Patterson, Nook, and some random thoughts
So John Patterson is on the mound today. His first batter: three pitches to Neifi Perez, three strikes, have a seat flailing at the third. Struck out the next man, Timo Perez, looking at a curveball. Impressive start.
We're through three innings now, and Patterson has given up two hits and allowed a walk but no runs. I'll be interested to hear what he has to say afterward, because I think the command of his breaking stuff has been a little suspect. There is a little life on the fastball, but not a ton of swings-and-misses, so I'll also be interested in a radar gun reading or two.
The results, though, are fine. Forty-two pitches, 26 strikes. He's coming out for a fourth inning right now.
Nook Logan: Started in center field today. Must've been drooling over two prospects: facing the team that got rid of him, the Tigers, and facing a left-handed pitcher. So in his first at-bat, hitting right-handed, he drilled a ball to the right-center field gap. And in the next maybe five-six seconds, you learn why they still have interest in this guy. Robert Fick was running from first, and Logan almost caught him at third base. The ball went for an RBI triple, and the crowd buzzed about Logan's speed.
Which brings me back to something I've raised before: Is it possible that Logan would be a very useful platoon guy (starting against lefties) and late-inning defensive replacement/pinch runner/drag bunter?
Hmmm. Something to think about.
Through three: Nationals 2, Tigers 0
By Barry Svrluga |
March 23, 2007; 1:48 PM ET
Previous: Lineups, and the Tuna |
Next: Patterson done
Posted by: Brian | March 23, 2007 1:57 PM
It's the mound's fault.
Posted by: Fake John Patterson | March 23, 2007 2:22 PM
Way ta Go, Nookie! Every time he got on base last season, he practically flew. Let's hope he really is the starting CF, switch-hitting be danged.
Posted by: Juan-John | March 23, 2007 2:31 PM
I have said for some time, Logan is a perfect late inning defensive replacement, situational fill in as a fourth outfielder. He has value, if used correctly. Nook Logan as an everyday player is going to be of far less valued because more of his weaknesses will be exposed daily. Every pitcher in the Major Leagues can use any hitters weakness to his advantage, more times than not.
Posted by: ScreechsBestFriend | March 23, 2007 2:43 PM
Just out of curiosity, if Nook comes in to bat left-handed against a righty, in a possible bunting situation, is there a way he could learn to poke the ball to a spot where the 1b and 3b would be vacating to charge the bunt? Otherwise, a drag bunt isn't very useful if everyone in the ballpark knows exactly what he's doing....
Posted by: nook's speed | March 23, 2007 2:56 PM
How does Nook's defensive ability counteract any hitting shortcomings? I was at RFK for his first game as a National last year and saw him make a sprinting, leaping, diving catch that brought the crowd to its feet for several minutes and gave me goosebumps. My friends and I all turned to each other and said, "Who IS this guy?!" He's done it several times since then... including several unbelievable over-the-wall home run robberies. All that's gotta be worth something even if he's sometimes iffy at the plate.
Posted by: JennX | March 23, 2007 2:57 PM
Hmmm. Is he TOO fast? :)
Posted by: JennX | March 23, 2007 3:00 PM
Barry, any buzz on Biggio's cap pin thing from yesterday?
Posted by: cevans | March 23, 2007 4:24 PM
so who do they have who can play center AND hit right-handed pitching?
Posted by: NookNookNookNookNook! | March 23, 2007 4:25 PM
and don't tell me "Endy Chavez"
Posted by: NookBy5 | March 23, 2007 4:27 PM
Hi! Maybe you've met us - we can hit righties!
Posted by: Fake Ryan Church and Fake Chris Snelling | March 24, 2007 9:21 AM
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Buck says Patterson references "not feeling comfortable"