Utilityman: If memory serves, beloved (if unpowerful) 2005 Nat Jamey Carroll went yard twice in a Rockies uniform at RFK in 2006.

Puljos and Cabrera are probably the best overall hitters in the NL, but I'd least like to see either of the Braves' Jones boys up against the Chief in the proposed scenario. Another guy who scares me is someone who will be visiting RFK next week, Chicago's Aramis Rameriz. He always seems to get good swings against the Nats.

Hendo, you beat me to it! I was reading Barry's posting while formulating my Jamey Carroll utilityman posting in my mind, only to scroll down and see yours. I seem to recall that Jamey pummeled us both at home and away last year while wearing a Colorado uniform. I've always liked Jamey but I'd have to second your vote.

You need to add Nook Logan to your list. He has killed us more than anyone else.

I believe that should read Nook "GIDP" Logan from here on out...

To ChrisC:

That's cold!!

(But true)

I think that should read Nook "GIDP" Logan from here on out...

Now, now. These are 2007 All-Stars, right?

But for those wondering, here are Jamey Carroll's numbers in seven games against the Nationals in 2006 (after one of which Frank Robinson uttered, "Too much Jamey Carroll"): .452/.528/.677, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 2 2B, 1 3B, 5 BB, 12 runs. He obviously played more games against teams in Colorado's division, yet had more runs scored and RBI against the Nationals than anyone else, and tied for the most hits (14 in seven games).

We have to wait till late July to find out how he'll do this year.

For the record, I hate you McCann. And Sal-ta-la-mac-chia. And Escobar. And Francouere?, um, Frenchy. Damn Braves and their fancy farm system.

Let's see Chief Cordero vs. Andruw Jones in the 1st save situation at GEICO Park. I'd pay $40 for one of those fancy Red Centerfield seats. I think you know why.

Other Nats killers:
* Juan Pierre, OF - Career night in game 1 of the Dodgers series
* Jose Reyes, SS - Everytime he gets a 3-ball count, I get a little scared
* Julio Franco, AARP - How can a part-time player be such a pain with the bat and the glove?

Thanks for the great post, Barry. It's nice to know you were thinking of us on your day off. Have a safe flight. Call us when you get there!

Sorry, Barry. Climbing back on topic. (And apologies to natsfan1a for stealing her thunder.) But I was kind of willing to stretch the criteria a bit to get in a kind word for our man Jamey. It'd be awesome to see him back here as a coach when his playing days are behind him. (Or as a player right now.)

Of course, Barry got the HR count right. Notice how I doubled it in my mind. In four or five seasons I'd have had Carroll hitting one over the roof, outrunning locomotives, etc.

And Barry did take the trouble in the original posting to note: ". . . you guys are obviously ahead of the curve, and you can help me out here . . ."

Svrluga, you silver-tongued devil -- flattery will get you everywhere. If I owned the New York Times, Murray Chass would be changing your printer cartridges.

Re: Jamey Carroll in 2006 - it looks like Barry took into account only their performances against the Nats this season. I think we'd have some different players on there if we considered all three seasons of the Nats.

... what's the deal with Florida? Of course, I agree with Barry in terms of their destructive infield, but I mean you guys have no idea how much it burns my Colome to be forced to give them credit. And that's all because of Jeffrey Loria and (speaking of Milton-esque refernces) his own personal evil spawn, David. He raped Montreal fans, then got all huffy when we had the nerve to complain. He is Satan.

... now Jamey Carrol. Sure he was a diamond in the rough on the diamond in Montreal when I first noticed him. But I gotta tell ya, there was just somethign about him then that nagged at the back of my mind. Something which suggested he would come down to earth and soon. For my money, he has continued as a credible MLB-er longer than I expected.

Whoever is catching for the Pittsburgh Pirates. They all caused problems when they were playing in DC.

Barry says "...discuss who you would least like to see up against, say, Chad Cordero, Nats up 4-3, bottom of the ninth at the new ballpark, runners on second and third with two outs."
Are you kidding me? My answer is NOBODY. Not even the worst hitting guy in baseball.
(I was at last Saturday's game that he lost, and I'm still pouting)

... okay, I hear y'all. "C'mon, Watts. We got your point about Loria. Get over it." Yeah, you're right.

