We're 102 games in... we all know by now that the Nats' approach is driven by their analytics (to a fault, in my view). Thus, their metrics tell them to load up on lefties; Mead and Young are righties and sit. That you (and I) disagree in no way means they don't view the game as important.
Vivas' numbers against righties -- batting lefty -- are worse than Mead's righty-on-righty numbers. So too with Young versus Crews. and I always prefer JY in CF over anyone, though Crews is strong there. Nonetheless, Butera and Toboni have a plan and they stick to it. I'm sure we all thought Chappy batting in the 2-spot in Sacramento was equally short-sighted. Then Chappy went off, so...
Mead WILL bat in this game. Young may too. That they're not starting doesn't mean the Nats aren't trying to win.
I don't find it hard at all to be a Nats fan. I've been one since 2005, through some awful years and some great years. 2012 to 2019, culminating in a World Series Championship were awesome. There are still 5 teams that have never won a WS: Brewers, Mariners, Padres, Rays and Rockies. There are also teams that have not won it all in decades, O's in '83, Phillies - 1980 & 2008 -- only twice since 1883. Plenty others on that list, too.
Any old Senators fan can deal with the ups and downs of the major league season. I do think they will have to address the bullpen, whether it's at the trade deadline or in the off season. The strike (which considering that both sides are digging in will likely happen) is the proverbial monkey wrench that hangs over the rebuild.
Re: Mead and Young. We're assuming Butera is in charge of the lineup. I'm beginning to wonder if that is true. What if the Nats (as an organization) are evaluating players in various scenarios and different lineups? I'd like to hear Toboni sound excited about this year's team. I haven't heard that. Yet. Perhaps you have, and I just missed it. Just a thought...
Nebco, have you heard Toboni be pessimistic in public about the progress of the team? The next couple weeks are important for him and the organization to play their cards VERY close to the vest toward Trade Deadline Day.
No. He has seemed very noncommittal. I was inelegantly arguing for visible, audible leadership from the top. Or the front. Joshua Chamberlain at Gettysburg, for example. You're right, and your analogy is outstanding. "Don't let 'em see you sweat." I was arguing for rallying the Nats. As you suggest, that may not be such a great long-term idea at the moment. And so it goes...
"We're assuming Butera is in charge of the lineup."
Kilambi sems to be the lineup guru... rumor is Butera doesn't have sole control of the lineups. He is a very green manager. I don't know if there's a collaborative process or if Kilambi dictates lineups to Butera. That Mead and JY are sitting in favor of Vivas and Crews, despite both seemingly being inferior choices, suggests something about Gabriel Hughes mix of pitches is detrimental to Mead and Young or somehow favors Vivas and Crews. I dunno.
Watched Max Scherzer pitch a few innings to the Red Wings today. Scherzer is rehabbing at Buffalo, the Blue Jay's Triple-A affiliate. How he did will surprise no one.
And we're underway on a sunny, 89-degree Wednesday at Coors Field. A win sends the Nats home with a winning record, a loss sends them home with a losing record.
I recall he has a really bad record on challenges. I wouldn't doubt he's either been told not to use a challenge, or just now reluctant to use a challenge, until the end of the game.
Nifty play by Cavalli to snag that comebacker. The only thing he did wrong: He threw the ball to Vivas at third instead of running directly at Karros, which ultimately allowed the batter to make it all the way to second. No problem, though, because Cavalli followed that up with a strikeout of Julian on a 99-mph fastball. He looks sharp so far through two innings.
No Meade in a must win game????
Yeah, not having Mead and Young in the lineup is a significant hit to the offense, and a lesser hit to the defense.
So the truth is the Nats are NOT calling this a must win game. Actions speak louder:))
We're 102 games in... we all know by now that the Nats' approach is driven by their analytics (to a fault, in my view). Thus, their metrics tell them to load up on lefties; Mead and Young are righties and sit. That you (and I) disagree in no way means they don't view the game as important.
Vivas' numbers against righties -- batting lefty -- are worse than Mead's righty-on-righty numbers. So too with Young versus Crews. and I always prefer JY in CF over anyone, though Crews is strong there. Nonetheless, Butera and Toboni have a plan and they stick to it. I'm sure we all thought Chappy batting in the 2-spot in Sacramento was equally short-sighted. Then Chappy went off, so...
Mead WILL bat in this game. Young may too. That they're not starting doesn't mean the Nats aren't trying to win.
Thanks Mark.
Meade off the bench
Go Nats
Now back to work
It is perfectly apt to call it a must win game, Mark!
