Re: Official Orioles and Nationals Thread 2012
 

Time off definitely would have been better for the kid, but I'm not going to be pissed. Glad Desmond decided to skip being he has that nagging oblique injury.

[QUOTE=mooby;923828]So Harper makes the ASG as a replacement for Stanton. Anybody suprised? I might be in the minority amongst fellow Nats fans here, but I think the time off with his family might have served him better. Sure it's exciting that a 19 year old position player that plays for my favorite team is making it (youngest ever position player in history!) but I think this move is more about the hype than the "crazy" stats he's putting up. I'll still be watching but I agree more with Davey Johnson than I do with all my fellow fans that are stoked to see him become an All-Star at 19.[/QUOTE]

I'm with you too

Re: Official Orioles and Nationals Thread 2012
 

I'd rather Strasburg be home resting than Harper. But either way, hopefully this is the first of many for both

Re: Official Orioles and Nationals Thread 2012
 

Halfway point and the Nats have the best record in the NL. Amazing. My Mets and Braves will hopefully catch up. Davey Johnson is doing an amazing job and the fact Zim, Werth and Morse havent really done anything or been healthy is crazy. I think the "quiet" difference makers on this team Desmond with the bat, Espinosa with his defense, and Edwin Jackson. Jackson is an innings eater and imo always an underrated pitcher. I thought that was a great move behind the brillant Gio move in the offseason.

Question, do you shut down Stausburg if your in first place come September? I dont see how you can.

Final thought on the first half, Andrew McCutchen is the MVP and best player in baseball right now. Just think of the attention if he played in a major market, but ya hear nothing about the guy. He is the man.

Re: Official Orioles and Nationals Thread 2012
 

If it were me I probably would have skipped a couple of Strasburg's starts. Like maybe during interleague play

Re: Official Orioles and Nationals Thread 2012
 

[url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nationals/nationals-should-take-no-chances-with-stephen-strasburgs-innings-limit/2012/07/05/gJQAbS6TQW_story_1.html]Nationals should take no chances with Stephen Strasburg’s innings limit - The Washington Post[/url]

I say skip starts and see how far they can get. Winning the pennant doesnt happen every year

Re: Official Orioles and Nationals Thread 2012
 

[url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/nationals-journal/post/ozzie-guillen-calls-bryce-harper-unprofessional-after-pine-tar-spat/2012/07/15/gJQAFKT2mW_blog.html]Ozzie Guillen calls Bryce Harper ‘unprofessional’ after pine tar spat - Nationals Journal - The Washington Post[/url]

Zumbrano is pitching tonight, whats the chances Bryce gets hit?

Re: Official Orioles and Nationals Thread 2012
 

[quote=dmek25;908683]lucky to win 100 games between both teams. and nice pic grillz[/quote]

July 18

Re: Official Orioles and Nationals Thread 2012
 

[quote=SmootSmack;925338]July 18[/quote]Haha, for some reason I was recently thinking about this post as well. I still don't know if it will last but this has been one exciting summer!

My dad and I always get the 5 game mini plan at the beginning of the season, but this year we also decided to spring for the [URL="http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/was/ticketing/midseason.jsp"]3 game mid-season plan[/URL].
It's a pretty good deal: 3 tickets (tix have to be for 1 game in July, 1 in August, & 1 in Sept/Oct) plus a voucher for a hat at the team store. We didn't even realize until we got everything in the mail that you actually get one voucher per ticket instead of just one for the whole transaction.
For the past few seasons we've been avoiding philly games because of their annoying fans, but this time around we purposely picked one. Should be a blast!

What a comeback by Atlanta wow

Re: Official Orioles and Nationals Thread 2012
 

[quote=skinsfaninok;925752]What a comeback by Atlanta wow[/quote]

Yeah I was able to catch the part where they went up by 9, and then blew the comeback, but I had to leave before the Braves went ahead in the 11th. The best thing they can do is just forget about it and come back and play hard the next day. I've been watching this first doubleheader and they're not doing too bad, although they're not stringing together consecutive hits.

