The Nationals Enquirer

We've only just begun...

2010-03-10T09:32:30-05:00

(Photo by Getty Images: Stephen Strasburg above, was seen pushing Space Coast Stadium several feet to the right before his start on TUesday. To cap off his busy day, Strasburg rescued a kitten from a tree AND helped an old lady cross the street.)

"All the craziness, all the hype, all the anticipation -- it's all over with."
(Stephen Strasburg, via Jayson Stark/ESPN.com, 3/9/2010)

Oh no, young Strasburg, you are sadly mistaken. No, no, it has only just begun...

That was great! Now what?

"We'll make a decision about whether he's on the ballclub or not."
(Jim Riggleman, via NatsInsider, 3/9/2010)

In the wake of Strasburg's debut on Tuesday, Ken Rosenthal had this assessment from an unnamed scout:

"He was very poised, threw strikes, was throwing 93 to 98 mph. The ball really jumps out of his hand. He had great finish through the zone. His changeup was 90. ...He needs to go to the minor leagues, pitch every fifth day for the first time, have some stiffness, have some adversity. But it was pretty special."
(via Ken Rosenthal, FoxSports.com, 3/9/2010)

So, the question is: WHEN? How does Sunday, July 4th, against a cupcake like the Mets, sound?

Meanwhile, a couple of things we're now 100% sure about:

Memo to Jim Riggleman: PLEASE stop dicking around putting Desmond in the outfield (even though he's held his own out there) and install him as his starting shortstop immediately. Desmania! Another hit, 2 more RBI for Desmond yesterday...
Mike Morse can hit!
BLS notes the Star-Tribune (MN) "Senators" headline mixup. We actually wouldn't be surprised to see the same mistake in the Washington Post.
Tyler Walker and Miguel Batista are not long for the majors.

"Obviously, it's ugly so far. It can't get worse than this."
(Tyler Walker, via Nats Insider, 3/9/2010)
Can the Space Coast Raccoon pitch?

(Photo of TV by Nationals Enquirer staff. Even this racoon couldn't bring himself to watch the carnage at Space Coast after Jesus's departure.)

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Strasbust!

2010-03-09T14:45:43-05:00

(Photo of TV by Nationals Enquirer staff. Stephen Strasburg's spring debut for the Nationals.)

27 pitches, 15 strikes, 2 Ks, 2 hits, no miracles.

Nice job, kid. See you in DC, say around mid-June?

See Mister Irrelevant for 5 quick observations on the Strasburg debut; see Nationals Fanboy Loooooser for a vote for Strasburg for Opening Day starter (sorry Lannan). See DC Sports Bog for coverage of MASN's coverage of Strasburg.

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Strasburg: Jesus or just another guy named Jesús?

2010-03-09T09:41:54-05:00

(Photo by Getty Images. The Stephen Strasburg Era sort of begins today in Viera, FLA.)

Strasburgeddon?

No big deal, right? Only the most anticipated start in the brief history of the Nationals since April 14th, 2005; you know, when Livan Hernandez took the mound at RFK and baseball finally returned to Washington.

Hopefully we catch a little glimpse of what Stephen Strasburg is all about today, but it's hard to believe we'll find out all that much in ~2 innings/~35 pitches.

All we're hoping for from today's start is to see Strasburg walk off the field with his arm intact. Is that asking for too much?

Good luck today, kid. No pressure.

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Strasburgeddon Eve

2010-03-08T20:53:51-05:00

(AP Photo. Have you heard? Stephen Strasburg makes his spring training debut against Detroit on Tuesday.)

"Very humble, very grounded. Just all ears."
(Jim Riggleman, via Ben Goessling/MASN.com, 3/8/2010)

All ears? You're not joking, Jim.

No pressure, kid.

Should be nothing short of a circus tomorrow. Can't imagine what it's going to be like when Strasburg starts a game that actually means something, though. Which probably means 2011 (even if he arrives in DC in 2010).