Why should we, the Nats aren't:))
Yep, going 3-3 against these 2 teams and losing a series to the worst team in MLB would not be optimal.
Do you think we are trade deadline buyers if we win? Bullpen help on the way?
Thank you for ignoring and not jinxing our suddenly on-fire bullpen! (Last night's HR was a 1 in a 1000 shot.)
Last night reminds us that it is hard to be a Nats fan in Year Seven of the Rebuild. We do it but the frustration factor cannot be underestimated.
I don't find it hard at all to be a Nats fan. I've been one since 2005, through some awful years and some great years. 2012 to 2019, culminating in a World Series Championship were awesome. There are still 5 teams that have never won a WS: Brewers, Mariners, Padres, Rays and Rockies. There are also teams that have not won it all in decades, O's in '83, Phillies - 1980 & 2008 -- only twice since 1883. Plenty others on that list, too.
Any old Senators fan can deal with the ups and downs of the major league season. I do think they will have to address the bullpen, whether it's at the trade deadline or in the off season. The strike (which considering that both sides are digging in will likely happen) is the proverbial monkey wrench that hangs over the rebuild.
The pending work stoppage is a humongous 🐒 🔧 !!
I say we just get a SERIES WINNING CURLY W TODAY. THEN, LETS STACK SOME WINS TOGETHER FOR THE NEXT 10 DAYS!! GO NATS!!
Re: Mead and Young. We're assuming Butera is in charge of the lineup. I'm beginning to wonder if that is true. What if the Nats (as an organization) are evaluating players in various scenarios and different lineups? I'd like to hear Toboni sound excited about this year's team. I haven't heard that. Yet. Perhaps you have, and I just missed it. Just a thought...
Nebco, have you heard Toboni be pessimistic in public about the progress of the team? The next couple weeks are important for him and the organization to play their cards VERY close to the vest toward Trade Deadline Day.
No. He has seemed very noncommittal. I was inelegantly arguing for visible, audible leadership from the top. Or the front. Joshua Chamberlain at Gettysburg, for example. You're right, and your analogy is outstanding. "Don't let 'em see you sweat." I was arguing for rallying the Nats. As you suggest, that may not be such a great long-term idea at the moment. And so it goes...
"We're assuming Butera is in charge of the lineup."
Kilambi sems to be the lineup guru... rumor is Butera doesn't have sole control of the lineups. He is a very green manager. I don't know if there's a collaborative process or if Kilambi dictates lineups to Butera. That Mead and JY are sitting in favor of Vivas and Crews, despite both seemingly being inferior choices, suggests something about Gabriel Hughes mix of pitches is detrimental to Mead and Young or somehow favors Vivas and Crews. I dunno.
Maybe a collaborative process. I'm reading between the lines--not the best idea in the world, admittedly.
Watched Max Scherzer pitch a few innings to the Red Wings today. Scherzer is rehabbing at Buffalo, the Blue Jay's Triple-A affiliate. How he did will surprise no one.
56 pitches. 5 innings.
Zero hits. Zero runs.
7 strikes. Zero walks.
That puts him on schedule to start at Nats Park next week. Will be great to see him again.
And we're underway on a sunny, 89-degree Wednesday at Coors Field. A win sends the Nats home with a winning record, a loss sends them home with a losing record.
Once again a ball 4 called strike but no challenge resulting in an out. Wood has got to use his challenge
I recall he has a really bad record on challenges. I wouldn't doubt he's either been told not to use a challenge, or just now reluctant to use a challenge, until the end of the game.
I do remember those wrong challenges early in the season but are well into the new process. We just are not good enough to give away at bats
Don't disagree, but I'm sure Wood thought those early bad challenges were sure things back then, too.
Early in the game for using a challenge
Couple good early signs for today...
ANNND a coupla bad RISP signs.
Can't seem to avoid those, can they?
No, and it cost 'em last night. Plus those base running mistakes.
Lotta empty seats on what looks a beautiful day.
I remember when Colorado started out they drew over 4 million their first year, and routinely drew over 3 million for years after that.
Indeed. Their drawing area was huge. Folks had season tickets and came from Wyoming, Idaho, the Dakotas.
Nifty play by Cavalli to snag that comebacker. The only thing he did wrong: He threw the ball to Vivas at third instead of running directly at Karros, which ultimately allowed the batter to make it all the way to second. No problem, though, because Cavalli followed that up with a strikeout of Julian on a 99-mph fastball. He looks sharp so far through two innings.
Unfortunately, not a lot of solid contact by the Nats so far. Usually a couple of those already - not today, yet.