.
Frank Howard with a fan in 2007
I have met Frank Howard and if all he does is hold court on the concourse in he is worth the money for the goodwill he will build for the franchise. Howard is the greatest living Washington baseball player. He is a marvelous storyteller and can provide 50 years worth of wisdom to the players and front office now and then. Give him the same kind of role Don Zimmer has with the Rays. Have a big press conference with Howard holding up a #33 jersey too. You could sell more than a few of those too.
Nats spring training schedule out - William World News
Nats spring training schedule out
Nationals announce 2009 Spring Training schedule - nationals.com I have never been to spring training, but once of these years I might make an appearance, especially if daycare is closed for a week and one of us has to take time off anyway. We might use that as an excuse to go south for a few days.
There will be an exhibition series with the Orioles with a game in Norfolk and one here too.
The Nats have an identity, just not a good one - William World News
The Nats have an identity, just not a good one
JERRY CRASNICK - Nationals still searching for identity - ESPN Another national columnist makes observations about the unfortunate state of the Nationals. There is nothing in here that we don't already know, but I will suggest that the Nats have an identity already -- cheap, ungrateful, litigious losers. Is that fair? Not completely, but it is what it is. This can and should change, but I think it will take a while with Jim Bowden as GM and the Lerner family nickle-and-diming everything.
Off topic, but is it too early to give some love to the Nittany Lion cagers? They actually beat a real team from a real basketball conference on the road last night. Their record is 7-1! After all, you can't spell Nittany without.....
# posted by TMBC :
Thursday, December 04, 2008 8:35:00 AM
Oh, and if you haven't seen it, Beano took a few jabs at PSU and the Big Ten yesterday in his weekly chat.
# posted by TMBC :
Thursday, December 04, 2008 8:39:00 AM
Let's not get ahead of ourselves TMBC, they could still lose to Mount St. Mary's. After all they did lose to Stony Brook one year and possibly Shippensburg or one of the other Pa. state schools.
I have had trouble keeping up with Beano chats for posting. I read them, but doing the watch takes time I have not always had. If Penn State wins on Jan. 1, he'll be singing its praises again.
# posted by WFY :
Thursday, December 04, 2008 12:42:00 PM
Nationals may play ball on Taxation Without Representation Street if Council has its way - The Wash. Examiner The DC Council may rename the part of South Capitol Street that Nationals Park is located on to Taxation Without Representation Street. The District is doing what it can to tie the ballpark into the lack of meaningful Congressional representation for District residents.
When the council created the lease, they should have written into the legislation a way to put up a Taxation Without Representation sign somewhere on the ballpark. Ultimately, the goal of this action may be to coerce the Lerner family to put up a Taxation Without Representation sign somewhere on the ballpark, like the one at RFK Stadium. I don't see either side working well together on this one though.
Maybe we should just end the D.C. Approps bill that Congress writes every year...
# posted by Caps Nut :
Thursday, November 27, 2008 10:36:00 AM
I'd rather give them voting rights or not tax them.
# posted by WFY :
Thursday, November 27, 2008 7:18:00 PM
Home rule is of dubious legality too. I'd rather strip them of that if they are going continue to act like bunch of 3 year olds. Because what exactly to they need voting representation for when they receive more Federal Tax Dollars per capita than any other jurisdiction?
I'd love it if the new Congress exercised their veto over any D.C. legislation on this maneuver.
# posted by Caps Nut :
Saturday, November 29, 2008 9:02:00 AM
Frankly, if citizenship and representation were decided by whether governments act like 3 year olds, there would not be a lot of citizens in this country. It is unfortunate that feel that people living in the nation's capital are not nor should be citizens of this country.
Is this a sign that ownership gets it? That, in General Manager Jim Bowden's words, "Last year was an embarrassment that can't be repeated"? Or will the dollop of credibility provided by this deal lull the Lerner family into zipping its wallet and turning away from further trades or free agent signings that their execs bring them?
