Despite a strong start from Foster Griffin and a three-run homer from James Wood, the Nationals still got swept after a second bullpen meltdown in four games
Thus far I can't remember ever being this frustrated with a Nats team, this offense is being completely wasted by what may wind up as the worst bullpen ever assembled
This team? Wondering what expectations you had that would justify frustration? This isn't a good team and isn't expected to compete with a team like the Dodgers.
The 2019 team at 19-31 in May. THAT was frustrating. Dusty pulling Zimmermann in the 9th for Storen against the Giants. Failing to win a first round playoff series for almost a decade.
Don't let this team get to you. They're going to lose at least 90 games... You'll give yourself an ulcer getting exercised over this team as currently constructed. Hang in there! 😉
Right. I'm not sure which series gave me more heartburn. I still have nightmares over the 18 inning game, especially since my wife and I were freezing by the time it ended. But Dusty's managing in the Cubs series was, well, terrible.
I think it's a combination of an accumulation of the last six years and the fact this team currently looks like it's just a few pitchers away from contention - that 2019 team was underperforming across the roster, I was resigning myself to the window being closed at that point; the Dusty postseason decisions were indeed frustrating as well. Definitely overreacting a bit, I'll admit.
Love the quick posts following the games, but any chance you could delay them 2-3 minutes? Nationals.tv was still showing me Garcia’s last AB when the article posted. Bit of a spoiler…
Dodgers have great hitters, true. They also have great pitchers and yet this Nats offense scored a lot of runs - enough to expect to win a game - consistently through this series and all year really. Very impressive and hopeful sign.
I agree, that is the reality of this 2026 team. I just hope that the new staff hasn’t made their first big mistake by overestimating the pitching potential based on ST results.
For me she is must see tv. She’s the best part of the broadcast, especially if we lose. I would not mind a three person booth during the game. She has the ability to keep Franny focused, but she is simply very good in her own right.
All the Adderall in the world couldn't keep Franny focused (or from being annoying as humanly possible), but totally agree with you that Alexa Datt is very good.
Frustrating result, but realistic. The bats are improving, the offense is there. Pitching, I ask those questioning the bullpen construction: what is there to do?
“Spend money.” On who? Nevermind the fact that all reliever FA contracts are inherently risky investments—contracts are a two way affair. What’s the manner in which you (1) convince players to choose a team embarking on the first year of a rebuild, and (2) shell out above average money to get an extra, what, meaningless 2 wins? You wanna throw $5 million at Kirby Yates to maybe win a game? The Mets threw a million at Lovelady after we cut him, and he’s already throwing away games. If we’re 15 out of the Wild Card or 16, what’s the difference?
Trade? Chip away at the very farm that we’re trying to build up? If players aren’t being sent away for arms, it’s a binary of Toboni sees something worth keeping, or more harshly, there’s nothing to be earned in return. This bullpen will be a combination of whatever Rizzo “developed” and left us (aka, close to nothing) and waiver claims.
Call it salty, call it sore loser, but I have no interest in whatever brand of baseball the Dodgers are selling. Mercenary ball is simply not what I find attractive when I choose to watch baseball. There is nothing exciting to me about a reliever market where an arm like Diaz costs you $23 million. Development is what this sport is about, and the results of this new regime won’t be an instant success in 9 games. And with that said, there’s already been so many results of marked improvement.
Something about free agent relievers with the initials C.P. just do not work for the Nats. Send Perez to whatever outpost Colin Poche is currently stationed in.
Mark said guys would be called up quickly when needed. Looks like it's needed. Cionel needs to be dumped, asap. Get Parker and Alverez up. Parker for the pen -- he did it Ok last September. Alverez instead of Mikolas in the rotation
I didn’t have high expectations, but I am very pleasantly surprised, granted it’s early, by the offense. Our offense is third in the majors in runs scored but we are last in runs allowed. the bullpen may be the worst ever for the Nats. And as you all know, that’s saying something. With anything resembling a decent bullpen, we are 5-4. . Blowing five run and four runs late is inexcusable. We need to make changes to the pen and Mikolas should have no more than 2 bad starts before they cut him
Thus far I can't remember ever being this frustrated with a Nats team, this offense is being completely wasted by what may wind up as the worst bullpen ever assembled
Lucas Sims and what's his face from last year. That was an all time low.
There was that big tall surfer looking dude.
I swear he walked the first batter in every appearance.
Was that Colin Poche? I only listened to them last year. No idea what they looked like.
Those guys (and others) were terrible and hit players regularly! They would give up runs that way.
Surfer dude was Mason Thomson. But Poche could be the guy you're thinking of. All bad.
This team? Wondering what expectations you had that would justify frustration? This isn't a good team and isn't expected to compete with a team like the Dodgers.
The 2019 team at 19-31 in May. THAT was frustrating. Dusty pulling Zimmermann in the 9th for Storen against the Giants. Failing to win a first round playoff series for almost a decade.
Don't let this team get to you. They're going to lose at least 90 games... You'll give yourself an ulcer getting exercised over this team as currently constructed. Hang in there! 😉
You had to bring up Zimmerman. My head hurts!
But that was Matt Williams.