[QUOTE=mooby;925793]Yeah I was able to catch the part where they went up by 9, and then blew the comeback, but I had to leave before the Braves went ahead in the 11th. The best thing they can do is just forget about it and come back and play hard the next day. I've been watching this first doubleheader and they're not doing too bad, although they're not stringing together consecutive hits.[/QUOTE]

Well I'm not a huge baseball fan and I don't want to come off as a bandwagon fan but I definitely like watching the Nats play. Very good young team

Re: Official Orioles and Nationals Thread 2012
 

Zimmerman is on FIRE!!!! He just blasted his second HR of the day on a pitch that sort of jammed him; he just flat out muscled the ball over the fence.

I was at the second game yesterday and the atmosphere there was great. This team seriously reminds me of the Caps from a few seasons ago. For any one in the area that either hasn't been to a Nats' game or hasn't been in awhile all I can say is get to a game!

Re: Official Orioles and Nationals Thread 2012
 

Zimm's been helping my fantasy team for sure.


Drew Storen is back now too, not closing yet but that should be soon.

Re: Official Orioles and Nationals Thread 2012
 

[url=http://espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/story/_/id/8200313/bryce-harper-stephen-strasburg-bring-back-memories-former-new-york-mets-manager-davey-johnson]Bryce Harper and Stephen Strasburg bring back memories for former New York Mets manager Davey Johnson - ESPN New York[/url]

Re: Official Orioles and Nationals Thread 2012
 

[url=http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=23358021&source=MLB]Baseball Video Highlights & Clips | Nats bullpen reads Fifty Shades of Grey - Video | MLB.com: Multimedia[/url]

Re: Official Orioles and Nationals Thread 2012
 

Nats are starting to make this look pretty easy. No way my Braves or Mets catch'm.

Re: Official Orioles and Nationals Thread 2012
 

[quote=DynamiteRave;926806][url=http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=23358021&source=MLB]Baseball Video Highlights & Clips | Nats bullpen reads Fifty Shades of Grey - Video | MLB.com: Multimedia[/url][/quote]I don't think I could love this team any more. The simultaneous no-look page turn is amazing.

Re: Official Orioles and Nationals Thread 2012
 

[quote=Chico23231;926841]Nats are starting to make this look pretty easy. No way my Braves or Mets catch'm.[/quote]

Until they shut Strasburg down before the playoffs.

I can't believe they're still claiming to holding to the innings cap for him.

Yes, you're risking his arm but you do that every time he picks up a ball.

They might never get another chance at a run like this. Philadelphia's having a disaster year and could be back next year. They're the best team in the NL, tied for best with the Yanks in the majors.

If I were manager, I'd limit Strasburg NOW. Make him a Sunday-only starter, or just let him pitch at home...just save his arm for the playoffs that they seem to be a lock for. They'll need him more in October than Tuesdays in August against the Padres and Cubs.

If they stubbornly and stupidly hold to the innings cap and shut him down at year-end, it will be the biggest managerial blunder I can ever remember if they don't win it all.

There's no guarantee they can make this run again. Players get hurt, players move on to other teams who offer more money.

Strasburg might win a World Series in a few years as a Yankee. They'll regret resting his arm for another team.

Bryce Harper plays hard...he might snap his leg running over a catcher and never be the same again. Zimemrman has been injury-prone.

Win now, Nats.

I'm not a Nats fan but I do like this team's talent and are pulling for them as my NL team...at least until my White Sox beat them in the WS.

Re: Official Orioles and Nationals Thread 2012
 

Rizzo has recently backed off the 160-165 inning limit, just saying that there is a limit.

Keep in mind also, pitching rotations are 3-4 deep during the playoffs

Re: Official Orioles and Nationals Thread 2012
 

That's the problem, he's stating there's stlll a limit but isn't doing anything to extend the season at this point for Strasburg.

There should be no limit this season. Go for it all.

I doubt they'll be stupid enough to limit him in the postseason, but who knows.

Natadors are laying it on pretty thick in SF. 14-0 in the bottom of the 5th?

Re: Official Orioles and Nationals Thread 2012
 

Heard this morning that the Nats have the best run differential in the Majors...they're +108 runs on their opponents.

Amazing season. Who knew it would happen so soon?


I'd love to see the Nats and Pirates in the NL Championship.