Bos later goes on make the point that the Nationals are well-postioned to build the team through free agency and expensive draft picks since so much salary was dumped from last year.
Teixeira Attracts Odd Suitor in Nats - The Post Speaking of free agents, one of the few prizes this year is Mark Teixeira, a Serverna Park, Md. (near Annapolis) native. Teixeira will have his pick of suitors including several contenders and the Baltimore Orioles. Are the Nats really serious about Teixeira or are they trying to drive up the price? We'll see I suppose. While it would be fun to see Teixeira signed here instead of by Baltimore, giving the middle finger to Peter Angelo$ is not the soundest policy for building a baseball team.
Watch the first Nationals Park game at 3 p.m. - William World News
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Watch the first Nationals Park game at 3 p.m.
nationals.com is showing the high water mark of the Nationals 2008 season -- Opening Night! I really wish I was not being sarcastic here, but having the face of the franchise hit a walkoff homer to open a new ballpark is as good as it got. Actually, truth be told, but in any season short of a playoff birth, that scenario would be the top moment, but why did it have to be one of about three highlights?
I am skeptical about the Willingham-Olsen trade too - William World News
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
I am skeptical about the Willingham-Olsen trade too
Nats' Shopping List Gets a Little Shorter - The Post Nats move in new direction - The Post Josh Willingham and Scott Olsen were introduced to Washington yesterday at an afternoon press conference attended by Jim Bowden, but not Manny Acta or Stan Kasten (who is rumored to be talking the Blue Jays). While the trade makes seems to make sense, I just can't get over the feeling that it is counterproductive. It seems to me that The Plan, as championed by Kasten, is being remade by Bowden. While I have my disagreements with some of the things Kasten does, I support his theory of teambuilding and find it and him credible on this issue. Bowden on the other hand, has a record of one playoff apperance in 15 years as GM, none with the Nationals. I can't help but think that Bowden is a small picture guy who thinks that making little moves like this are what his job is all about when in reality, it is winning championships not making the team medicore. The team owners, the Lerner Family, seem to be solidly in the Bowden camp which is to their discredit.
Also, did you note the contrasting tones of the two articles linked above? The Wash. Times story was written by their long-time beat writer Mark Zuckerman, while The Post sent the Angelo$-franchise beat writer. Pretty easy to see which story was better. Washington Nationals, Nats, Josh Willingham, Scott Olsen
Nats trade Bonifacio, minor leagues for Olsen, Willingham - William World News
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Nats trade Bonifacio, minor leagues for Olsen, Willingham
Nats Acquire Willingham, Olsen - The Post Nationals acquire Olsen, Willingham from Marlins - The Wash. Times If you were planning on buying a blue alternate jersey with #7 Bonifacio on it, I have to break some bad news to you -- he and two minor leagers, P.J. Dean and Jake Smolinski, have been traded to Florida. Yes, I know, not seeing Emilio Bonifacio, who arrived in the Jon Rauch trade and his .295 OBP in a stars and stripes interlocking DC jersey will be tough, but perhaps what they got for him will make it better.
The Marlins sent Josh Willingham, a solid corner outfielder coming off of back trouble last year. Willingham can allegedly catch too, but we have seen that story before.
The Nationals also got P Scott Olsen, who had a pretty strong rookie season in 2006, but in 2007 he got in a fight with his teammates and flicked off Brewers fans. So, yes he has some rageahol issues. He also has some alcohol issues too, if Wikipedia is to be believed, that led to an arrest for DUI and fleeing officers or something.
The biggest knock on Olsen though is that he apparently threw gum at MissChatter which does not seem very sporting, especially since they are practically from the same hometown, I think.
So, ya he's totally going to make the Nationals oval clubhouse a happier, more cohesive place. After all, a team of perfect citizens like the Nats can handle someone who runs a little hot.