Let's go NATS!!

oops. Sorry grammarians. the question was who would you LEAST like to see, so my answer should have been EVERYBODY, INCLUDING the worst hitting guy in baseball.
You get my point. I'm still mad at Chad.

Now. On topic, seriously.

There are about 40 opposing pitchers whom I'd have to consider from this season alone. I was struck by this the night the Nats let Danys Baez off the hook, although we did come back to get him the next day.

Actually what planted the seed in my mind, come to think of it, was Fredi Gonzalez running Jorge "Proven Closer" Julio out there in the bottom of the ninth on Opening Day to mop up a 9-2 slaughter. Cripes, I thought at the time, this team is getting no respect right from the get-go...

Got me fired up for the campaign, anyway. (We'll get Wickman next time.)

What about Matt Diaz? He may not have big power numbers against the Nats, but that name, uttered by Charlie Slowes, has worn grooves in my brain like an overplayed record. He always seems to get hits against the Nats, and, more often than not, they're big hits.

Cabrera and Jones, Nats killers. Ouch. But if Diaz is up in the aforementioned situation, I might start looking for the exits (from one of the only two $5 sections at the new park).

To NatsNut: Glad to see that you don't hold a grudge. I forgave my e-wife quicker than that. (Of course, she didn't cause the Nats to lose a ball game they shoulda won.)

I was just thinking about during the Braves series. When it comes to the division - and I don't mean to change the topic, really - I really only hate the Phillies and Mets. And boy, do I hate those guys. I have a hard time summoning the same kind of bitterness when it comes to Atlanta and Florida.

Then again, when I read people post Braves comments regarding the Nats, I start to get a little angry. Because it's really tied to the fans, I think. My three most hated teams are the Mets, Cubs, and Phillies, in that order. What do they have in common? Jerk (and drunk, if you're talking aboug Philly) fans.

I don't think I've ever seen a Marlins fan (outside of my wife, who likes their hats), and I've certainly never had the same exchanges with Braves fans as have been posted here.

Point taken about Loria, though. Really. Maybe focusing on that will help me to hate the Fish.

In agreement with Barry on Ordonez getting MVP for the AL!

"Svrluga, you silver-tongued devil -- flattery will get you everywhere."

Barry, you had me at "National Airport"

Pound for pound, has anybody done us more damage than Khalil Greene?

http://post-gazette.com/pg/07180/798023-63.stm

I think I may have discovered the reason why Nook Logan is still on this team despite his poor performance all season (save one game against the Orioles) and the outstanding job Brandon Watson did when given a shot to take his place. I just got the relocation package in the mail yesterday, so I took a look at the Nationals Park Virtual Tour DVD that was nestled in the back pocket of the glossy-print booklet. It turned out to be the very same Tim-Russert-introduced, Dave-Jageler-narrated, luxury-suite-focused video that was shown on MASN a couple of months ago, and also on the "big" screen at RFK before a couple of games. One wonders why - since this hard-copy relocation package is obviously intended for those STHers who aren't web savvy and will need to send their questionnaire in by snail mail - they didn't choose to include the cool panoramic-view-from-every-section tool on the DVD so the web-phobic STHers could use it. But that's neither here nor there. Anyway, on the luxury-suite-focused video there aren't all that many shots of players in action. Of those there are, most of them involve Zimm, for obvious reason, i.e. if you buy a seat in Nats Park, you might reasonably expect this guy to be making a few of those great plays while you're sitting in that seat. But surprisingly there are also a couple of shots in the video of Nook Logan making some great catches. (Probably on routine fly balls that he broke the wrong way on and then had to run like hell in order to just barely snag, but they don't show that part.) So perhaps given this decision by the marketing folks to include Nook in the video, the higher-ups are nixing any removal of Logan from the major league team. After all, it would look pretty bad if one of the players you've chosen to highlight on your new park video is thrown on the scrap heap long before that park is done being built, wouldn't it? Especially to the prospective luxury suite owner who doesn't have a clue about baseball but is just so very impressed by all the luxury amenites that are available to his ilk, including that sprightly Logan kid who will make all those great catches whenever there's a lag in the deal-making and the luxury suite owner is forced to actually watch the game. This upper-deck STHer, OTOH, wouldn't mind a bit if the only place he ever sees Logan in a Nats uniform again is on that very video...

