DCSN - Woeful Nats

Rendon's Throw Knocks Storen Down Again, Nats Season Slipping Away

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Ford) — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 08:58:00 +0000

On Wednesday night the Nationals former closer (and semi-current 8th inning "setup man...now seemingly demoted again to 8th inning matchup guy) Drew Storen gave up another 2 runs thanks to a horrible throwing error by Anthony Rendon. The season is starting to slip away from Matt Williams and the Nationals, now 3 1/2 games out of first place behind the Mets.

The killer play took place in the bottom of the 8th inning when Rendon cut off a Bryce Harper throw to the infield on a double (runner on 3rd) and proceeded to make a rushed & unnecessary throw that went into the stands allowing both runners to score on the play (including the batter). While the Nats were down 1-0 and could barely hit the ball, probably going to lose anyway, it was a crushing blow to their confidence and a microcosm of the state of the baseball team at this moment.

Yunel Escobar could not believe it and as he watched the ball head into the crowd he shouted out what appeared to be "Oh my god! Oh my god!". He was completely shocked that something like this could happen to the Nats once again.

Drew Storen, who has now given up 8 runs in his past 3 appearances, got one more batter out in the 8th and was pulled before the end of the inning for a lefty/lefty matchup with Matt Thornton. It appears that Williams is now going to play matchup baseball in the 8th innings to come which is a dagger to Mike Rizzo's plans. Nats new closer Jonathan Papelbon can't even get into a ballgame and Storen has lost his confidence.

Storen looked like he didn't care anymore after getting the 2nd out of the inning just before getting pulled. The Nationals are looking like a complete mess right now. They have lost 6 out of 10 games and they appear to be lacking any fire whatsoever. Meanwhile the Mets are taking care of business. There are plenty of games left but at some point something has to change.

Jimmy Rollins Respects Michael A Taylor's Arm On Throw From Center

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Ford) — Wed, 12 Aug 2015 07:47:00 +0000

With Denard Span out of the lineup, Michael A. Taylor has earned his way into the everyday center field position. On Tuesday night in a loss against the Dodgers Taylor had the chance to show off his arm to the LA crowd. With a runner on 2nd Taylor scooted under a deep fly ball and fired a strike to third base to hold an impressed Jimmy Rollins at 2nd base. After the throw Taylor and Rollins shared a moment as the veteran gave the youngster some props for his toss. Here's how it looked in GIF form.

Gio Swings, Gio Misses, Gio Falls, Gio Wins

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Ford) — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 08:18:00 +0000

During Gio Gonzalez's latest pitching victory against the Dodgers he had a very comical plate appearance. The pitcher took a huge cut at a Zack Greinke pitch and his body twisted as he fell down to one knee. Here's Gio falling and his reaction to the situation:

Bryce Harper Tries To Break Bat On Knee, Fails

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Ford) — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 06:14:00 +0000

Bryce Harper and his knees are having a lot of trouble lately. Bryce just missed an important game against the Dodgers after hurting his often hurt left knee on a diving catch in the previous game. The day before he had some trouble with the other knee after popping out in the bottom of the 9th inning with 2 runners on base and a chance to win the game. He was so frustrated with the out he decided to try to break his bat over his knee. He slammed the bat into his leg but it didn't break. Bryce grimaced in pain and tossed the bat with frustration. It looked like it hurt really bad. Here's what it looked like:

FP Homerism Reaches New Heights

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Ford) — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 00:22:00 +0000

I love FP but I have to post this because there has to be a limit on homerism in a blowout game. The Nationals trailed 9-1 in the top of the 3rd inning. Nats announcer FP Santangelo had some interesting super homerism to lay on the viewers...some quotes:

"Nats were down 7-0 here last year in August they came back to make it 7-6, Anthony Rendon lined out to center field, put a good at bat on em"

-FP talking about a game the Nationals LOST...not only that he called it the turning point of the season...I like how he added that it was a good at bat...an out though.

"If they score 1 run an inning from here on out and they hold the Braves it will be 9-8"

-FP talking about something very difficult to do, and also a scenario in which the Nationals still LOSE the game

"I like what I just saw right there!"

-FP applauding the Nats for high fiving Denard Span in the dugout after they cut the lead to 9-2. I guess a "morale" victory.

"That got me out of my seat!"

-FP super excited about a Bryce Harper hit that was 20 feet foul...Harper struck out on the next pitch to end the inning.

The Nats can still win this ballgame. I'm with FP and I won't give up. However, I like to remain a bit more realistic. Go NATS!