When to play hooky: Nats have a few days games in '09 - William World News
Monday, November 10, 2008
When to play hooky: Nats have a few days games in '09
The Nationals 2009 preliminary schedule has been released. After having no weekday day games in '08, they have a few scheduled in 2009, including Opening Day. Here is a list of days when you ought to call out sick, "borrow" your friend's dad's classic convertible and drive in the District to catch a game, go up in the Washington monument, eat a fancy lunch and visit the National Gallery of Art:
Monday, April 13 vs. Philadelphia, 3:05 p.m. Tuesday, May 5 vs. Houson 12:35 p.m. Thursday, April 6 vs. Florida 12:35 p.m. Thursday, June 11 vs. Cincinatti 4:35 p.m. Monday, August 24 vs. Milwaukee 4:35 p.m. Wednesday, September 30 vs. New York Mets 4:35 p.m.
There are also a few Saturday afternoon games:
Saturday, April 18 vs. Florida 1:05 p.m. Saturday, May 5 vs. St. Louis 1:05 p.m. Saturday, September 26 vs. Atlanta 1:05 p.m.
July 4, a Saturday, remains TBA but it will almost certainly be a day game, probably no later than 1:35 p.m.
I like the "Washington" script on the road jersey a lot, though the white outline is unnecessary. I am not big on alternate jerseys, but the red one is kind of nice while the blue one with the DC does not work for me. The flag on the DC makes it look like something you would get at one of those touristy stores in Pentagon City mall.
I will update the post when we photos from the event become available. I assume the away jersey will have a number below the script and the alternate jerseys will have numbers on the right side.
The "Washington" outline should be gold instead of white to match the DC sleeve logo. Or there shouldn't be a sleeve logo at all: It seems like a new jersey can't come out anymore without one.
# posted by Anonymous :
Thursday, November 06, 2008 6:28:00 PM
Nationals Ship Young To Minors - The Post Nats outright Young - The Wash. Times So, did Ted Lerner tell Dmitri Young that "fat, drunk and stupid diabetic and lazy is no way to go through life son?" I like to think so, but in all likelihood, no one said any such thing and Jim Bowden merely designated Young for assignment at AAA Syracuse. Young could have declined the offer and become a free agent, but with $5 million coming to him from the Nationals there was no way he would say now. As fun as Young was in 2007 when he won comeback player of the year, the only thing more bloated than his gut in 2008 was the stupid 2 year, $10 million contract that Bowden gave him. Who knows, maybe Da Meathook will bounce back and beomce productive again, but the odds are not good.
Oh and we now know who will be invited to throw out the first pitch at the home opener. Of course, he is going to be invited to New York (twice), not too mention the Southside of Chicago.
Snubbed in D.C., Gillick basks in glory of Phillies parade - William World News
Friday, October 31, 2008
Snubbed in D.C., Gillick basks in glory of Phillies parade
Thom Loverro: Hey, Nats fans: Gillick could have been yours - The Wash. Times In 2004, Pat Gillick openly campaigned for the Nationals GM job, but was not even interviewed for the job at a time when MLB owned the team. Gillick instead took the Phillies job and well, right now he is in a parade on Broad Street in the city of brotherly love. Whether MLB (remember, Bud Selig thinks we could have a flagship franchise here) did not interview him due to incompetence or fear of upsetting the cowardly Peter Angelo$ is unknown. What we all know too well is MLB hired a GM with a track record of 1 playoff appearance in a decade, an affinity for toolsy outfielders, scrap heap pitchers, segways and leather pants. Unfortunately, Nats fans are still stuck with this GM, Jim Bowden, because ownership likes him kissing their butts.
Cordero Becomes Free Agent - The Post Cordero opts for free agency - The Wash. Times Chad Cordero, an original National, has filed for free agency rather than accept assignment to AAA Syracuse. The move was expected after Jim Bowden blurted out on WTEM that Cordero's contract would not be tendered. Bowden lacked the professionalism and good sense to share this information with Cordero before talking about it on the radio. Cordero, injured or not, deserved better treatment. Someday, he will be back for an Old Timers Day type event and get lots of cheers. Hopefully, Bowden will be long gone by then.
