And I picked the wrong day to start reading your blog. Livan??? Good grief.

Yay for Zimm breaking that up. If he didn't pitch well for us, I don't want Livan pitching well *against* us.

Hey, I've watch from game one of Manny's first season. Don't you thing maybe a little "Vinagor" from the coaching staff might help. Looks like a funeral home over there. I'm not asking for dugout cheerleaders,ect., but maybe some support or a kick too someone ass might be the missing persription. Notes the other night Fick barked back at the ump and was quickly tossed. Did we see any member of management involved. Nope!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good Point....it is time for Manny to do something......Do you think Frank would just sit back and accept this mess....I think Manny does not have the expirence needed to pick a spot and let lose and fire up the team somehow.

As a true Nats fan with low expectations this year, I'm still feeling pretty patient myself with this mess. But I do wonder, how is Manny acting these days and what's the feel in the clubhouse?

As a true Nats fan with low expectations this year, I'm still feeling pretty patient myself with this mess. But I do wonder, how is Manny acting these days and what's the feel in the clubhouse?

Most Minor League managers are told not to argue with the umpire, that their job is to develop the kids to play in the majors. However, the problem lies when one of those non-argumentative managers comes up to the show. He's so not used to arguing that he won't and the newer managers today seem to forget how to stand up for their players. I've seen it happen in several places. The teams that make the playoffs have a manager that'll stick up for them and get tossed, those who mire in last place all season with no hope, just sit there and take it. Doesn't make it easier on down the line either because one season like that can send you 10 years worth of treatment.

I think it's a little early to cast Acta as a shrinking violet. I mean, take yesterday's game: what's to argue? I think what the Nats badly needed was an even keel. Manny seems to be managing solidly. Sure, Frank would kick up a fuss to get games going. But he was also divisive in the clubhouse. I mean, who wanted to pitch for the guy? Zimmerman's highest praise was that Frank "left me alone." I think Manny's biggest test will be making sure the team doesn't splinter as morale gets low. And worse case, Jarrod, if you're right that Manny doesn't have any teeth, he'll be replaced once the Nats are ready to contend.

"couldn't get worse" ? Thanks a lot, Barry. First you put the mickey on Livo's no-no, maybe the best thing that could have happened this week at RFK; now you're tempting the baseball gods to prove that wrong.

Well, I for one am glad to see Livan prospering, and looking a little less prosperous in the bargain.