Gio Gonzalez Has Blonde Hair...Well A Streak Of It

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Ford) — Thu, 23 Oct 2014 02:25:00 +0000

Here what Gio is looking like this offseason...nice blonde streak...

Fishing with the fam #butdiducatch #no #tryagain #imseasick #depinga #sapo #bait #butdidudie #nope #JsCrew #Js #hialeahkid

A photo posted by Gonzi (@icugonzi) on Oct 10, 2014 at 7:34am PDT

Jordan Zimmermann Is Not Happy...Oh Wait, He Is!

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Ford) — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 12:44:00 +0000

This is how Jordan Zimmermann reacted to what he thought was a double, ending his no hitter with 2 outs in the 9th inning...

But Steven Souza Jr. caught it...

Jordan Zimmermann Gets All The Hugs

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Ford) — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 05:49:00 +0000

Here is Jordan Zimmermann after pitching the Nats first ever no hitter. He gets...umm..a lot of hugs...

We counted at least 38 different hugs from players and coaches...

Fans Impress In Final Weekend Of The Season

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Ford) — Sun, 28 Sep 2014 22:55:00 +0000

Nationals fans came out in droves for the "meaningless" final few games of the 2014 Washington Nationals season. And like Nats fans often do, they came out dressed up, with clever signs, and ready to go crazy for the upcoming playoffs.

Here are some of the top scenes from this weekend's games:

Jayson Werth Garden Gnome 'Merica!

The guy FP called the "Wolverine Gnome". He took a little nap during the game.

Little Bryce Harper fan with a rainbow tutu:

Bryce Harper rainbow tutu RT @paulconndc: Thanks for a great season. Next stop #NLDS! #NLEastChampions pic.twitter.com/tsEloHHrSI
— Chris Ford (@DCSportsNexus) September 28, 2014

And another gnome on the shoulder. Good gnome or bad gnome?

This fan becomes a home plate umpire with the huge strike call. Unfortunately it was a ball:

Gnome Attack:

GNOME GARDEN! #IBackTheNats! ⚾️ pic.twitter.com/dAWi95dn1J
— amanda. ❤ (@MandaPanda_36) September 28, 2014

Harper Fireman

Harpah!! pic.twitter.com/gg4lsdWRgO
— David Morris (@DavidMorris9656) September 28, 2014

Teddy shows up to the big Nats fan social media gathering:

Bob & FP need rings I guess:

Jayson Werth Garden Gnome Crashes Nats Team Photo

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Ford) — Sun, 28 Sep 2014 22:29:00 +0000

Of course this little guy made it into the team photo...he is EVERYWHERE!!!!

Gnome in #Nats Team Picture (see Knorr's feet) @ScottSAllen @dcsportsbog @thisisdspan @IanDesmond20 @ZuckermanCSN pic.twitter.com/sgQtfZboAl
— hugh kaufman (@AltaKocker) September 28, 2014

Nats No Hitter - From The Crowd

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Ford) — Sun, 28 Sep 2014 21:37:00 +0000

Here are a few videos from fans that were at the Jordan Zimmermann No Hitter. I don't know how you can sit there and film and not enjoy the moment, but to each their own! More fun for us!

Oh look. It's Terrance...

This dude is so happy he forgot to film:

Dan Kolko Gets Pied, Doesn't Wipe It Off

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Ford) — Sun, 28 Sep 2014 21:03:00 +0000

After Jordan Zimmermann's no hitter on Sunday, Jayson Werth came up and slammed a pie into the pitcher's face. MASN sideline reporter Dan Kolko ended up getting pied as well and like a true professional went on with his interview covered in pie. However, after several minutes, and plenty of time to clean up, Kolko returned on camera pie still there. Then, Kolko showed up to the post game press conference, you guessed it, covered in pie. Here are some pics:

Only MASN Dan shows up to a press conference with pie on his clothes RT @DavidMorris9656: @masnKolko #Pie pic.twitter.com/QAeM1PjWjO
— Chris Ford (@DCSportsNexus) September 28, 2014

Wedding Shows Up To Nats Game, Groom Wearing Jayson Werth Shirsey

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Ford) — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 22:05:00 +0000

Of course she was!!!! She let him go to the Nats game! (or was it vice versa)

What better place to hold your wedding reception than Nats Park? That was a rhetorical question. There IS NO BETTER PLACE (In the there is no wrong pipe voice) than with baseball in the background. Just ask this couple who got married earlier in the day then showed up to the ballgame, bride still wearing her dress and groom appropriately dressed in a Jayson Werth shirsey.