When do we get a parade? D.C. now tied for longest title drought - William World News
Thursday, October 30, 2008
When do we get a parade? D.C. now tied for longest title drought
With the Phillies World Series win, Washington is now tied with Minnesota's Twin Cities for the longest title drought amongst 4-team major league markets (NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA). Coincidentally, both the Redskins and Twins won their titles in the Metrodome in Minneapolis after their 1991 seasons, though the Redskins came in January 1992. Technically, the Twin Cities have the longest drought, but I'll still call it a tie.
There is an asterisk on this though -- Washington has only been a 4-team major league market since 2005 when we got baseball back. There was not a hockey team in the Twin Cities for most of the 1990s for some reason either. D.C. United has won MLS Cups since 1996, but soccer is generally regarded as the fifth pro sport.
Of the four big league teams here now, my predictions for the most likely to end this streak.
CAPITALS: They are young, have the reigning league MVP in Alex Ovechkin and should just be entering their prime in the next season or so. On paper, the thing most likely to hold them back is goaltending while the most likely thing to move them ahead is their stable of goalscorers. Also, relying heavily on Russains could become problematic now that Russia is moving back to some Soviet-era behaviors.
REDSKINS: After many years of mediocrity, the Redskins have made the playoffs two out of the last three years and are 6-2 this season. They have a strong nucleus, a young quarterback, Jason Campbell, who seems to have turned a corner and a fiery, intelligent coach, Jim Zorn. They have the potential to make a deep playoff run with the team they have right now and may for another couple of years. With some breaks, they could win it all. Working against them is their owner, Dan Snyder, who has historically been meddlesome. Snyder may have learned to back off from the Joe Gibbs experience though.
WIZARDS: The Wizards (nee Bullets) have become a periennel playoff team in the last few years, but after breaking through in 2005, they have not won another playoff series, being eliminated by Cleveland annually. When healthy, they have a strong core with Gilbert Arenas, Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler, but they have not played together too much lately. Even when these three are healthy, the Wizards are not much for defense though. It appears that the team will continue to make the playoffs for the foreseeable future, but a championship seems unlikely unless they have excellent health and good luck.
NATIONALS: They are young, lack power and get by with scrap heap pitchers exceeding expectations. After starting off well with the Lerner family ownership, the franchise seems to be spinning its wheels and backing off of "The Plan" to build a strong team through the farm system. 3B Ryan Zimmmerman, C Jesus Flores, OF Elijah Dukes, OF Lastings Milledge and P John Lannan provide a foundation, but not a spectacular one. Zimmerman could be a star with good health and perhaps some protection in the lineup. Dukes, who is the Nationals most exciting player, has to overcome some very strong character problems to meet his enormous potential and Milledge still has room to grow. Flores is a highly regarded young catcher, but he needs to improve his batting to become a cornerstone. Lannan has the makings of a solid middle of the rotation starter who could win 15 or more in a strong season. There is little hope of anything more mediocre for the foreseeable future, though if the system producers a few pitchers and a slugger in the next few years, they could contend.
D.C. has another eight seasons to avoid matching Philadelphia's recent title-less streak. Hopefully, it won't come to that but at least we are better off than Cleveland, whose three teams have not brought home a title since 1964.
What do you mean "we"? You aren't even a Redskins or Wizards fan, are you? (You are no longer an NFL fan, as I recall).
# posted by The Maryland Bureau Chief :
Thursday, October 30, 2008 1:44:00 PM
Good luck to your sports teams. I hope you don't have to wait as long as I did for a parade!
# posted by Kevin McGuire :
Thursday, October 30, 2008 2:17:00 PM
I occasionally take in a Wizards game, they are fun.
