Barry would have put this lineup at the end of the last post.

Barry also bought us all ice cream on homestands. I think Barry loved us more than you do, Chico.

would have preferred to sit Kearns and start Harris (man, that's a sentence I never thought I'd utter in my lifetime).

At the very least, should flip Kearns and Flores in the lineup. Kearns needs to start proving that he should bat higher than 8th ...

Ice cream?

Barry was throwing down on the $8 brews for The Constituency...c'mon Chico, can't get shown up by the has-been. This is like Eddie Harris coming out blowing smoke while Rick Vaughn could only muster up Cordero-type velocity.

estuartj

By my math, and since NJ hasn't yet be formally disabled, it does look as if the Nats are playing a man short. Maybe the team will make a one-day recall to make the roster whole.

e -I hope this game heals what ails you.

And it was in those little Nats helmets, too, not those of any other teams (for those of us who didn't want dingers). :)

---

Barry also bought us all ice cream on homestands. I think Barry loved us more than you do, Chico.

maybe manny should have hit mackowiak after boone, the way the rest of the lineup has been foundering.

Not to fan the previous flames of bullpen overuse, but I have a question that I'd like the opinions of the learned NJers.

For relievers, which is a more telling stat, number of appearances or number of innings pitched?

So far this year, Ayala is #1 in the NL and Rivera tied for #2 in total number of appearances. But as for innings pitched, Rivera is #5 and Ayala #12 (Hanrahan is tied for #10). I'm just trying to figure out if I should be more concerned with Rivera averaging more than an inning per appearance, or Ayala for pitching in more games (averaging less than an inning per appearance).

I'm going to massage e's ego by giving him for calling this before it was announced.

Now if he can only get someone to massage his neck...

-----

Dmitri went 1-3 with a double and a walk last night in his second rehab game in Harrisburg. No errors at first base, either. I sense he'll be recalled later today or tomorrow with Nick going on the DL. DY and Boone will platoon at first for the next 2 weeks.

e - I'd say number of appearances as that gives some reflection of how many times he's been up & throwing in the bullpen, too. Can't ignore either, of course.

why does Kearns still start? and what more does Schroder have to do to stay on this team? Schroder has done nothing put make quality releif appearances for this team, but he gets shuffled back and forth, while Colome and Hanrahan are seemingly bulletproof.

is this team interested in winning? why are the players who produce getting punished, while the players who don't produce are getting rewarded?

Seems to me the move should have been to DL NJ to make room for JB and then option Schroder to make room for DY.

Does anyone know if there are time constraints on how long before a game you need to formally "activate" a player?

I would think the most useful stat (if I have to have just one) would be number of pitches per inning. It would tell you if they were laboring and wearing themselves out (or dealing with a lot of base runners) or if they were breezing through appearances. After all, is it really a big deal if a reliever plays 5 days a week, but only throws 4 pitches each time?

e,

Good question. Both are important but, I think number of appearances would be the more important figure. It would show how many days he gets to rest the arm or not rest, as the case may be.

I want to see Chico (the writer, not the pitcher) do the line-ups in six words.

"what more does Schroder have to do to stay on this team? Schroder has done nothing put make quality releif appearances for this team, but he gets shuffled back and forth, while Colome and Hanrahan are seemingly bulletproof."

Schroder needs to complete this season with the Nationals. Then he will be out of options and Colome and Hanrahan will be booted before he will be.

Don't think that the second JimBo hears a decent deal for either one of those two that they won't be gone.

Although if the pitcher could do it that would be cool too!
___________
I want to see Chico (the writer, not the pitcher) do the line-ups in six words.

Posted by: lowcountry | May 15, 2008 12:59 PM

e
It depends on how many games and how many times a game a reliever is asked to warm up whether or not he makes an appearance. Frank used to have some of his pitchers (see: Majewski, Gary) pitch the equivalent of multiple innings because he would get the guy up more than once. I understand that the Nats limited offense makes for tighter games and more relief appearances, but I think it takes more of a toll to warm up once or twice and never get in the game.

Thanks to 114 for this. I was trying to run comparables on the MLB site and could not get inherited runners allowed. So Gordon Edes' in the Globe says that Okajima, who gave up the Grand Slam in OPACY last night, is the worst reliever in the majors at 78.6% for inherited runners allowed to score.

For the Nats:

Rauch: 9 IR, 3 Scored 33.3%
Colome: 10 IR, 7 Scored 70%
Ayala: 4 IR, 1 Scored 25%
Schroder: 2 IR, 0 Scored 0%
Hanrahan: 11 IR, 7 Scored 63.7%
Rivera: 14 IR, 4 Scored 28.5%

***************************************
Inherited Runners are available at ESPN, look up the player, then click on Stats and go down to Miscellaneous Pitching.