Meanwhile,

At least Scott Olsen is feeling great after his start today.
11 more runs given up by Nationals pitching, or 67 in six games. But who's counting? Zim, Hammer, go deep. Nyjer Morgan slides headfirst.
SBF captures evidence of the beer/peanut vendor who made listening to today's game on the radio that much more enjoyable. Not that the return of Charlie & Dave wasn't enjoyable enough.
The headline writers over at Nationals.com are at it again with the Wang jokes:

Wang appears at Nationals camp

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And the Oscar for Best Impersonation of the 2009 Washington Nationals goes to...

2010-03-08T08:11:29-05:00

(Getty Images. Miley Cyrus and Amanda Seyfried present an award during Sunday night's Academy Awards.)

...the 2010 Washington Nationals!

"During the season, you won't take it because you lost. But where we're at here in spring training, I'm very happy with that ballgame. [I'd like to thank the Academy. And Mike Rizzo. And Manny Acta. And...]"
(Jim Riggleman, via Ben Goessling/MASN.com, 3/7/2010)

2010: another tragicomedy?

Another box office bomb?

Take the paper bag off your head and breathe into it, Nationals fans: despite giving up 56 runs in the first 5 games (pay no mind to the 0-5 start), there's still plenty of time to get back into the Grapefruit League race. And, there's Matt Chico. And 2011 is right around the corner.

Meanwhile...

Just one more day until Strasburgeddon. Not nearly as hyped up as Stephen Strasburg's Nationals (spring) debut tomorrow, today is the return of Charlie Slowes and Dave Jaeglglearller on the radio at 1:00 for Nats vs. Marlins. Listen online, here.

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Nationals continue to emphasize fundamentals, art of the 5-game losing streak.

2010-03-07T20:38:04-05:00

(AP Photo. Oh, crap. A rough debut for Jason Marquis on Sunday.)

"I just lost my aggressiveness, wasn't really getting through the ball. I was trying to guide it to spots, instead of just letting my natural ability take over. It made me lose command of the strike zone."
(Jason Marquis, via Nats Insider, 3/7/2010)

That Nationals.com headline from Saturday has a different feel on Sunday:

Marquis sets example for young staff

Oh, crap. We're doomed.

Mets 6, Nationals 5 (Sunday): Let's not speak about Jason Marquis, Willy Taveras, or that inside the park grand slam in the 2nd, okay? Or Matt Capps. Welcome back Matt Chico! And hey, that Mike Morse can hit! Drew Storen! Ho-hum, just another 2-4 day for Ian Desmond...

Mets 14, Nationals 6 (Saturday): Let's not speak about what Shawn Estes and Tyler Walker did, okay? Lannan shakes off the rust after a rocky first inning.

Chins up, NatsTown: thankfully, you have FJB to remind you that Spring Training doesn't matter.

Meanwhile, if you missed the Strasburg piece on CBS News Saturday night, video is available here.

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Bobby V. loves him some Pudge.

2010-03-06T09:06:16-05:00

(AP Photo. Bobby Valentine wraps his arms around Pudge Rodriguez prior to Friday's Nats-Braves Grapefruit League matchup.)

The photo above makes us want to take a moment and give thanks for Jim Riggleman -- despite doubts in some corners of NatsTown about Mr. Riggles' ability to properly manage Jesus Strasburg... Boy, oh boy, can you imagine an entire season of the insufferable Bobby Valentine mugging for the camera like this? Good choice, Rizzo.

Nats' spring home-opener today in Viera against the Mets. Lannan's first go. Unfortunately, you'll have to wait until Monday for Charlie & Dave's first go on WFED -- and settle for the Mets radio broadcast, available here.

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Case Closed.

2010-03-05T21:32:59-05:00

(AP Photo. Ian Desmond - caught stealing in the 3rd inning Friday against the Braves. So what?)

"He was the best player on the field today."
(Jim Riggleman, via Nats Insider, 3/5/2010)

"I'm just going out and playing. If they want to take me, they take me. If not, I'm just doing what I can."
(Ian Desmond, via Ben Goessling/MASN.com, 3/5/2010)

Screw Guz!