Saturday football is better than Sunday football, but I watch more Redskins than anyone else. I could see converting if not for two things:
Dan Snyder
That team I used to passionately follow until about ten years ago is the Redskins arch-rival. It would be quite an odd turn of events to switch, no? Perhaps I ought to ask Joe Queenan for some guidance.
# posted by WFY :
Friday, October 31, 2008 7:46:00 AM
Q&A with slugger Ryan Zimmerman - nationals.com 3B Ryan Zimmerman is a bit candid in this Q&A with Bill Ladson. While he does not offer anything controversial, he does have more to say than the standard ballplayer boilerplate answers. I like what I am hearing here.
One thing the Nats don't need to fix - William World News
Monday, October 27, 2008
One thing the Nats don't need to fix
Earlier this monrth, I talked about the poor marketing of the Nationals. This week, I will note that the Nats market one thing very well:
Teddy Roosevelt and friends
Teddy!
Yesterday, Teddy ran in the Marine Corps Marathon and did not even finish last. Tonight, he is celebrating his birthday at Hudson (LetTeddyWin.com has the details, but is down right now). For all of the missteps involve in marketing the Nationals, regardless of who owned them, embracing the Teddy mascot from the President's Race has been a success.
The Nationals are rich with speedy, inexperienced outfielders and middle infielders, so they picked two recent major leaguers, ex-outfielder Marquis Grissom and ex-infielder Pat Listach, who are familiar with the exact skills those players must hone. The Nationals needed a stable guide alongside 39-year-old manager Manny Acta, so they tapped Jim Riggleman, a former big league skipper, as bench coach. The Nationals have a roster of recent minor leaguers, so they promoted Rick Eckstein and Randy Knorr, whose previous minor league jobs in the organization fostered relationships with many of those players.
It seems like they made some solid hires, though Riggleman is still in the running as manager of Seattle. The most promising aspect of this process is that Manny Acta says he was involved with the decision making. To me, that is crticial, a manager should be able to be involved in that decision making.
Last year's bench coach Pat Corrales has been hired as a consultant.
Better Wifi at Nationals Park in '09 - William World News
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Better Wifi at Nationals Park in '09
Washington Nationals swing for the fences with high-speed Wi-Fi - Computer World Next season, fans will be able to download game highlights to handhelds, among other things I don't go to the ballpark with a laptop (I like watching the game unplugged as it were) so this news means nothing for me, but I know some people will appreciate it.
World Series: Cheering for the NE corridor team - William World News
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
World Series: Cheering for the NE corridor team
I am not expecting to watch much of the World Series, though I guess I am rooting for Philadelphia. I have some friends and extended family who are Phillies fans so it would be good for them to get a win. Also, I like Philadelphia and have always had a good time there. I have never been to Tampa Bay or any of the cities that comprise it and I think the next Rays cap I see will be the third. Also, I'm kind of bitter that Tampa Bay got an expansion team before we got a team.
From the Nats perspective, I want to see them have success in the way the Rays have and then start spending like the Phillies do.
I hate to be the one to report this, but on his podcast today, Beano picked Penn State to win 31-14 in Columbus on Saturday. He also is sure that PSU plays for the national title this season.
Don't shoot the messenger.
# posted by The Maryland Bureau CHief :
Wednesday, October 22, 2008 6:29:00 PM
Beano Watch is set to publish at 9:30 this morning.
Oh and another reason to be anti-Rays -- they play indoors on a fake field.
# posted by WFY :
Thursday, October 23, 2008 7:56:00 AM
Post a CommentNats pumpkins contest - William World News
To enter, start by taking a picture of your Nationals pumpkin that's no smaller than 720 x 486 pixels in size and no larger than 1MB (and no cell phone photos, please!). Then, fill out the form below to get your personal entry code and email the image to us using the email address provided on the next page.
You can also come up with your own design. I know some of you are probably thinking $ but that just isn't going to win.
