Barry:

I'd love some elaboration about Felipe's attitude issues... is he not happy with being in Washington, or frustrated with his performance, or something else? It would make a difference to me, were I the person making personnel decisions.

I'd love to see Guzman back for the end of the season...

As for Schneider and Flores, I know you can't keep them both for 2009, but couldn't you keep them both in 2008 (he asks, like they're stray puppies)? I would agree with the assessment (after yesterday's game) that FLores is a big-leaguer... I thought he did a really good job with Hanrahan, in addition to his performance at the plate. Playing in the minors doesn't seem like the right thing to do... but I really hate to see Schneider go.

Every time you look, Dmitri is 2-4... that's the road to the batting title...

Interesting matchup in the Atlanta - Mets game: Glavine vs. Smoltz.

One thing I gotta say--why wasn't Barry's article about last night's game on the front page? What is this, the Baltimore Sun? The Buchholz story is very interesting, but the Nats belong on the front page. Am I missing something?

ShawNatsFan - I can't tell you for sure what he ate for breakfast on 8/4/05, but I understand he usually eats pancakes.

I became interested in him early in 2005, researched him thoroughly and have a good memory.

Quick question for Barry or anyone:

While watching the pregame show, N. Johnson said that he would be doing a lot of water treadmill work in the off-season. Later, the statement was made that Zimmerman needed to strengthen his legs for the long season and would be doing quite a bit of work in the water.

I understand the value of running in water (resistance, etc.) but I have not heard of this being such an important part of a Major Leaguer's prep. When did this begin to be significant? Is it just fashion? Are the Nats among a minority of clubs using the technique or is it very widespread?

BTW, I'm not exactly new to baseball, I actually saw Joe Dimaggio play live, at Griffith Stadium. I've just never heard of this much emphasis.

406, haven't you been paying attention? The Post hates the Nationals. Note also how in his column this morning George Solomon says that the Nationals need to quit whining about parking and do more to market the team in the DC, MD and VA area. Funny, the only whining about parking I hear is coming from the Post (largely in the person of Mr. Boswell), not from the Nationals. All I hear when the Lerners or Kasten are asked about parking is that they're working hard to solve the problem. Doesn't sound like whining to me...

Woohoo, Z-man showing patience at the plate!

You can hang a star on that one...thanks Z.

Barry: Here's an idea for the Sunday baseball page: Do a "where are they now" breakdown on the legendary 37 pitchers the Nats had in spring training this year. That was one of the most notable things about the team going into the season, and as we now know, the pitching has worked out much better than expected. It would be fascinating to trace the fates of those 37, and use it as a hook to explore who on the Nats' staff has gotten so much out of that horde of pitchers (St. Claire obviously, but is there somebody in the front office who deserves credit, too, for running the staff and their care and feeding? Rijo? Bowden?).

Anyway, it would be a very interesting post mortem (er, Post mortem) on how the season played out.

I personally like the idea of the "Where are the (infamous) 37 now?"

Would Schneider really have any suitors? I could see the Yankees being interested if they (somehow) lose Posada, but I really dont see that happening anyways. Maybe the Mets after LoDuca?

BTW Barry, how was Kids run the Show day??? - and jpsfanandproudofit, are you realllly John Patterson? It sure seems like it...would be cool if it was.

Man, what a great game. Chico comes back and puts what he has learned into practice, pitching his best game of his career. And Zimmerman...ah, Z-man, what can we say other than we love you.

Also, gotta love Randy St. Clair. I think he has really increased his stock with how he's handled the staff this year.

What a nice Saturday-Sunday 24 hours of games.

From the previous post... I saw it from 430, it happend just as you describe (although I don't know if I'd call it "a few thousand"... maybe ONE thousand at the most). I was disappointed.

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according to... the nats320 blog, Bonds got a standing O from a few thousand fans in the seats surrounding left field... and Bonds even doffed his cap to them in response... Did anyone else see this?