Good call... I conflated the JZimm debacle with Dusty bringing in Max in relief against the Cubs 😡
Right. I'm not sure which series gave me more heartburn. I still have nightmares over the 18 inning game, especially since my wife and I were freezing by the time it ended. But Dusty's managing in the Cubs series was, well, terrible.
Extensive counseling got me past that tragic game
Two N's on JZimm, BTW
I think it's a combination of an accumulation of the last six years and the fact this team currently looks like it's just a few pitchers away from contention - that 2019 team was underperforming across the roster, I was resigning myself to the window being closed at that point; the Dusty postseason decisions were indeed frustrating as well. Definitely overreacting a bit, I'll admit.
While the early season offense has been very encouraging, this team is a LOT more than a few pitchers away from contention.
A few pitchers away from contention? You must be joking.
Let's see what tomorrow brings for these Nats
And the day after that. And the day after that. And . . . .
Love the quick posts following the games, but any chance you could delay them 2-3 minutes? Nationals.tv was still showing me Garcia’s last AB when the article posted. Bit of a spoiler…
Turn your phone over!
Extra points for those who remember Chad Tracy. Yikes.
There is no happy face on this. The bullpen is horrible. Two games . . . 5-1 and 6-1, big leads, big deal. Big losses.
Ready to see new faces. Those that can’t perform have already shown they don’t have it.
Only time will tell if crap like this says more about the Dodgers or about us.
Dodgers have great hitters, true. They also have great pitchers and yet this Nats offense scored a lot of runs - enough to expect to win a game - consistently through this series and all year really. Very impressive and hopeful sign.
Totally agree. Getting 6 runs usually wins games.
Griffin was good.
Wood hit a homerun.
No errors.
On the positive side the Cardinals are playing in the Sunday night game. Should arrive in DC in the early am and be a bit tuckered tomorrow night.
Thank you for being positive. I am trying so hard to be positive.
Always a tough deal with this team.
I agree, that is the reality of this 2026 team. I just hope that the new staff hasn’t made their first big mistake by overestimating the pitching potential based on ST results.
Man, I'd call this bullpen a disappointment but that is woefully understating it.
Another good job by Alexa Datt on the TV post-game wrap. Good delivery, concise, no-nonsense, and no babbling on and on.
She is excellent. I'm really glad they hired her.
For me she is must see tv. She’s the best part of the broadcast, especially if we lose. I would not mind a three person booth during the game. She has the ability to keep Franny focused, but she is simply very good in her own right.
All the Adderall in the world couldn't keep Franny focused (or from being annoying as humanly possible), but totally agree with you that Alexa Datt is very good.
Butera seems a bit shell shocked. Who can blame him?
At least he doesn't spout stuff like go 1-0.
He looked every bit like someone who wanted to get out of the Principles office as fast as possible
Frustrating result, but realistic. The bats are improving, the offense is there. Pitching, I ask those questioning the bullpen construction: what is there to do?
“Spend money.” On who? Nevermind the fact that all reliever FA contracts are inherently risky investments—contracts are a two way affair. What’s the manner in which you (1) convince players to choose a team embarking on the first year of a rebuild, and (2) shell out above average money to get an extra, what, meaningless 2 wins? You wanna throw $5 million at Kirby Yates to maybe win a game? The Mets threw a million at Lovelady after we cut him, and he’s already throwing away games. If we’re 15 out of the Wild Card or 16, what’s the difference?
Trade? Chip away at the very farm that we’re trying to build up? If players aren’t being sent away for arms, it’s a binary of Toboni sees something worth keeping, or more harshly, there’s nothing to be earned in return. This bullpen will be a combination of whatever Rizzo “developed” and left us (aka, close to nothing) and waiver claims.
Call it salty, call it sore loser, but I have no interest in whatever brand of baseball the Dodgers are selling. Mercenary ball is simply not what I find attractive when I choose to watch baseball. There is nothing exciting to me about a reliever market where an arm like Diaz costs you $23 million. Development is what this sport is about, and the results of this new regime won’t be an instant success in 9 games. And with that said, there’s already been so many results of marked improvement.
Here, here!
A fair take. Besides, we all need a "get off the ledge" reality check.
Once again offense and foster got it done but Cionel Perez can not be allowed on the mound again.
Something about free agent relievers with the initials C.P. just do not work for the Nats. Send Perez to whatever outpost Colin Poche is currently stationed in.
Just know you got a good laugh from me with this one.
Mark said guys would be called up quickly when needed. Looks like it's needed. Cionel needs to be dumped, asap. Get Parker and Alverez up. Parker for the pen -- he did it Ok last September. Alverez instead of Mikolas in the rotation
Have a feeling that midnight may have struck for Joey Wiemer. He may not make it to May.
I didn’t have high expectations, but I am very pleasantly surprised, granted it’s early, by the offense. Our offense is third in the majors in runs scored but we are last in runs allowed. the bullpen may be the worst ever for the Nats. And as you all know, that’s saying something. With anything resembling a decent bullpen, we are 5-4. . Blowing five run and four runs late is inexcusable. We need to make changes to the pen and Mikolas should have no more than 2 bad starts before they cut him