Management as a whole is responsible. Toboni selects the roster. The GM leads the analysis on matchups and provides Butera the recommendations. And Butera coaches and makes in game decisions. I am pretty sure BB has some leeway but he gets a lot of informed input which has worked out well overall, but we can all see for ourselves when a player is not producing… So I think we have the right to have our own opinions as fans.
Baseball equivalence of the Bermuda Triangle. Pitches go in and are never seen again. Maybe that’s not fair but it’s fair to say this is a weak bottom three at a time when we need some timely hitting.
Failing that extension, has anyone mentioned a Griffin trade to the Padres for Mason Miller, in some fashion? Haven't been able to be on here much for awhile.
I don’t have all the trade values that teams assign to players, but would think it would take Foster, CJ or maybe an Eli Willits type return. Would love to have MM but don’t think the Natas would have enough alternatives to make a good deal.
Perhaps not. But it is the Padres we're talking about. I think they feel like they are in more of a win-this year mode than the Nats do, and they crave more starting pitching (like every team does). The Nats shouldn't trade Griffin lightly, but they also shouldn't spend lots on a big extension either. Big package deals should be tempered.
I understand the moaning and groaning about Vivas, but there is method to the seeming madness. As Mark wrote in the game-thread article:
"The first-place Braves are starting right-hander Grant Holmes, who just so happened to be on the mound for that same May 23 game against Irvin. He went five innings allowing two runs, each of them a solo homer (one from Dylan Crews, one from Jorbit Vivas)." So -- Go, Vivas!
This is a completely different lineup with Vivas in there instead of Mead. It's why the Mead trade really feels like a punt on 2026 - although of course now Mead is injured.
That was insane to see him having to not only speak with them, but then to have them cue up a question from his Mom with the ball in the air. Great composure by JW.
Grant Holmes has pretty even splits against lefties and righties through his career. I think it'll take Sherlock Holmes to answer why Vivas is starting instead of House.
I guess they think his defense is marginally more valuable than the perceived offensive drop they get with House. Or maybe this is a Chaparro situation waiting to happen where Vivas will become a superstar for a week.
Vivas…sigh.
You stole my thunder! I was about to be a bit more impolite than you with "What the EFF is Butera doing with useless Vivas in again for Brady House."
At most, I get the impression that Butera is one of several voices involved in lineup selection. May not really be his choice.
Management as a whole is responsible. Toboni selects the roster. The GM leads the analysis on matchups and provides Butera the recommendations. And Butera coaches and makes in game decisions. I am pretty sure BB has some leeway but he gets a lot of informed input which has worked out well overall, but we can all see for ourselves when a player is not producing… So I think we have the right to have our own opinions as fans.
OMG, totally agree.
I agree, but no sense complaining about it. His performance is often malodorous, but I decided to root for whoever is wearing a Nats uniform!
That 7-8-9 is just ugh
Not 9. Nasim has been pretty excellent the past several months.
Baseball equivalence of the Bermuda Triangle. Pitches go in and are never seen again. Maybe that’s not fair but it’s fair to say this is a weak bottom three at a time when we need some timely hitting.
Sorry Jake, we couldn't find a capable offense for your return tonight, but maybe next time
Almost like that want a House-Vivas platoon.
Uh, no.
Forget it Jake, its Butera-town.
My favorite movie
One of the all-time greats.
I will say something positive
Go Jake
Win one on national TV for all to see
😀
And maybe then we’ll get some national (pun almost intended) respect…
Was there room for Irvin or did they make a roster move to open a spot for him?
There was room.
There was room on the 40-man, and they sent down Schultz to make room on the 26-man roster.
LET'S GO NATS! BRING HOME A SERIES OPENING CURLY W TONIGHT!!
⚾️⚾️⚾️⚾️⚾️⚾️⚾️⚾️⚾️
Seems like a big sign of progress that Nats have been "picked up" by ESPN. When was the last time we could say that?
And ESPN’s Buster Olney reported today that the Nats are trying to extend Foster Griffin. Seems like that could be a good sign.
Failing that extension, has anyone mentioned a Griffin trade to the Padres for Mason Miller, in some fashion? Haven't been able to be on here much for awhile.
I don’t have all the trade values that teams assign to players, but would think it would take Foster, CJ or maybe an Eli Willits type return. Would love to have MM but don’t think the Natas would have enough alternatives to make a good deal.
Perhaps not. But it is the Padres we're talking about. I think they feel like they are in more of a win-this year mode than the Nats do, and they crave more starting pitching (like every team does). The Nats shouldn't trade Griffin lightly, but they also shouldn't spend lots on a big extension either. Big package deals should be tempered.
If Jake could give us 6 good innings that would be great. RISP, Pen issues are another matter. Cubbies did us a favor today, let's take advantage.
Jake will have to be really pitch-efficient to go six, but if he's truly back and on, he could. Fingers crossed!
As for those RiSP & Pen issues - more fingers crossed. (Typing is going to be very difficult tonight! :-)
Welcome back, Jake!
I understand the moaning and groaning about Vivas, but there is method to the seeming madness. As Mark wrote in the game-thread article:
"The first-place Braves are starting right-hander Grant Holmes, who just so happened to be on the mound for that same May 23 game against Irvin. He went five innings allowing two runs, each of them a solo homer (one from Dylan Crews, one from Jorbit Vivas)." So -- Go, Vivas!
Go, Nats!!!
What?!?!? Positivity?!?!?
LOL
I’m excited to be able to see three out four. Hopefully Jake does as well as last time in Atlanta.
This is a completely different lineup with Vivas in there instead of Mead. It's why the Mead trade really feels like a punt on 2026 - although of course now Mead is injured.
Just read elsewhere that Wood is going to be "mic'd up in the bottom of the second inning". He'll be in RF! I am SO not a fan of this. ESPN - bleah!!!
Ditto
Charlie and Dave on the radio.
The best in the business as far as I'm concerned.
That was insane to see him having to not only speak with them, but then to have them cue up a question from his Mom with the ball in the air. Great composure by JW.
Grant Holmes has pretty even splits against lefties and righties through his career. I think it'll take Sherlock Holmes to answer why Vivas is starting instead of House.
I guess they think his defense is marginally more valuable than the perceived offensive drop they get with House. Or maybe this is a Chaparro situation waiting to happen where Vivas will become a superstar for a week.
ESPN yuck.
The boys are on the radio
Yup. I've got them on and the tv muted.
Wasn't Karl Ravech laid off from ESPN last week?
I thought so, yet there he is in the booth!
I even looked that up again just now.....YES it says he was laid off July 21st?????? Confusing for sure because there he is!
Wild
Maybe he’s a contractor now. We’ve all see that played out.
That seems to be the case. Apparently he will work the LLWS and a couple other MLB games for ESPN this season. More info here:
https://awfulannouncing.com/espn/karl-ravech-returns-to-booth-after-layoff.html