Re: Official Orioles and Nationals Thread 2012
 

[url=http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/highschool-prep-rally/top-mlb-draft-pick-lucas-giolito-may-face-172720068.html]Top MLB draft pick Lucas Giolito is shut down after just two innings of pro action | Prep Rally - Yahoo! Sports[/url]

What the hell were they thinking? Why would you draft a pitching prospect who already has major health concerns? Really? It's inevitable that it's not going to end well.

Re: Official Orioles and Nationals Thread 2012
 

[quote=NC_Skins;933300][url=http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/highschool-prep-rally/top-mlb-draft-pick-lucas-giolito-may-face-172720068.html]Top MLB draft pick Lucas Giolito is shut down after just two innings of pro action | Prep Rally - Yahoo! Sports[/url]

What the hell were they thinking? Why would you draft a pitching prospect who already has major health concerns? Really? It's inevitable that it's not going to end well.[/quote]

Wanted to keep the tradition alive on TJ surgery pitchers. JZ, Stras, Giolito...

Seriously though, they knew there were concerns but that's why he was available when he was. He's young, worth the risk in my opinion.

Re: Official Orioles and Nationals Thread 2012
 

That kid sounds like the LaRon Landry of baseball.

Monster potential and scary to face on the field...when he's actually on it.
[QUOTE]
"After just two innings of work for the Nationals' Gulf Coast League short-season A affiliate, Giolito was pulled from a game because of a significant decrease in his velocity."
[/QUOTE]First pitch of the game, 103 MPH. 2nd Inning he's throwing 68 MPH...manager: "I think we have a problem."

[I]*not actual numbers, made them up.




[/I]Smoot's right though, this kind of talent is worth the risk. Maybe he'll get his arm fixed and come back throwing 97-98 instead of over 100 but still be lights out. A lot of pitchers are coming back from TJ to be better, more durable pitchers than before the injury.

Re: Official Orioles and Nationals Thread 2012
 

The designs are ready just in case.

[IMG]http://assets.bizjournals.com/baltimore/news/Os_postseason_blaskbg_bird.jpg?v=1[/IMG]

[IMG]http://assets.bizjournals.com/baltimore/news/Orioles-Tickets_Championship_Homegames.jpg?v=1[/IMG]
[IMG]http://assets.bizjournals.com/baltimore/news/Orioles-tickets_worldseries.jpg?v=1[/IMG]

Re: Official Orioles and Nationals Thread 2012
 

LOL Nationals. Such slobs.

Re: Official Orioles and Nationals Thread 2012
 

Lost 5 straight. No longer best record in the Majors. STILL talk going around about sitting Strasberg.


They're going to blow this.

Re: Official Orioles and Nationals Thread 2012
 

They wasted Strasburg innings yesterday. But I don't think they're going to blow it

Re: Official Orioles and Nationals Thread 2012
 

orioles are keeping me on the edge of my seat. a lot of baseball to be played, they're fighting hard and i love it. would love to see them keep this win streak going into september

Re: Official Orioles and Nationals Thread 2012
 

Interesting take on how the Braves handled Kris Medlen's tommy john surgery innings limit:

ATLANTA -- The Braves say their spring training decision to have Kris Medlen start the season in the bullpen was based on the right-hander's innings limit in his return from elbow surgery.

That decision has allowed Medlen to emerge as the most dominant starter on the staff in the most important part of the season.

Medlen struck out a career high 12 to win his sixth straight decision and lead Atlanta to a 6-1 win over the Colorado Rockies on Monday.

Medlen (7-1) allowed five hits without a walk in his second complete game of the season.

Manager Fredi Gonzalez said Medlen had the same innings limit as Washington's Stephen Strasburg.

Strasburg has thrown 156 1/3 innings and has only two more starts. Medlen has thrown only 104 innings and will be available if the Braves, the NL wild-card leader, make the playoffs.

"It was all limits to innings," Gonzalez said Monday when asked about the decision on Medlen's role. "It was basically the number that Strasburg is facing right now, 160 to 170, because they both were coming off the Tommy John surgery.

"Where do we want that 160 to 170 to end? Do we want it to end in October or do we want it to end in August?"

