Official 2012 Washington National Season

[cal_junior]

I'd like to vote for Drew Storen going back to closer as soon as he's completely full-go. Clippard just doesn't have the command.

[Santheb]

Originally Posted by cal_junior

I'd like to vote for Drew Storen going back to closer as soon as he's completely full-go. Clippard just doesn't have the command.

Did you watch the game last night?

[cal_junior]

Originally Posted by Santheb

Did you watch the game last night?

I did. It was umpteenth straight time Clippard got himself in trouble with command. Walk, HBP, then boom, tie ballgame.

[Santheb]

Originally Posted by cal_junior

I did. It was umpteenth straight time Clippard got himself in trouble with command. Walk, HBP, then boom, tie ballgame.

Then you must have seen Storen struggle mightily to retire a single batter. He literally could not throw a strike and made an average hold situation into much more than it should've been.

Clipp blew the save but he also rebounded strong from Altuve's game tying double by striking out the last two men with runners on. Closing isn't a perfect art by any means but Clipp hasn't been bad, I think it'd be foolish to demote him and promote Storen right now. It's almost like they need to give Tyler more time to warm up because after he gets out to the mound and is fully loose, it's almost a sure thing.

[cal_junior]

Originally Posted by Santheb

Then you must have seen Storen struggle mightily to retire a single batter. He literally could not throw a strike and made an average hold situation into much more than it should've been.

Clipp blew the save but he also rebounded strong from Altuve's game tying double by striking out the last two men with runners on. Closing isn't a perfect art by any means but Clipp hasn't been bad, I think it'd be foolish to demote him and promote Storen right now. It's almost like they need to give Tyler more time to warm up because after he gets out to the mound and is fully loose, it's almost a sure thing.

I did not advocate promoting Storen to closer right now. He missed spring training and has faced 30 big league batters so far. He's not ready quite yet. Which is why I wrote in the post he should be the closer "as soon as he's full go." Which is still probably a few weeks away.

As for Clippard, just take a look at the last four months of his season. He was fantastic in May and June, but since the first wek of July (basically the All-Star break) he's been well below-average: 2ER in 4IP this month and 9ER in 14 IP in July. For most of the last 12-15 appearances he hasn't been sharp.

But I love Clippard. I think he's one of (if not the best) set-up guys in baseball. And when we get to late August/early September I want him to be setting up Drew Storen. When it's all said and done Storen has better stuff, which means a bigger margin for error.

[cal_junior]

Shark's catch last night was easily one of the top-5 DMV sports highlights of the last few years. One of the best clutch athletic plays I've seen.

[Santheb]

Originally Posted by cal_junior

Shark's catch last night was easily one of the top-5 DMV sports highlights of the last few years. One of the best clutch athletic plays I've seen.

That might be the catch of the year. Definitely gives Trouts ridiculous catch a run for its money. Gotta love the Shark.

[Patrick]

HEY ....... Someone finally pitched a full game. Congrats Gio !!!!!

[cal_junior]

Originally Posted by Patrick

HEY ....... Someone finally pitched a full game. Congrats Gio !!!!!

Only the second 9-inning complete game of the year for the Nats. And it could not have come at a better time for the bullpen. Those arms needed a day off.

Arguably the best clutch performance of the season. So far...

[dj_stouty]

Can one of you who actually knows something about baseball explain to me the Balk incident from early into last night's game?

First off...it didn't appear that the pitcher started/stopped his motion. (I've always assumed that is the definition of a balk, no?)

Secondly...the ump didn't call it until after LaRouche drilled out the sac fly to score Harper. Similar to Soccer, or Hockey...why not let the advantage play out before calling it?

Third...i agree with the broadcast team that MLB does a disservice to its fans in attendance by not explaining any odd occurrences over the PA.

[Santheb]

As far as I understand, it was just Angel Hernandez being the worst umpire there is.

[RedskinsDave]

Originally Posted by Santheb

As far as I understand, it was just Angel Hernandez being the worst umpire there is.

I watched it a few times and can't see it at all. I don't know NL umps as well though.

[Santheb]

Originally Posted by RedskinsDave

I watched it a few times and can't see it at all. I don't know NL umps as well though.

I mean, I'm no expert on the matter at all. But I do know that Angel Hernandez is thought of as one of the worst umpires in all of baseball by a lot of people, fans and players alike. Certainly made no friend of the kid. He obviously had a grudge against Bryce, especially in regards to his second strikeout the other night. Maybe even before, because the first pitch that Harper got caught looking on was the worst of all three questionable pitches.

Good to see The Beast back in form. Hard to believe this team found a way to win that many games without his big bat. This guy hits monster shots in almost every park. He got robbed by Tal's Hill the other night. Dude hit a 430 foot double! And he's on like an 18 game hit streak to boot.

JZimm threw a hell of a game tonight too. Probably could've gone longer but I like that Davey is limiting innings on all of the starters for the most part, keeping them fresh for the playoffs (hopefully, don't wanna jinx!)

If they keep it up throughout August, September is going to be a super exciting time to be a Washington sports fan.

[cal_junior]

Originally Posted by Santheb

If they keep it up throughout August, September is going to be a super exciting time to be a Washington sports fan.

Agreed. This Nats season is reminding me more and more of the 2009-10 Capitals season. With Ian Desmond's bat in the lineup I think they can be among the 2-3 best teams in baseball.

And as a DC sports fan I can't wait for the crushing disappointment that is surely right around the corner.

[cal_junior]

WashPost beat writer hits the nail on the head.