For Rauch, he's Inherited Runners 9 and allowed 3 to Score.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/stats?playerId=4572

Colome: 10 IR, 7 Scored
Ayala: 4 IR, 1 Scored
Schroder: 2 IR, 0 Scored
Hanrahan: 11 IR, 7 Scored
Rivera: 14 IR, 4 Scored

Posted by: Sec 114, Row E | May 15, 2008 12:37 PM

I agree 506 BM. Schroder is obviously not a JimBo favorite. Looking at the Inherited Runners stats above suggests that perhaps it might be worth while to send either Colome or Hanrahan down (or at least see if they'd pass through waivers).

"I want to see Chico (the writer, not the pitcher) do the line-ups in six words."

Nats lineup: Same sh*t, different day.

Not quite in total agreement, lowcountry, because I think Schroder IS a Bowden favorite, which is why when some pitcher gets a call up, it's always him.

I understand not wanting Colome or Hanrahan to be lost, since if they got it together they'd be valuable, or - better - they could be traded to another speculative GM able to take a chance. The thing about the waiver wire is that it's secret, so JimBo may have already stuck them on there and we wouldn't know until he said something, someone claimed them and the Nats agreed, or they cleared. It takes 10 days to clear.

I think Colome is not worth keeping. Last year's flash was just a flash. Thanks for the memories, Everyday Colome.

Best part of following the game online: no need to watch Pelfrey's mouth-guard antics!

You called it, Chris:
**********************************
Don't just google NJ + injury.

google NJ + wrist injury.

He missed an entire season in the minors with some vague soft-tissue injury in his wrist.

Posted by: Chris | May 14, 2008 6:50 PM

Number of appearances is more important than #of pitches or innings. MLB relievers as a rule of thumb throw as many pitches in warmup as they expect to throw in the game.

This is all hit or miss though since each guy's arm is unique and requires individual treatment.

Regarding Schroder, I don't blame them for bouncing him around vs risk losing 2 young and (potentially) valuable arms in Hanrahan and Colome.

I doubt anyone is inquiring about trading for either though since the other team has to figure they'll get their chance via waivers before long.

Opponents' lineup: Who ARE these guys?

Condolences on your grandmother, Bob L. It helps to remember her in favorite contexts - baking cakes, binding wounds, holidays, and happy times so you can pass the torch of her story to your daughters, who will pass it to their kids, believe it or not. I see this happening with my grandkids, and the ancestor's stories (and recipes) are real family treasures. My brother can make my mom's biscuits, cakes and giblet gravy. Going to his house is like getting in a time machine.

Would Nick have put out Castillo on that bunt? I'm at work and confined to radio. I don't think Nick would've struck out quite as quickly as Aaron Boone, but the game is yet young.

Every time Austin Kearns comes up, my friends and I bet whether he'll A) strike out B) pop out or C) hit a weak infield grounder. I don't think he's done anything other than the above during his plate appearances lately.

Colome's 30. I remember 30.

CiL, ABM - I agree I see no evidence that the hamate is bothering Zimmerman, but since someone asked, I thought I'd just summarize some of the stuff from last fall.

To my eye, he's driving the ball OK. I don't see him shaking his hand or flexing his fist when he does not hit a ball squarely. Hamates should not affect putting the ball in play, just driving it.

There - a whole post without one Stat!

Hoping for a bizarro performance...Kearns stinks at hitting

when is kearns going to learn that nearly everytime he raises his arms as if a pitch is too far inside the umpire calls it a strike?

Has anyone pointed out Kearns' career BABIP? It's .304, last season it was .299, and right now it's .219.

He's just been unlucky. The balls will land in the good spots soon enough.

According to Charlie, Pelfrey is no longer wearing the mouth guard. Apparently he was giving away pitches; he would chomp down on fastballs but do nothing on breaking pitches.

-----

Best part of following the game online: no need to watch Pelfrey's mouth-guard antics!

Colome, 30 as of December
Hanrahan, 27 in October (cuz we'll be there...)
Schroder, 30 in August

Is it asking too much that pitchers be able to sacrifice? Not just last night with Redding forcing the lead runner and Bergmann striking out just now. They seem to fail to successfully sacrifice on a regular basis.

If you guys need a sub-par 1st baseman to make up for the loss of your sub-par 1st baseman we can trade you Kevin Millar or Aubrey Huff. All we ask for is Zimmerman in return.

What's his career BABIP for dribbler ground balls? He's not unlucky, he just can't hit the ball.
* * * * *
Has anyone pointed out Kearns' career BABIP? It's .304, last season it was .299, and right now it's .219.

He's just been unlucky. The balls will land in the good spots soon enough.

Posted by: Stop hating Kearns | May 15, 2008 1:42 PM

No, thanks, O's Exec, we already have two other sub-par first basemen.

Who is a great first baseman? I would bet that Nick Johnson is one of the best in the game, actually, since first base is the place to dump a good hitter/bad fielder.

thought wily mo pena played LF for the nats, not RF.

Dave: "An absolute can of corn dropped by Austin Kearns for an error."

Blech.

Kearns is absolutely killing me!

The way Kearn's is crushing the ball, he doesn't need to play good defense . . .

I liked this movie better the last time I saw it, when it was called Felipe Lopez.