It's Ian Desmond or Bust in 2010!

Braves 11, Ian Desmond 8: Can we all agree not speak about Miguel Batista, Craig Stammen, and Jesse English? Deal? Good.

Ho-hum, just a 2-3 day for Desmond; just a grand slam and 6 RBI & a pair of reportedly stellar defensive plays at short.

But of course, Jim Riggleman is still a Guzman guy for some reason (via Nationals.com):

With all the excitement about Desmond's abilities, Riggleman had to remind the media that Cristian Guzman, the incumbent at short, has yet to play in a game this spring. Guzman, who is coming off shoulder surgery, is expected to play against the Mets on Saturday.

Boooo!!! Way to rain on our parade, Jim. Three spring training games in, and we're calling it: It's Desmond in a landslide!

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The Ghost(s) of Grapefruit League Openers Past

2010-03-05T08:43:50-05:00

(Photo is by Jonathan Newton/Washington Post. February 15, 2007: Manny Acta on his first day of spring training.)

In the wake of yesterday's (yes, meaningless) dueling Grapefruit League stinkers by the Nationals, we decided to put on our Phil Wood hat and take a little trip down memory lane to see how the Nats have fared in Grapefruit League Openers since the move to Washington in 2005.

March 3, 2005: Nationals 5, Mets 3. Tony Armas Jr. starts, The Chief finishes, and Boz gets all misty-eyed in the Washington Post in the first of many organizational firsts.
March 2, 2006: Pirates 9, Nationals 1. Ramon Ortiz starts! The Nationals Enquirer overreacts by breaking out the Panic Button after the game.
March 2, 2007: Dodgers 12, Nationals 7. Manny Acta's first ST game at the helm. Shawn Hill -- feeling better than he ever has in his entire life -- starts. The Nationals Enquirer calls for Manny Acta to be fired for the first of many, many times.
February 27, 2008: Nationals 3, Marlins 3. That's right, the 2008 Nats Grapefruit League Opener against the Marlins ends in a Bud Selig Special: a 3-3 tie! Starter? Matt Chico. The Nationals Enquirer fixates on Manny Acta's post-game quote reminding everyone that the game is baseball, not hockey:
"It's not hockey. We don't get a point. But we'll take a tie over a loss any day."
February 25, 2009: Astros 6, Nationals 3. Starter? John Lannan. Nationals Enquirer notes that the 2009 season seems to be slipping away.
March 4, 2009: Astros 15, Nationals 5; Marlins 10, Nationals 4. Rotten Grapefruit!

So, breaking out our calculator, that leaves the Nats with a 1-5-1 record in Grapefruit League Openers in their brief history. Please note that the only season the team finished with a .500 record, they won their Grapefruit League Opener. Oh, and you thought Spring Training games were meaningless?

How many days until Opening Day!?

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Rotten Grapefruit!

2010-03-04T21:03:36-05:00

(AP Photo. Pudge reacts after almost getting plunked against the Marlins.)

"The good thing is, it can't get any worse."
(Jason Bergmann, via Nationals Journal, 3/4/2010)

Jason Bergmann, eternal optimist.

Nats' Grapefruit League title hopes fading...

Astros 15, Nationals 5: Nice start by Garrett Mock (2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 B), but it all went to hell from there, starting with Shairon Martis.

Marlins 10, Nationals 4: Nice start by J.D. Martin (2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K), but it all went to hell from there, starting with Brian Bruney.

Plenty of silver linings, though, including but not limited to: Mock, Martin, Desmond, Storen...

Let's rely on the Artists Formerly Known as the Washington Times Nationals' Beat to break down today's winners and losers: Go read Ben Goessling (interestingly, it's pronounced "Guess-ling", who knew?) over at MASN and the People's Champion, Mark Zuckerman, over at Nationals Insider.

And check Nationals Farm Authority, where Brian tallies the results of the various prospecsts/minor leaguers who made appearances in the SS games today.