That's how Bowden learned he had squamous cell carcinoma -- a type of skin cancer for which doctors recommended surgery within a month. Unwilling to abandon his job, even for a week, Bowden ignored the advice. He spent the second half of the season working as usual, and worrying in private about the growth on his forehead -- and whether it was spreading.
I don't think much of Jim Bowden as a GM and putting off getting treatment for skin cancer makes me question his judgment. If he had waited until the trade deadline I could kind of see it, but even that is not the route I would take.
I hope he recovers and is able to find a comfortable position in baseball that does not involve him being out in the sun or being employed by the Washington Nationals.
Also, the Nats hired Deric Ladnier to be the national cross checker, a newly created front office position. Ladnier had been with the Royals before being fired in September, thought by some to be a surprising move. Ladnier harbors no ill will to the Royals organization and is looking forward to working for Bowden, Mike Rizzo and Dana Brown in the front office.
"I hope he recovers and is able to find a comfortable position in baseball that does not involve him being out in the sun or being employed by the Washington Nationals."
Bwah ha ha! Too true.
# posted by DCSportsChick :
Wednesday, October 22, 2008 9:58:00 AM
Nats320 says that the Nationals will have new road uniforms next year.
Now the big change, something I did not expect, but my source tells me is true. The Gray "Washington" Away Jersey from Years 2005 to 2008 is Retired.
In it's place will be a Gray "Washington" Script Away Jersey. A capitalized Curly "W" with "ashington" in lower case script. This design is similar to The Washington "Senators" of the Mid to Late 1960's and Early 70's. The script will also contain a swooshing line extending from "N" in the last word of "Washington" and back under the entire City Name. Interesting note--The Gold Trim is reportedly GONE from this particular Script "Washington" Jersey Front. But, no confirmation on whether the Jersey Back Numbers will have Gold Trim.
I like the idea of a script "Washington" instead of the block "WASHINGTON" on the road uniforms. Washington is too long a word to use the same typeface as the home uniforms.
Also, the red DC jersey will be replaced by a red curly W jersey. There will be a blue DC jersey for special occasions that involve the stars and stripes cap which will presumably have the interlocking DC as well instead of the curly W from last year.
Nats, city tentatively agree on unpaid rent - WTOP The PR nightmare of the Nationals not paying rent because Nationals Park was not "substantially complete" by Opening Night be coming to a close. D.C. Wire, a Post blog, reported yesterday that the deal could be completed last night, but no word on that yet. "the District would seek extended warranties to cover repairs on the ballpark." Hopefully, this awkward counterproductive experience will teach both sides to work together and not be petty, but if you believe that is going happen...
Willie Randolph in D.C.? Acta in Queens in '10? - William World News
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Willie Randolph in D.C.? Acta in Queens in '10?
Sources: Nats interested in Randolph - nationals.com Willie Randolph as the Nats bench coach? It would be a bit of a role reversal since Manny Acta, the incumbent Nationals manager, worked under Randolph with the Mets in 2006. Should this hiring happen, GM Jim Bowden would also have a potential successor to Acta. An article in the NY Post Newsday seems to be lobbying for Acta to be the Mets skipper in 2010. Of course, an article suggesting that a member of a Washington sports team wants to go elsewhere has never appeared before in the NY Post New York newspaper, so we must up our alert level to High if not Severe.
At the very least, I would find it very weird seeing Randolph in curly W and pinstripe-free uniform. Even seeing him in the Mets colors was odd, he'll always be a Yankee to me (even though he played for about four other teams).
Another early Nats blog is shutting down, this time MissChatter :(. She promises to keep posting of photos on her flickrstream though and crashing attending Nats events. Hopefully hosting Baseball on the Barn will live on too. I don't know how she did it for so long.
So, the 2005 Nats (of course I started in 2004) bloggers lose another member -- not too many of us are left. I am not exactly burning it up like I used to either, though my Google Reader recommendations are full of Nats links when appropriate.