Posted by: Section 419

Wow, what a great game... one of the best games I've been to in a while (esp considering the last homestand was a complete disaster)... great pitching, good defense, and a walk off hit in the bottom of the 9th for the Nats. What more can you ask for?

tied with the smarlins...we haven't lost a game all month???

Andrew S Read my post under "The Patterson Question".

That was a fun game to go to. A couple of observations:

1. It was great to see Chico attack the hitters. He had one little hiccup period in the 4th and 5th, but basically threw a lot of first pitch strikes.

2. I know some people don't think the Chief ought to be the closer, but I just love his attitude. He's bounced back well. Today Aurilia stuck his bat out and rolled a ball right down the RF line - a bad break that could have buried some guys with less guts. Ortmeier then battled him but he still got the K.

3. It's been a long time since the Hook had game where he seemed so uncomfortable at the plate. Zito had him tied up with breaking pitches.

4. Don't look know but Nook is growing on me. I like the way he played CF today. I still think he's better at the bottom of the order.

5. Wily Mo showed the famine part of his "feats or famine" approach to hitting. It looked like he couldn't hit a slider with a tennis racket today.

6. Zim is clutch.

On Barry's post:

1. Both Flores and Schneider need to play next year. They should have a 60/40 split with the majority to Schneider. It should slowly migrate to Jesus over the next couple of years. In terms of total money being paid to one position, they are certainly within budget and are both valuable in their own way. Jesus won't be expensive for at least another two years.

2. I don't get how Felipe's attitude is a surprise. Didn't JimBo know him before in Cincy? I'd see it as a great move if they non-tendered him. I feel the same way about Kearns although at least he seems to play hard. I just think he's either uncoachable or has no physical aptitude for change.

Don't forget that toast of the town Jack Kent Nook! We've already got a Logan Circle in his honor! Without that triple, well, no piZZZZZZZZZAAZZZZZ! Congratulations to the Nats,on their way to 85-77!

Another funny radio moment. Did anyone hear Charlie last night say that he he saw Dave's head bending down and thought, "Well, he's nodded off - we've lost Dave for the night!" Turns out Dave had to look down to check on the no-hitter. Dave must know Clay Buchholz from Pawtucket.

I don't know about his attitude - Felipe seems stoic. But wasn't that him doubling against that flamethrower and then sliding in for the winning run? Sabre-ites - how many victories has Felipe been essential to? A Great Big Capitol Thank You to Mr. Lopez! Wht a game!

Thanks for the comment on Lopez, Barry!

I for one got sick of his attitude and play a long time ago. While I would have been shocked if real baseball people did not take notice it is nice to hear. I can not see Nats keeping him next year. He is the type of player that can kill a team's chemistry. Everyone has to care to build a winner and Lopez does not.

I noticed that too, except my problem was that Michigan losing yesterday made the front sports page and the home baseball team breaking a 7-game losting streak did not. Sigh.

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why wasn't Barry's article about last night's game on the front page? What is this, the Baltimore Sun? The Buchholz story is very interesting, but the Nats belong on the front page. Am I missing something?

Posted by: Section 406

Please, anyone comment on my question about water conditioning...Barry...

I'm beginning to agree with #4 about the Schneider / Flores situation. I was originally convinced that the best thing that the Nats could do was option Flores to AA, pick up a solid "offensive" catcher to back up Schneider and wait 'til 09 or even 10 to make Flores your full time catcher. Now, I'm not so sure. A 60 / 40 split seems to be a good idea. I don't think that the young pitchers really need time to work with Flores in the minors, since they seem to be progressing at a good pace without their "regular major league" catcher. This would also give Schneider an extra two or even three years behind the plate in the majors. Don't forget that catchers take a real physical beating and can seldom maintain a high level career past 6 or 8 years as a first stringer. Keep the two. Flores learns for one more year, getting probably 60 - 70 games. Flip it in 09. By 2010, you have two able bodied catchers, both of whom the pitchers have confidence in.

catcher50 - Honor to talk to a dude who saw DiMaggio. Water is good for resistance without impact to inflamed joints, like Nick's hip. No shin splints, either, which took Colome out of his most recent appearance. More intensity and longer workouts without over-stressing joints.