"...Barry, you had me at "National Airport"

Posted by: Section 506 (After moving) | June 29, 2007 09:45 AM

_________

ROTFLM(LE)O (lower extremity)

Me too 506. Good one.

Hey! I lost that ballgame!

"To NatsNut: Glad to see that you don't hold a grudge. I forgave my e-wife quicker than that. (Of course, she didn't cause the Nats to lose a ball game they shoulda won.)"

To GIDP Logan: No you didn't. You wouldn't have even had to hit if I'd done my job.

That Diaz -- I hate him too.

Natscan - No problem venting about Loria. He's very similar to the pain in Jesus Colome's right lower extremity.

John in Mpls: Don't you have to hate every team in division? They're our rivals.

It's easy to hate the Phillies and Mets - their fans are so obnoxious.

Hating the Braves and Fish is more about jealously. The Braves have their fancy "TBS Superstation" and precious "14 division titles." The Fish have 2 World Series Championships in the past 10 years.

Chad - Let's not fight, because you would squash me, unless I could run away.

I lost the game.

You've been great since returning from your Grandma's funeral. You're entitled to be human and fail on occassion.

I fail often. My baseball instincts are awful. Charlie Slowes was right: What was I watching when Felipe hit that comebacker?

Re: GIDP Logan

Zimmerman is actually worse than Logan. I suggest PTGLBMRG Logan to be more accurate of our frustration, but I've never seen "Pinned to the Ground Like a Bug on a Mindless Running Gaff" on an OFFICIAL scorecard.

Please, enough beating up Nook Logan, this is really getting tedious.

I must say, I enjoy watching the Marlins play, especially Hanley Ramirez. I see them as much as anything as the role model for the Nats, building up on young talent and looking longer run. Remember last year, when they actually got to shouting distance of the wild card, all on a minescule payroll? While the Nats are in a relative slump right now, overall they have performed better, and provided far more entertaining baseball, than we ever expected at the beginning of the season, so let's be happy for that.

Looking forward to Pittsburgh, and getting back in the game.

Barry,

I look forward to you midway (81 games reference) state of the Nats.

If 2007 was to get answers to unknowns then it has been a failure to date in my view.

Did the Nats super smart brain (just ask Jimbo) trust not know already the following:

We can not count on Patterson, Hill, Escobar, Guzman, and Johnson because they are always going to be out due to major injury.

Chad does not have the dominating stuff needed for reach our collective vision of the Nats as Champions. Kearns has major holes in his swing. Lopez is moody and unable to pick himself up from a slump. Logan is not a solution to our CF needs. Broadway was never even close to being a prospect.

Point here is did they really need 2007 to know these truths, (recall just how brilliant they tell us the new scouts are please)

To date the first half of the season has been a waste. Other than Bergman and perhaps Chico (a #5 starter, maybe) what have we found out that we did not know before the season started?

For the second have of the year what are we going to find out that we did not know? Casto can not hit major league pitching?

So what is 2007 really telling us? Not much, just a snow job by management it seems to me so far if the goal was to find out something that was not known about who is going to be a long term contributor of a Braves quality franchise. Nats really have no prospect ready for MLB in 2007 so what was the point of this exercise?

419 observes: "After all, it would look pretty bad if one of the players you've chosen to highlight on your new park video is thrown on the scrap heap long before that park is done being built, wouldn't it?"

Oh, yes. But these things happen all the time. As I recall, Zach Day (another favorite of mine) had to be excised from the '05 safety video after he was traded away.

And the June page of the Nats monthly calendar on my wall sports the image of Jose Vidro at bat. Next month will be Tony Armas. There's irony in that somewhere...

Jay Payton had clutch hits in what seemed like every game against the Orioles.

Renteria has absolutely killed us this year.

Reyes has also played us tough.

"I think I may have discovered the reason why Nook Logan is still on this team..."

Yeah, I noticed that too...