The Nationals Enquirer

We've only just begun...

(Photo by Getty Images: Stephen Strasburg above, was seen pushing Space Coast Stadium several feet to the right before his start on TUesday. To cap off his busy day, Strasburg rescued a kitten from a tree AND helped an old lady cross the street.)

That was great! Now what?

(Photo of TV by Nationals Enquirer staff. Even this racoon couldn't bring himself to watch the carnage at Space Coast after Jesus's departure.)

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Strasbust!

(Photo of TV by Nationals Enquirer staff. Stephen Strasburg's spring debut for the Nationals.)

27 pitches, 15 strikes, 2 Ks, 2 hits, no miracles.

Nice job, kid. See you in DC, say around mid-June?

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Strasburg: Jesus or just another guy named Jesús?

(Photo by Getty Images. The Stephen Strasburg Era sort of begins today in Viera, FLA.)

Strasburgeddon?

No big deal, right? Only the most anticipated start in the brief history of the Nationals since April 14th, 2005; you know, when Livan Hernandez took the mound at RFK and baseball finally returned to Washington.

Befriend the Nationals Enquirer on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter.

Strasburgeddon Eve

(AP Photo. Have you heard? Stephen Strasburg makes his spring training debut against Detroit on Tuesday.)

No pressure, kid.

Wang appears at Nationals camp

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And the Oscar for Best Impersonation of the 2009 Washington Nationals goes to...

(Getty Images. Miley Cyrus and Amanda Seyfried present an award during Sunday night's Academy Awards.)

...the 2010 Washington Nationals!

2010: another tragicomedy?

Another box office bomb?

Befriend the Nationals Enquirer on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter

Nationals continue to emphasize fundamentals, art of the 5-game losing streak.

(AP Photo. Oh, crap. A rough debut for Jason Marquis on Sunday.)

Marquis sets example for young staff

Mets 6, Nationals 5 (Sunday): Let's not speak about Jason Marquis, Willy Taveras, or that inside the park grand slam in the 2nd, okay? Or Matt Capps. Welcome back Matt Chico! And hey, that Mike Morse can hit! Drew Storen! Ho-hum, just another 2-4 day for Ian Desmond...

Mets 14, Nationals 6 (Saturday): Let's not speak about what Shawn Estes and Tyler Walker did, okay? Lannan shakes off the rust after a rocky first inning.

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Bobby V. loves him some Pudge.

(AP Photo. Bobby Valentine wraps his arms around Pudge Rodriguez prior to Friday's Nats-Braves Grapefruit League matchup.)

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Case Closed.

(AP Photo. Ian Desmond - caught stealing in the 3rd inning Friday against the Braves. So what?)

Screw Guz!

It's Ian Desmond or Bust in 2010!

Braves 11, Ian Desmond 8: Can we all agree not speak about Miguel Batista, Craig Stammen, and Jesse English? Deal? Good. Ho-hum, just a 2-3 day for Desmond; just a grand slam and 6 RBI & a pair of reportedly stellar defensive plays at short.

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The Ghost(s) of Grapefruit League Openers Past

(Photo is by Jonathan Newton/Washington Post. February 15, 2007: Manny Acta on his first day of spring training.)

Befriend the Nationals Enquirer on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter.

Rotten Grapefruit!

(AP Photo. Pudge reacts after almost getting plunked against the Marlins.)

Nats' Grapefruit League title hopes fading...

Astros 15, Nationals 5: Nice start by Garrett Mock (2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 B), but it all went to hell from there, starting with Shairon Martis.

Marlins 10, Nationals 4: Nice start by J.D. Martin (2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K), but it all went to hell from there, starting with Brian Bruney.

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Braves 11, Ian Desmond 8: Can we all agree not speak about Miguel Batista, Craig Stammen, and Jesse English? Deal? Good.

Ho-hum, just a 2-3 day for Desmond; just a grand slam and 6 RBI & a pair of reportedly stellar defensive plays at short.