The couple tried to get Jayson Werth's attention to have him throw them a ball between innings but the bearded one did not oblige. Booooooo!

And another shot of the happy Natty couple:

Nats Team Store Line Is Out Of Control

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Ford) — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 19:22:00 +0000

Here's what the line to get into the Washington Nationals team store inside the ballpark on Saturday afternoon. People had to wait in line just to get in the store. Every 15 minutes security would try to get the line (which was moving SLOW) pumped up by having them chant "TEAM STORE" (lol). FYI, this stuff is also available online...Thats like 40 people at least.

Ian Desmond Attempts To Block Umpire's Throw

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Ford) — Thu, 25 Sep 2014 19:41:00 +0000

During Thursday afternoon's ballgame against the Mets, Ian Desmond was upset about a strike two call earlier in his at bat and decided to give the umpire some guff. Check it out as Desmond tries to do a basketball blocked shot as the ump attempts to throw the baseball back to the pitchers mound between innings. LOL:

Nats Park During Make Up Game On A Rainy Work Day ... Empty

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Ford) — Thu, 25 Sep 2014 17:42:00 +0000

The crowd was sparce today for the rainy make-up game...Here is what it looked like for the first pitch...wow...

Bryce Harper Walks To First, Matt Williams Mad, Nobody Else Cares

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Ford) — Thu, 25 Sep 2014 17:15:00 +0000

Here is how Bryce Harper reacted to hitting an easy pop fly to the outfield on Thursday. If you recall earlier in the season he was benched by Matt Williams for reacting not quite as badly. Uh, I guess oh well. Playoffs! There was no aftermath. See the GIF:

Dan Kolko In A Winter Hat Is Also Adorable

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Ford) — Thu, 25 Sep 2014 17:00:00 +0000

Here is MASN sideline reporter Dan Kolko showing off the Nats final promotional giveaway item of the season, a winter hat good for October baseball weather. For some reason a lady is tying it up for him.

Adorable Nats Fan Is Adorable

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Ford) — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 05:15:00 +0000

Nothing but October? More like Nothing But Adorable!

Bryce Harper Wears Derek Jeter Wrist Band

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Ford) — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 05:12:00 +0000

Bryce Harper, who even when he was playing in the league for the Nationals was still a Yankees fan at heart, was wearing a giant Derek Jeter wrist sweatband during Tuesday night's game vs the New York Mets. Is it cool he is repping a class act major leaguer or annoying because it is the Yankees? You make the call!

Seven Standing Ovations At Nats Park Last Night

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Ford) — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 04:54:00 +0000

The Washington Nationals are (as FP would say) "on some kind of" roll right now and fans are pumped up. The Nattys clinched the NL East Division Title on the road at the end of last week and just returned home to DC on Sunday night. Some Nats fans were so excited they ambushed the team when they arrived home from the airport.

The rest of us, who were crying after a Redskins loss, had to wait until Tuesday night's game to show the team our support. And boy was everyone excited for the first game back since clinching the division. I mean, just check out the SEVEN standing ovations that were given to the NL East Champs.

Ovation #1: Fans Applaud A Denard Span Diving Catch early in the game. Span has been making catches like that all season and the fans appreciate it. Spanning...

Ovation #2: Fans demand a curtain call after an Adam LaRoche 3 run lead taking homerun. Fans know that LaRoche may not be here next year, so they want to show him lots of love before he goes.

Ovation #3: Tanner Roark exits the game with the lead in the 7th after giving up 5 hits and 2 runs before his career high 15th win of the season. It was a good performance, but the fans were really cheering for him for unexpectedly helping this team get into the playoffs.

Ovation #4: Ryan Zimmerman enters the game as a pinch hitter, his first at bat at Nats Park since July 20th. Needless to say the crowd was excited to see him again back just in time to help for the World Series push.

Ovation #5: One play before, Bryce Harper missed a seemingly simple fly ball after his glove hit the wall for what was first called a 3 base error (later changed to a hit). The play left a runner on third base in a close 4-2 game. The very next batter Harper made up for it by making a semi-tough running catch and firing a throw home to keep the runner at 3rd. The crowd appreciated the make-up play.

Ovation #6: Tyler Clippard closes out the 8th inning with a strikeout. The K meant that the runner that was on third (from Bryce Harper's play and ovation #5) didn't score, and the Nats escaped the inning.

Ovation #7: Drew Storen closes out the game for his 9th save (10th overall) in as many tries since becoming the Nats closer just 17 days before.

If you thought that was a lot of ovations, just wait until October...