Logan was "...pinned to the ground..., still a yard from the base, like a gruesome entomology display."

Speaking of rolling on the floor laughing....

And REALLY getting on topic (viz.: ". . . discuss who you would least like to see up against, say, Chad Cordero, Nats up 4-3, bottom of the ninth at the new ballpark, runners on second and third with two outs.")

Any of the sluggers Barry names would be a formidable threat, but Pujols is the one I'd like to see the very least. Not only did he pound the Nats with the non-HR extra-base hits at New Busch, but he's perfectly liable to do it again at RFK in August, with some more dingers mixed in this time.

N.R. we feel your pain up in Section 502. After all, we've also had our teams stolen away. Which is why, whenever I see someone wearing an old Expos cap, I make a point of saying "merci".

When it comes to recounting the history of evil sons-of-umm-guns in baseball ownership suites, let me suggest that before you try saying the name "Bob Short" among certain groups of elderly Washingtonians you should put on your Kevlar tuque.

And when it comes to current mendacity and incompetence we have the example being set by a certain owner up the highway to observe but (fortunately) not endure.

Still, it's summer and time to focus and feast on the games on the field. Let us know when you're grabbing your passport, crossing the border and joining us for a Nationals game in real life.

You bring the smoked meat, mon ami, I'll bring the poutine.

--- --- ---

... okay, I hear y'all. "C'mon, Watts. We got your point about Loria. Get over it." Yeah, you're right.

Let's go NATS!!

Posted by: natscan reduxit | June 29, 2007 09:20 AM

--- --- ---

Yes yes yes. This is exactly how I feel when I watch the Braves or the Marlins face off against the Nats. Thank you.

-----

Hating the Braves and Fish is more about jealously. The Braves have their fancy "TBS Superstation" and precious "14 division titles." The Fish have 2 World Series Championships in the past 10 years.

Can someone please answer this question: If the Nats end up not trading Dimitri Young this season, and he ends up signing as a free agent with another team after the season, will the Nats get picks (like from Soriano and Guillen last year)? Is he a "type A" free agent if he keeps up this pace?

I agree with you for the most part, but let's be fair, here. Johnson's injury last year had nothing to do with his previous frailty. He had avoided the DL all year, and then broke his leg on a fluke play. That's not the kind of thing you can chalk up to a history of injuries.

Does his excruciatingly slow healing time have something to do with his history of injuries and DL appearances? That's a more convincing argument, I think.

-----

We can not count on Patterson, Hill, Escobar, Guzman, and Johnson because they are always going to be out due to major injury.

Section 502 menufies to Natscan: "You bring the smoked meat, mon ami, I'll bring the poutine."

Mais naturellement, mes vieux. (Il est temps pour le déjeuner, quoi qu'il en soit.)

I was so damned glad that there are no Mets on your list, or any list that I can concoct in my head.

Then some damn dummy mentions Julio Franco, bringing me down twice:

One -- he's a Met; and

Two -- he's an old, old Met.

". . . discuss who you would least like to see up against, say, Chad Cordero, Nats up 4-3, bottom of the ninth at the new ballpark, runners on second and third with two outs."

The person I least want to see up then is Julio Franco. There's something unnerving about a guy that just won't go away.

"Pujols is the one I'd like to see the very least", Hendo offers, but for me, it's gotta be Miquel Cabrera. When he's on (and when isn't he), I'd just as soon give him four passes and be done with it.

For me, hating the Braves is because I'll NEVER forgive them for leaving Milwaukee (which is where I "grew up". In my mind, whenever I see the "Braves" on the uniform, I associate them with Milwaukee, not Atlanta. (Of course, the Dodgers belong in Brooklyn and the Giants in NY - but that's a whole nuther tale.)

Hendo, that's okay on the thunder stealing. But you forgot "able to leap tall buildings in a single bound" re. Jamey.

On topic, and given the timeframe restrictions, I agree with Hondo Lives that, while Pujols and Cabrera are scary, I'd least like to see either of the Jones boys in the scenario described. And, it goes without saying, I'd not like to see any of the Braves players in that scenario in front of the the war chanting, tomahawk chopping crowds in Atlanta (that whole thing really just chaps my hide) rather than at Nattily Battily field.