Medlen appeared in 38 games in relief before moving into the rotation on July 31. He is 6-0 with a 0.54 ERA in seven starts. He spent most of 2011 on the disabled list recovering from elbow ligament-replacement surgery on Aug. 18. 2010.

Maybe the Nats shoulda done the same?

Re: Official Orioles and Nationals Thread 2012
 

The Nats should have just done a 6 man rotation with Strasburg, he would have been able to play the whole season. I don't know, I just feel like they'll shut down strasburg, make the playoffs and bring him back out. I know , I know they said they'd shut him down and for good with no return this year at all, but I feel like that could change.


ps Sports science did a very very good segment today on strasburg and how the tommy john surgery is done.

Re: Official Orioles and Nationals Thread 2012
 

if the orioles hold 1st place at any point in september, i will buy ice cream for every orioles fan here.
pledge your allegiance to the orioles and let me know your favorite ice cream flavor

Re: Official Orioles and Nationals Thread 2012
 

[quote=los panda;936785]if the orioles hold 1st place at any point in september, i will buy ice cream for every orioles fan here.
pledge your allegiance to the orioles and let me know your favorite ice cream flavor[/quote]

Orioles! Cookies N Cream.

p.s. If not ice cream then Frozenyo. I've been craving Frozenyo.

Re: Official Orioles and Nationals Thread 2012
 

Chico, the way the braves handled Medlen does look great for them right now, but I'm not sure if it would have worked with Strasburg.
A few weeks back when Medlen pitched against the Nats the announcers were saying he's the type of pitcher that gets warmed up fast and is okay with only going a few innings, where as Stras is more about routine and settling into a start.

The only thing I wish they had considered would have been to push back his first start later into the season. Basically, I wish they had kept him in FL for a few extra weeks and then brought him up in May so that he'd be available now.

But I guess it's all hindsight.

Re: Official Orioles and Nationals Thread 2012
 

[quote=los panda;936785]if the orioles hold 1st place at any point in september, i will buy ice cream for every orioles fan here.
pledge your allegiance to the orioles and let me know your favorite ice cream flavor[/quote]

Orioles! It's been such a drought... this run is surreal.

Salty caramel, please!

[QUOTE=Chico23231;936547]Interesting take on how the Braves handled Kris Medlen's tommy john surgery innings limit:

ATLANTA -- The Braves say their spring training decision to have Kris Medlen start the season in the bullpen was based on the right-hander's innings limit in his return from elbow surgery.

That decision has allowed Medlen to emerge as the most dominant starter on the staff in the most important part of the season.

Medlen struck out a career high 12 to win his sixth straight decision and lead Atlanta to a 6-1 win over the Colorado Rockies on Monday.

Medlen (7-1) allowed five hits without a walk in his second complete game of the season.

Manager Fredi Gonzalez said Medlen had the same innings limit as Washington's Stephen Strasburg.

Strasburg has thrown 156 1/3 innings and has only two more starts. Medlen has thrown only 104 innings and will be available if the Braves, the NL wild-card leader, make the playoffs.

"It was all limits to innings," Gonzalez said Monday when asked about the decision on Medlen's role. "It was basically the number that Strasburg is facing right now, 160 to 170, because they both were coming off the Tommy John surgery.

"Where do we want that 160 to 170 to end? Do we want it to end in October or do we want it to end in August?"

Medlen appeared in 38 games in relief before moving into the rotation on July 31. He is 6-0 with a 0.54 ERA in seven starts. He spent most of 2011 on the disabled list recovering from elbow ligament-replacement surgery on Aug. 18. 2010.

Maybe the Nats shoulda done the same?[/QUOTE]

Hindsight is 20 20. Did the Nats leadership really think they would be this good?

Re: Official Orioles and Nationals Thread 2012
 

Los Panda is about to owe the entire Warpath message board ice cream.

Re: Official Orioles and Nationals Thread 2012
 

[quote=DynamiteRave;937069]Los Panda is about to owe the entire Warpath message board ice cream.[/quote]i said pledge allegiance!

you have to state on record that if the orioles and the nationals (or any other team) were drowning, and you could only save one - that it would be the orioles.

[I]then[/I] you get your ice cream