Great post #4. Love the "feats or famine" line on WMP, true and true. Chico matched Zito today and deserved a (curly) W for some terrific work. There were major boos for Bonds in 202 today despite the presence of a handful of SF fans; nice job by Rivera getting the groundout. I've been "no" on Nook for months but count me in the "maybe" category after watching him today, that dude covers a lot of ground, whether it's in CF or on the bases. And what can you say about Z other than, the man does it on the big stage. Great game; five more Ws in a row to go.

One more thing -- Manny said after the game that the Nats are a "construction site" such that one or more of the pennant contenders that are coming in "in bare feet" ("in in, I did it again) are "going to get hurt." I'm not sure about the quality of this analogy but maybe we can improve upon it here, if anybody is interested! Back later.

Catcher50-

Underwater treadmill work is great as you get resistance in every direction because of the water, but because you weight less in water there is less where and tear on the joints.

You start with the water very high (like up to the chest or shoulders), then over a period of time (like a month or two) you lower the water a little bit each time. More water, less body weight....less water, more body weight.

Makes the transition from no running to har running a little easier.

jpsfan - What did you mean by "...If you knew me you would know how laughable that is.?"

Whoever you are, you do make good points, but I do think, for whatever reason, you are a liiiiitttttllllle bit biased.

I think we'd all be fans of him if he did make those 32-35 starts.

For those who responded to my water question, as I thought I said, I understand the theory behind those workouts. Actually, I've made use of those workouts, myself.

What I want to know is how long have baseball players been using them, whether they are used throughout the majors, and whether the Nats are on the leading edge of conditioning, recovery.

I dont know how long its been used in MLB, but I know its been around for awhile...they probably arent the first baseball players to try them.

Schneider/Flores next year will be a great platoon. Flores needs guidance and time to develop and Schneider can still play and is a good mentor. Beginning of the season Schneider plays most of the games, but gradually increase Flores' playing time so that in 2009 they're a true platoon.

A few months ago I was begging Bowden to cut Logan. But now, I think he could be an asset in the future as a fourth/fifth outfielder and pinch runner. Opposite for Lopez. I really want to cheer him on and see him get through this rough patch, but he doesn't seem to care and I can't get past that lack of desire.

Thank you Ryan Zimmerman for validating my not only my faith in the Nats but my eternal optimism for our pennant chances in 2008.

Wow, it's been a while since I got back from the park, but then Labor Day weekend duties called...

From the stands, Chico really had good stuff, good command, and went after hitters (not the old Chico for sure). One thing I didn't see here, in trying to catch up -- I thought a couple of those warning track balls were HRs elsewhere (in fairness, for both teams, but seems like WMP had 2 and Nook had 1-2 balls that were likely out anyplace except AT&T or Petco.

I love Chico and the way he's battled all year, but I wonder what the same pitched game would be like in the new park.

Finally, Guzman's return in September? Maybe I'm a little daft here, but wouldn't he be better off with a little time in fall or winter league rather than trying to get back in the groove during the regular season? He's been out for a while and there's nothing to gain from his PT except putting some pressure on FLop (which is not irrelevant) during the offseason.

A very interesting podcast from game 3 of the Frisco series. Barry notes how Zimm has a knack of hitting walk offs on holidays. The holidays I'm waiting for that to happen on are columbus day and halloween, and we know which month they fall in, don't we.

I just cannot understand why there still seems to be such resistance to Nook Logan around here. I think he's the most exciting National to watch, by far. His diving catch yesterday was typically spectacular. Nevermind his triple.

For those who think that Nook is just "hot" or "lucky" recently, his CAREER average hitting right handed is .292. That's better than Rowand (.285), Hunter (.272), Andruw Jones (.263), and Beltran (.281).

Now comes this news from the Post: when it comes to hitting with two men out and runners in scoring position, Nook leads the ENTIRE National League at .455. Who would believe it given all the grudging skepticism?