Still, it's summer and time to focus and feast on the games on the field. Let us know when you're grabbing your passport, crossing the border and joining us for a Nationals game in real life.

You bring the smoked meat, mon ami, I'll bring the poutine.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hey 502. What a kind offer. I don't often get down that way, but you can all be certain that if any of my peripatetic pathways ever lead me in your direction, I will most surely get in touch at the new park.

... and a mention of "poutine" (poo-TIN), and I KNOW I'm home to stay on this blog!

Except, remember the game at the O's, I think it was, where Miggy got a hit during an IBB?

---

natscan offers: "Pujols is the one I'd like to see the very least", Hendo offers, but for me, it's gotta be Miquel Cabrera. When he's on (and when isn't he), I'd just as soon give him four passes and be done with it.

Yes, back on topic. My picks are Cabrera and McCann. Those first three games of the season against the fish are still vivid. I remember looking at Cabrera's batting average against us, something like .789. And McCann. Man, seems like that guy hits three times in one lineup as many hits as I hear him getting.
I also whole-heartedly agree with Muleboy. Nice to not see a single Met on Barry's list.

Just so long as we don't have to witness the plumber effect...eeesh

Barry said: Atlanta's Bob Wickman is also 3 for 3 in save opportunities against the Nats, but they came over the course of 12 games. Plus, when they play that intimidating closer music for Wickman at Turner Field, then show his lumpy body up on the immense scoreboard in center field, I get the feeling some really scary plumber or refrigerator repairman is taking the mound.

I second this question. Anyone know?

"If the Nats end up not trading Dimitri Young this season, and he ends up signing as a free agent with another team after the season, will the Nats get picks (like from Soriano and Guillen last year)? Is he a "type A" free agent if he keeps up this pace?"

Posted by: Nick | June 29, 2007 11:00 AM

I have the same calendar, methinks. If you count the players on the DL as well as those who have left us, I believe that it's 4-12 as far as featuring current players (at least at this point in the season...

---

Hendo noted: And the June page of the Nats monthly calendar on my wall sports the image of Jose Vidro at bat. Next month will be Tony Armas. There's irony in that somewhere...

"Then some damn dummy mentions Julio Franco, bringing me down twice:

One -- he's a Met; and

Two -- he's an old, old Met.

Posted by: mister muleboy | June 29, 2007 11:12 AM "

Precisely, muleboy. Two good reasons why I don't want to see him up and it kills me every time he does something, which is way, way too often. The All-Star team has some folks that are fan favorites and the Team of Infamy should have some fan least favorites.

Ramirez is all that, and Greene is no joke, but the SS I'm least looking forward to is Jose Reyes. (Sorry, Mr. Muleboy.) We have solved Reyes for .200 / .333 / .250 thus far this season, but that's apt not to keep up forever, what with him going .314 / .395 / .447 against the league.

(BTW, warm thanks to natsfan1a and the rest of y'all for the double-dactyl plugs and compliments. As far as a compilation goes, though, don't be banging on Amazon just yet.)

Can we give Casto a break? He played one season at AA before given a chance in the majors. Then he was given just 54 at-bats (in a platoon/pinch-hit role) to see if he can hit major-league pitching. Much like all others that get called up by JimBo, that is just not enough time to see if they can be an asset to this team now or in the future.

If someone like Troy Tulowitzki (rookie SS for Colorado) was on this team, he would be back in the minors with no chance of seeing major leagur pitching this season. His first 54 at-bats this season:

.204 avg; .295 obp; .241 slg; 0 HR; 4 RBI

Colorado kept him in and he's now hitting a very respectable:

.277 avg; .347 obp; .426 slg; 8 HR; 36 RBI

The Nats need to let some of the younger players play more than a week or so to see what they've got. I'm glad that they stuck with Chico (seems he may be a keeper). Seems that pitchers get a little longer leash than hitters in the organization. I'm not saying that Casto will be the answer or that he can contribute, but with only 54 at bats, there's no way to tell.

--------------------
For the second have of the year what are we going to find out that we did not know? Casto can not hit major league pitching?