Nationals Fans Welcome Division Champs Back From Road Trip

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Ford) — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 02:47:00 +0000

Unfortunately for Nationals fans, this season the Nats clinched their division championship on the road. While the team celebrated in Atlanta, fans celebrated all across the DMV, but it just wasn't the same. Fans wanted to show the team in person how they felt. So that is probably why there were dozens of fans waiting outside of Nats Park for the team to arrive home from their road trip on Sunday night (after sweeping the Marlins).

So here's what happens when Nats fans show the team how much they care...

Matt Williams shook every single Nats fan's hand to show his appreciation (via @JennRubenstein)

Nats radio analyst Charlie Slowes took a video:

Some Signs & Other Pics:

Awesome energy at #Nats Park tonight to welcome back the #NLEast Champs! #Natitude #OctoberBaseball pic.twitter.com/HOiwYqNOrK
— Jenny Wing Harper (@JenWing1) September 22, 2014

The welcoming party is ready & waiting at #Nats Park! @FightinHydrant @RyanMattheus @DrewStoren @TylerClippard pic.twitter.com/qoC7HB59dn
— Lainey (@Lainey_DC) September 22, 2014

@IanDesmond20 @thisisdspan @GioGonzalez47 @Nationals Over 50 Nats fans are getting excited for NL East Champs arrival pic.twitter.com/jAcy6lBmcU
— hugh kaufman (@AltaKocker) September 22, 2014

@In2Nats @geneticlyperfct @BeardedNatitude fans awaiting the arrival of our NL East champs #Nats pic.twitter.com/HXjTBCVn1A
— hugh kaufman (@AltaKocker) September 22, 2014

Some reaction from the Team:

Thank you to all the fans who were waiting for us at the stadium. Very cool and much appreciated.
— Ian Desmond (@IanDesmond20) September 22, 2014

WOW to the fans!! This is incredible! #Nats
— Bryce Harper (@Bharper3407) September 22, 2014

Gotta say thankyou to the fans for the warm welcome home!
— Denard Span (@thisisdspan) September 22, 2014

To all the fans that greeted us when we got back, Thank You! That was awesome! We have the best fans! Glad to be back in DC! #Nats
— Aaron Barrett (@aaronbarrett30) September 22, 2014

Nationals Use Orioles Logo In Bizarre Postseason Shirt

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Ford) — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 13:09:00 +0000

After the Washington Nationals clinched the NL East Division Title last night, MLB released a whole line of championship gear for fans to purchase. One of these designs on a sweatshirt was a little bit odd because as you can see from the picture, it basically uses a giant cursive O that looks eerily reminiscent of the Baltimore Orioles logo (with a tiny Nats curly W logo in the bottom right). WTF? Get yours today for just $70. Here is what the Orioles shirt looks like:

(H/T @BeardedNatitude on Twitter)

15 Nats Clinching GIFs That Will Make You Smile

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Ford) — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 06:26:00 +0000

Here are a bunch of awesome GIFs from the Nationals celebrations last night after clinching the NL East Division Title. You've got hugs, high fives, screaming, dancing, yelling, toasts, smiles, crazyness and more. Check em' out (give them a minute to load I screwed up the sizes).

1. Adam LaRoche hugging his son Drake and whispering in his ear:

2. Denard Span was the smiliest guy in the locker room:

3. Matt Williams gives a toast:

4. Bryce Harper the fireman screaming:

5. Drew Storen is fired up:

6. The bullpen screams at Dan Kolko:

7. Kevin Frandsen jumps:

8. Strasburg smiles:

9. Gio Gonzalez going nuts:

10. Aaron Barrett with the goggles:

11. Wilson Ramos getting down:

12. Aaron Barrett dancing:

13. Tanner Roark is psyched:

14. Gio Selfie:

15. Rizzzzzzzo:

BONUS: Michael Taylor appears out of nowhere...very sneaky...

Top Scenes From Nats Clinching The Playoff

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Ford) — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 03:15:00 +0000

Well they've done it again. The Washington Nationals are 2014 NL East Champions! The scene after the game clinching in Atlanta looked like one heck of a celebration. Here are our top images and videos from the magic night.

Gio Gonzalez calls out FP Santangelo & Bob Carpenter imploring them to come join the celebration

Gio and Masn Dan were pumped

DC Firefighters hooked up Bryce Harper with a custom fire helmet

Masn Dan Kolko getting abused by the bullpen.

Lots of pics

Elation

Starting 5

Drew Storen

Kolko accused Matt Williams of not being we enough, the Nats Manager was not impressed

Jayson Werth is Gluten Free , drinks Gluten Free Beer

Ray is jolly