Nook has a calm, laid-back attitude when he's giving interviews or just throwing before the start of an inning. So he can give the appearance of not caring, even though he generally hustles when it counts. Is this the source of the perception problem? I don't know, but whatever it is, folks, it's time to stop questioning Nook and to start appreciating what we've got.

Nook is not a flook!

About Nook...

I was as down on him as anybody in the first half of the year. However, maybe his ditching the switch hitting has truly enabled him to turn a corner. At this point, I'm more interested in seeing him in CF for a full season than over paying for an Jones or Hunter in this year's free agent market.

I would think that if Lopez -- or anyone else -- has an attitude problem it would stick out like two sore thumbs on this ball club. In years past, I've seen some miserable excuses for big league ball games between noncontenders in September but this team continues to play like winning means something to them. Maybe my memory is failing, but I can't remember ever seeing a player on a club at the bottom swamped by his teammates after a game-winning hit against another last place team.
I'll be interested to see what Barry has to say about Felipe's attitude. Just like in real life, not everybody is a perfect fit in every situation. Lopez might be an OK guy who's simply not constructed for playing on a team working its way up from the bottom.
I'm a big Flores fan but I'm not ready to throw Schneider under the bus. It's one thing to play occasionally and see pitches you can drive and quite another to play every day and be taken seriously by the opposition.
The Nationals lucked out big time on getting a Rule 5 guy that could help the team and I have very high hopes for Jesus. But that doesn't mean he's ready to step in full time, especially with the young and inexperienced pitching staff the club will have next year.
And, yes, I was way up in section 534 with my grandson Saturday night and we got to see Bonds tip his cap when he came out to his position in the first inning. I told the kid that was far rarer than seeing him hit a home run, especially on the road, especially this year.

I would now like to agree with Natsfan07 and Nats fan in NJ...and say that Nook should now be taken seriously as the CF option in 08. His speed is a serious threat both on the bases and in centerfield, and his hitting has improved. I can see him as being a great help to our corner outfielders next year in the new somewhat smaller park. His range will help make up for there lack of same. Yes, I was previously in the group that wanted to be rid of him, but his play of late has made me re-think that. The more experience he gets in center, the better he'll be. Also, since batting only right handed, he has been able to concentrate at the plate better, and not be worried about switch hitting, which apparently had distracted him quite a bit. Why look elsewhere when the solution might already be on hand?

Big issue with Logan in center has been seeing balls fall between him and corner OF's (especially LF's). Does he not call loudly enough? Actors learn to make themselves heard--could he?

Dear Matt Chico,
I've missed you. Welcome back.

What you're missing: " 'Dog Bites Man' = Not news. "Man Bites Dog' = News. But
'Local Dog Mauls Man' could be news if there are good photos.

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I noticed that too, except my problem was that Michigan losing yesterday made the front sports page and the home baseball team breaking a 7-game losting streak did not. Sigh.
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why wasn't Barry's article about last night's game on the front page? What is this, the Baltimore Sun? The Buchholz story is very interesting, but the Nats belong on the front page. Am I missing something?
Posted by: Section 406
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Posted by: Matt | September 2, 2007 06:18 PM

Nice to read about Z-man doin' his thing, even from a distance! :-)

New post is up. Very nice day out here.

- What's wrong with having depth?

- What's wrong with having Guzman, Lopez, and Belliard in the middle, especially since Belliard seems to be sagging as the season goes on, and as he plays regularly?

- What possibly is wrong with having two capable catchers? What position is more valuable, and what position player is more likely to get nipped, thmped, and clobbered by foul balls?

All this year, we have seen the Nats be lucky when they could field eight competent major-league players. Langerhans and Fick?????

I don't know what Acta would do with Johnson and Young -- D Young has a pot belly that I rarely see, and I used to watch David Wells -- but what's wrong with having depth?

When Columbus starts to fill with prospects, lets talk again, but until then I just think of every game in which Langerhans and Fick started, or came out to pinch-hit.