Thank you very much natsfan1a, for mentioning the following:

"... in front of the the war chanting, tomahawk chopping crowds in Atlanta (that whole thing really just chaps my hide) ..."

... I would have brought it up a long time ago, but discretion being the better part of valour, I felt leaving sleeping dogs to lie was the best choice.

... but since you have opened the door, I will add my very short two-cents' worth here. That Altanta chop is disgraceful, and I get quite disturbed and disappointed in my fellow humans whenever I experience it. It's not likely everyone else will agree with me and that's okay. Just understand that for some it represents a negative part of society.

... name for the new park: Nattily-Battily Park. Great! I'd hitch-hike a thousand kilometers to be at the opening for that one. But who will sing the firts opening anthem? My vote goes to NAT-alie Cole, simply because NAT King isn't around any longer.

As one who is closer to the Boomer demographic than to the GenX, this is actually something I admire about Franco, that he can still perform on the field at his age. (But I don't root for him when he's coming up against us, needless to say.)

---

Muleboy said: "Then some damn dummy mentions Julio Franco, bringing me down twice:

One -- he's a Met; and

Two -- he's an old, old Met.

natscan, I'm glad that I'm not the only one who feels that way about the war chanting. I owe Hendo a tip of the cap for Nattily-Battily. I like the NAT-alie Cole idea!

---

... name for the new park: Nattily-Battily Park. Great! I'd hitch-hike a thousand kilometers to be at the opening for that one. But who will sing the firts opening anthem? My vote goes to NAT-alie Cole, simply because NAT King isn't around any longer.

Natsfan homaginizes: "I owe Hendo a tip of the cap for Nattily-Battily."

Gee thanks. Truly. But when the cherry blossoms burst forth next April, I'm just thinkin' it's gonna be "GEICO Nationals Park."

Which has an OK ring to it, as well as local flavor.

The Braves tomahawk chop is not quite as egregious as the Indians mascot, but I think it needs to go. My Georgian friend told me it honored the Seminole warriors and I asked her if it was the same ones that Andrew Jackson hunted in the Everglades after forcing them out of Georgia for settlers.

Also what needs to change is the name of another Washington team that I have previously been berated for bringing up in this blog and that I have loved since I was a little kid.

You're welcome, Hendo.

I wouldn't be surprised to see a Geico naming coup, either. Wonder whether the Geico or the caveman would be our mascot? I think that I'd prefer the Aflac duck over either.

Balester and Lannan should be here by then, if not earlier.

------------------------------

"Nats really have no prospect ready for MLB in 2007...."

Then = September (My Bad)

Good point, Sect. 506, re. the Skins' name.

---

Also what needs to change is the name of another Washington team that I have previously been berated for bringing up in this blog and that I have loved since I was a little kid.

I'm not as quick to take umbrage to politically incorrect symbols, but I gotta agree that Indians / Redskins / chops / chants / etc. are not wearing well. We can do better.

Another possible late-'07 callup: Clint Everts, whom I've bashed in the recent past for his performances as a starter but who has renasced amazingly as a reliever. Not to hurry the Chief off the stage, but if Chad should depart, to have Clint waiting in the wings is reassuring.

Gee, I thought I'd have you at "tuque". (grin)

But, back on topic, I'd have to say the Detroit Tigers, en masse, would be my choice for the All-Star Nat Killer Team.

--- --- ---

a mention of "poutine" (poo-TIN), and I KNOW I'm home to stay on this blog!

Posted by: natscan reduxit | June 29, 2007 11:23 AM

--- --- ---

Actually, I guess I should have said 4-8 or 4 for 12. My posting of which leads me to suspect that I've been spending *way* too much time thinking about baseball...

---

I have the same calendar, methinks. If you count the players on the DL as well as those who have left us, I believe that it's 4-12 as far as featuring current players (at least at this point in the season...

To natscan reduxit:

You really should be ashamed of yourself.

I love this group.

..... But who will sing the firts opening anthem? My vote goes to NAT-alie Cole, simply because NAT King isn't around any longer.

Braves tomahawk chop - That was started when Deon Sanders played in Atlanta. He is an FSU alum, and the chop has its origins as the Seminoles' war chant.