I don't think I will have time for a large essay on what ails the Nationals franchise and how to fix it which is probably just as well since Jim Bowden is apparently not getting fired. My first post on the topic (I don't know how many there will be yet) will focus on marketing the team.
Quick -- name the official supermarket, fast food restaurant and car of the Washington Nationals?
I am pretty sure Harris Teeter is the official supermarket, but I have never seen anything supporting that fact in my local Harris Teeter. Is there an official fast food restaurant? I don't get out to them too much so maybe that is why I don't know. What about official car? I'm not suggesting that they go the route of the Redskins and break it down to official fried chicken/official meat-flavored sandwich/non-dairy creamer of the Nationals, but they ought to do something.
How about getting some players in TV spots? Can you name a single ad with a Nationals player other than the Brad Wilkerson bank ad (tragically, not on youtube) in 2005? If Lastings Milledge is not in an Eastern Motors ad next spring, something is wrong. Get Manny Acta in one of the Mercedes ads that Eddie Jordan and Bruce Boudreau have done too.
The one marketing/public relations area that the Nationals did well in last season was convincing people that there is no parking, thereby scaring off people with no interest in using public transportation. In reality, there was adequate (if expensive) parking available. Not only that, but parking could be bought online a convenience that is appealing, if unneeded given all the empty spaces. This needs to be addressed with a media campaign prior to single-game tickets going on sale.
Another thing, why can't I get a pocket schedule at any location other than the Nationals Park box office? I should be see these things around all over town, particularly at the "official supermarket/fast food/etc." Not everyone thinks to go to the Web site when they are interested in going to a game. Seeing a pocket schedule at the 7-Eleven counter might make someone interested too. Stan Kasten has talked about marketing to more than just hardcore baseball fans, yet I have not seen this happen.
I wholeheartedly agree that the Nats need a much bigger marketing presence in the region, but having them do Eastern Motors commercials might be a tough act to swallow, for two reasons: 1) I often equate doing Eastern Motors commercials with hitting a career low, and 2) it just wouldn't be the same seeing anyone other than Lavar Arrington or Clinton Portis dance to that laughably bad rap jingle. In other words, the Eastern Motors commercials belong with the Redskins. Maybe the Nats should explore possibilities with Crystal Koons?
# posted by Fritz :
Saturday, October 11, 2008 9:34:00 AM
Shawn Hill is sooo going to be ready in February - William World News
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Shawn Hill is sooo going to be ready in February
Hill's recovery ahead of schedule - nationals.com RHP Shawn Hill is rehabbing from his latest surgery and thinks he can be ready for spring training. Sure, we've heard this before -- every year since the team got here, but this time, I'm sure it is totally going to happen.
Eddie Brinkman, 66; Senators Shortstop - The Post Another former Seantor has died. Eddie Brinkman was a no-hit, good fielding shortstop for most of the expansion Senators tenure in Washington. He was 66.
Washington Nationals - The Post "Washington Post Nationals beat writer Chico Harlan will be online Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 2 p.m. ET to take your questions and comments about the Washington Nationals."
I think The. Wash Times beat writer chats have probably ended for the season.
For the most part, I agree the coaching staff shake-up - William World News
For the most part, I agree the coaching staff shake-up
All the Nats coaches except Randy St. Clairegot canned on Sunday (nationals.com). I think Pat Corrales probably should been kept around, but the others needed to go. I am also pleased that the strength and conditioning coordinator will be replaced. I have no opinion on the video coordinator.
The big problem is that Manny Acta is not the one making these decisions. A manager should get to pick his own staff, not the GM. His contract could be up next year and if I were him, I would not sign another one without the authority to name his own staff.
Washington Nationals, Nats, Ryan Zimmerman
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# posted by
Fritz :
Monday, March 30, 2009 2:31:00 PM