Seriously, did Austin's wife pose for FHM or something? 'Cause this is looking awfully familiar.

how about calling him "can of corn" kearns?

Anyone want some corn on the cob instead of canned corn off the shelf?

Works for me!

By the way, when I said in March I smelled a big year for Kearns, I meant he was going to stink up the place.

-----

how about calling him "can of corn" kearns?

I have to follow on CBSSports.com because of work settings and every now and then I check word from their "Gloggers" which are always written from a Mets perspective. Here's an amusing comment:

"You can hear the high pitch constant chatter of the 18,000+ children enjoying the festivities today. Even the youngsters let Pelfrey have it as he issues his second walk of the inning."

You might be right about Schroder and JimBo, 506BM. I don't remember all the circumstances coming out of spring training. But I think that an argument could be made that he ALWAYS gets called up because he should be up - I think that he has at least earned the chance. And yes, I we can find a taker for Colome . . . I hesitate to say it but it seem the flash in the pan has become more of a pain in the . . .

On another note - Yes, I was the one yesterday who called Kearns a starting major league outfielder. Go ahead and send forth the well-deserved abuse.

So far today, it's an error, a weak infield groudout and a strikeout for Kearns. Sheesh.

The word you're looking for, lowcountry, is "lower, right, soft-tissue extremity"

Two walks for Flores.

In the words of the idiot Cubs fan sitting behind me a few weeks ago, "They're scared of him!"

Don't forget catching a big line out to help Bergmann out of the mess that he caused, BSG. He should be hiding in the locker room today, but let's at least make sure we have the full picture.

Also, I think it's hilarious the Mets fans are booing Pelfrey for the walks. He's got a no-hitter going through five.

no hitter no hitter no hitter no hitter no hitter no hitter no hitter no hitter no hitter no hitter no hitter no hitter no hitter no hitter no hitter no hitter no hitter no hitter no hitter no hitter no hitter no hitter no hitter no hitter

now HIT.

That would be it 506BM.
__________________
The word you're looking for, lowcountry, is "lower, right, soft-tissue extremity"

Posted by: Section 506 (Before moving) | May 15, 2008 2:13 PM

I like what Bergmann is bringing to the table today. I like it a lot.

It's only been 4.2, Jason. I'm crossing my fingers, though.

OMAR! Call me about the Guzzie-Reyes trade, did you see him strike out?

This isn't the official CBS Glogger, this is one of the "Superstar Gloggers" fans who have somehow earned the right to comment:

"put Tatis in for our mediocre shortstop (Yes, I said it)"

That was such a big walk that Flores drew, now we got the top of the order coming up, its time to string together a couple of hits!

506...sorry I missed that liner he grabbed. I'm stuck at work today and listening via XM and I've been running around and haven't caught the entire game. I'll admit I've been harsh on Kearns and I know he's better than what he's shown lately, but I really hope he'll come around one of these days...

the Mets are swinging at really terrible pitches...

Why oh why can't the Mets be owned and operated by their fans?

-----

"put Tatis in for our mediocre shortstop (Yes, I said it)"

Jesus... Pelfrey is really dealing out there, Zimmerman looked awful that AB.

I think, BSG, that Kearns is mentally gone. He's lost at the plate and the one thing we know he does well, no matter the park, is prowl around right field. I'm throwing myself in "the Ilk" of those who want him to have a 48-hour. He needs a reboot.

please check out my new website:
www.firelennyharris.com

For Bob Carpenter's practice and Chico's (writer, not pitcher) 6-word headline:

"Kearns coughs up can of corn"

Now, let's all tell everyone we know that Pelfrey has a no-hitter going through 6!

Woohoo, Bergie!

Welcome back!

YAY, JASON BERGMANN!!!! That's a quality start and a quality one, at that. Welcome back, friend!

Woohoo! It only took 6+ innings, but we got a hit!

i'm up!

Oh, thank you, Aaron Boone. Words I never thought I'd say.

Holy nick of time batman! A hit!

Why is Flores still hitting 8th??

When I said last night that we should back up comments with stats, I certainly did not mean that every comment or opinion should be supported by numbers. All I meant was that reasoned arguments are more interesting than shouting matches.

Having said that, I did appreciate the BABIP numbers from Stop Hating Kearns. Look, at this point we all have to admit that he's not producing. On the other hand, I don't think it's time to throw him on the scrap heap, or to trade him when his value is this low. A few days off, a massage, yes. DFA? That's silly. We have to hope for regression to the mean. If he's going to reach his career average of .262 this year, he's going to have to hit about .282 the rest of the way. Can he do that? Well, last year he went .285/.390/.461 after the break. I'd like to see that again. For the moment, though, I'm calling him Can 'o Kearns.

Also, it seems that O's Exec is a closet Zimmerman fan.

C'mon Can 'o Kearns!

Can someone explain what just happened to the Mets in the 8th. Hard to tell from the computer.

Mets 8th: Reyes if single, castillo bunts into DP, Wright pops out.

Thanks. Nice to see other teams botching fundamentals!

nelson, thanks. love from softball girls.

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