Les 'Spos - DC should do a "Montreal on the Potomac" weekend, inviting all the dispossed in Montreal to join us. Washingtonians should empathize, and we can show more class than Minneapolis or Dallas (okay, they seemed to have moved Arlington to Texas as well!)

Yes, agreed, disgraceful. Kind of like a certain fight song...

"Scalp 'em, swamp 'em -- We will take 'em big score
Read 'em, weep 'em, touchdown - we want heap more"

Yes, the lyrics have been changed, but the tune itself is infuriatingly insensitive.

-----

That Altanta chop is disgraceful, and I get quite disturbed and disappointed in my fellow humans whenever I experience it.

I disagree; Minneapolis showed great class. Didn't they roll out the welcome mats when the Nats came here earlier in the month?

Oh wait, that's wrong. They rolled over like doormats...

-----

Washingtonians should empathize, and we can show more class than Minneapolis or Dallas (okay, they seemed to have moved Arlington to Texas as well!)

Great idea. I wasn't here when either of the Washington teams left but it would break my heart if this one left, and they haven't been here for three years yet. I can only imagine how painful it must have been for Expos fans.

---

natsagain offered: Les 'Spos - DC should do a "Montreal on the Potomac" weekend, inviting all the dispossed in Montreal to join us. Washingtonians should empathize, and we can show more class than Minneapolis or Dallas (okay, they seemed to have moved Arlington to Texas as well!)

... the sly Sect506 says "Gee, I thought I'd have you at "tuque". (grin)"

1/ ... This is Poutine:

The French Fries - The potatoes must be hand-cut and very fresh. Fast-food-type fries will not taste quite as good. Also, you must fry the potatoes in pure lard. Vegetable oil and other politically-correct oils spoil the unique taste.

The Gravy - French-Canadian gravy (also known as BBQ Chicken Gravy) is very different than American gravy. First of all, it is very dark and thick, like molasses. Secondly, it has a very flavourful taste which cannot be described...very much like pepper and vinegar and other 'magical' ingredients. If you can stand a spoon straight up in it, it's good! Make sure it's very, very hot!

The Cheese - The cheese is the most important part of good poutine. You must use FRESH white, cheddar cheese CURDS. These curds have a taste and texture very different than actual cheddar cheese. The cheese curds will actually squeak in your teeth as you bite them. While curds are available in most Canadian supermarkets, they are not found in many American markets (the closest thing in taste is Mozzarella String Cheese - but don't use this stuff!).

http://electron.mit.edu/~gsteele/poutine/ (The quality of the page is very poutine-esque.)

Don't confuse 'poutine' with the Acadian Poutine Râpée. Acadian poutine is a boiled ball of grated mashed potato with pork in the middle. Some people eat it with brown sugar. Despite what it sounds like, it's actually pretty good.

2/ ... And now on to Tuques:

A tuque (touque, toque) is a knitted woolen cap in the form of a cylindrical bag often with tapered ends that is worn with one end tucked into the other. In the United States, this type of hat is more commonly referred to by other names: knit hat or knit cap, sock cap or stocking cap, watch cap, (to)boggan, skull cap or sometimes as a ski cap.

http://www.montrealmirror.com/2005/112405/ws5.html

... then of course, there are The Tuques. http://www.thetuques.com/

and to combine the culinary and the millinery, there's the chef's toque

http://www.allheartchefs.com/cvtoque.html

p.s. Now I'm hungry again and I just ate lunch!

Never ceases to amaze me what one can learn on this site, even baseball stuff.

Jason Bay wears us out. The greatest Nat killer of all time: Wilson Betemit! Mercifully, the Grady Little doesn't know that and played him very little in the earlier series. Khalil Greene. Either one of the Jones Boys. Julio Franco, definitely. Aramis Ramirez.

Screeeech.... Veering back on topic (sort of). The Jason Bay reference brings to mind the original Angels in the Outfield, which natsfan1c and I watched last night on the off night. Let's hope that there aren't any playing behind the Bucs tonite, but perhaps the Nats could use a couple?

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Dancer13 said: Never ceases to amaze me what one can learn on this site, even baseball stuff.

and Dick said (in part): Jason Bay wears us out.

... while waiting for the line-ups to be delivered, I thought I'd contemplate on how I might spend my hours before the opening pitch, if I were around the park tonight.
First, I'd take a stroll to a nice restaurant where I'd enjoy a small Teahen for an appetizer. Then I'd order a nice plate of Hee Sop Choi, the Indonesian pork delicacy. They'd serve it with a side of Gorzelanny, and I'd have a glass or two of Zambrano to wash it all down, while a waiter wearing a Pettitte Garland would wander around playing his Youkilis. Just before leaving, I'd have a little Torrealba for dessert.
I would hope the weather would cooperate, not be all Fogg and Danks, so we could get the game in. The park announcers, Huff and Harang, would introduce the teams. The Nats would win of course and the evening would be complete.

... what would you do?

natscan, that's too funny!

Natscan,

You're out of my league!

BTW - What's a kilometer?

;-)

What would I do? Though I've read Milton, I'm still from Manassas, so I don't have the same sophistication as most of this blog. But I think I'd get some people together for a tailgate and to throw some balls around while we wait. You could all come, we'll make it potluck. We'll have the classic burgers and dogs, French Canadian delicacies, probably some shawarma from Masr, and - of course - Ava can bring real Texas ribs for Langerhans.

My husband and I lived in Europe for several years as metric-challenged newlyweds. I'll never forget the time I ordered up a kilo (or 2.2 US lbs) of frankfurters at the local butcher shop. It was just the two of us and we were eating those puppies for a looooong time!

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BrianH queries, with tongue in cheek: BTW - What's a kilometer? ;-)

Sect. 506, that sounds great! I think we need to have Barry ask Langy about Toronto ribs again :)

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What would I do? Though I've read Milton, I'm still from Manassas, so I don't have the same sophistication as most of this blog. But I think I'd get some people together for a tailgate and to throw some balls around while we wait. You could all come, we'll make it potluck. We'll have the classic burgers and dogs, French Canadian delicacies, probably some shawarma from Masr, and - of course - Ava can bring real Texas ribs for Langerhans.

I thought kilometer was what happened if a truck hit an Irish parking meter.

(Sorry, it's been a long week and I had to watch minor league baseball last night.)

Natsfan1a: "Wonder whether the Geico or the caveman would be our mascot? I think that I'd prefer the Aflac duck over either."

I kinda like the Gecko. The cavemen rock, though. Trouble is, they wouldn't do so well in caricature of the size you'd need for a good mascot. (I know we're just funnin', but stop and think a minute: the reason the cavemen are successful is that they are a caricature of a caricature of a human(oid) that we've never actually seen breathing in the flesh. Plus they're funny as hell.)

Same with the Aflac duck, sadly. Gets me knee-slappin', but blow it up big and it'd look like Screech.

That's okay, we'll give you another cup of coffee!

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Dancer13 offered: I thought kilometer was what happened if a truck hit an Irish parking meter.

(Sorry, it's been a long week and I had to watch minor league baseball last night.)

D'oh -- I meant to type Gecko, as you noted. Good point on the caveman/duck scale issues. It's good on paper but would probably not work on the field!

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Hendo speculated:

Natsfan1a: "Wonder whether the Geico or the caveman would be our mascot? I think that I'd prefer the Aflac duck over either."

I kinda like the Gecko. The cavemen rock, though. Trouble is, they wouldn't do so well in caricature of the size you'd need for a good mascot. (I know we're just funnin', but stop and think a minute: the reason the cavemen are successful is that they are a caricature of a caricature of a human(oid) that we've never actually seen breathing in the flesh. Plus they're funny as hell.)

Same with the Aflac duck, sadly. Gets me knee-slappin', but blow it up big and it'd look like Screech.

Vernon Wells didn't do anything last year but killed the Nats in '05 and again this year.

Re: http://post-gazette.com/pg/07180/798023-63.stm

Well, hell, let's just jump all over that one.

(Please, God, don't let Jim have a Red Bull.)

Definitely have to go with the Jones Boys from Atl. Still remember how they killed us in a Sept. 2005 series that brutally crushed any wild card hopes.