Nationals (40-38) at LA Angels (39-40)

[Rafael122]

First game of the Davey Johnson era as the Nationals travel to Anaheim to take on the Angels who are struggling this year. John Lannan vs. Ervin Santana tonight. 10:05 PM start on MASN.

Good thing we're missing out on Jared Weaver.

Lannan vs. Santana
Marquis vs. Piniero
Zimmerman vs. Chatwood

[Jollay]

Tough loss last night for the Nats. Offense continues to live dangerously, and continues to have trouble against tough right handed pitching.

All solo bombs was the offense. Werth 0-5, average down to .224.

[Wizards2Lottery]

Last night was pretty much a summary of how Werth has played all season. Top of the 10th, runner at 2nd base. Doesn't even swing at a 1-2 ball. Strike out, Angels win in the next inning.

My patience is growing thin with this guy.

[Rafael122]

The Werth signing is going to look really bad 2-3 years from now, and we signed him for 6 right? Or is it 7? The wrong guy to give that money to, hell I'd rather have gotten Carl Crawford for the same amount.

[Jollay]

Unfortunately we got him for six more years after this one.

I won't complain much, because the Nats' payroll is still in the bottom third of the league at 63 million, and Werth does have a serviceable OBP at .329. I hope some of his troubles stem from just batting leadoff and in the #2, certainly a different role than he's used to.

But factor in pedestrian at best defense this year, and it's hard to come close to justifying the contract right now.

[Rafael122]

Yeah, the payroll isn't an issue, we can technically afford to go after Prince Fielder if we want to (but why would we since we seem to have found our first basemen in Morse).

That payroll will shoot up once Ryan gets his extension.

[Wizards2Lottery]

The Lerners are the richest owners in baseball. I don't hate particularly care for the money either, but I just that he's taking up a roster spot. If he's this mediocre now, what will he be like in the future?

I also do not understand Matt Stairs having a roster spot.

[Scabs304]

did not like the Werth signing (at any price) to begin with and will grow to loath it if it ever costs us going after the best player available. If we surround him with protection he can be very capable until we do that he is useless.

[Rafael122]

Well he's gotten on base twice tonight, so it's a start.

[pineappleheadindc]

Screw Disneland.

Let's come home, boys.

[Wizards2Lottery]

Colin Balester

Hopefully J-Zimm can pull out a W tonight to keep us above .500

[Rafael122]

And WTF is up with Ryan's throwing mechanics? This dude IS a gold glove caliber third basemen right?

[Jollay]

And WTF is up with Ryan's throwing mechanics? This dude IS a gold glove caliber third basemen right?

He's just not right. He shortarms everything he can get away with, so I'm guessing there's still a decent amount of pain everytime he really wings it.

Well, tough loss yesterday but if Zimmermann can get a win a 3-3 road trip certainly is very acceptable.

[Rafael122]

One instance where he lobbed a throw to Morse as if this were basketball and another instance where he threw it away from Morse a bit, Morse could have gotten injured there. Runner was coming full steam ahead and Morse's arm was right in front of him.

[Jollay]

Nats signed JC Romero today after he was designated by the Phillies. Can't argue with that move with Slaten hurt and Burnett not what he was last year...

[Ed Wood]

Back to the Werth thing I'm a little puzzled that there'd be sentiment that signing him was a mistake in and of itself, rather than because the dollar amount could potentially restrict future spending. Werth is a very good defensive outfielder who is, even while hitting terribly, a cornucopia of secondary skills offensively. He sees a huge volume of pitches, he walks frequently, he has very respectable power, he has some speed if you're into that sort of thing.

As bad as he's been this year the only hitters who've been better over the course of the year are Espinosa, who's basically been the same hitter plus a little more power, Morse and Nix, who I have absolutely no confidence will outhit even what Werth has done so far over the long run. Zimmerman should hit better over time, but so should Werth, who is a very good player signed to a silly contract unless his age-related decline is hitting all at once after years of consistent excellence and hitting like a freight train.

[Ed Wood]

Also, while I accept that the Nationals will loose games this year, probably about as many as they win, I am not prepared to accept that they have to do so against the Angels. Against the Angels it is a matter of both personal pride and of maintenance of the karmic balance that this sort of thing does not happen. Loses will happen, but not like this, not against this team.

edit: I don't think this hitting thing is working out for Rick Ankiel; maybe he should give pitching a try. From what I hear he has quite the arm.

[Jollay]

Swept by the Halos, and there goes the momentum. Thanks alot, Riggles.

The Nats are pretty banged up right now, the off day should do them good. Zimmerman has his charity function at the Park for MS tonight.

I agree with you concerning Werth, Ed. I mean, not signing him and the Nats' lineups would have just been pathetic, especially during Zimmerman's absence. Still, fans are going to want a better return.

Hairston got plunked pretty good yesterday on his wrist, but he thinks he can play through it. Need him considering how banged up the team is and how many positions he can play in a utility role.

Perhaps the biggest encouragement this whole year is Jordan Zimmermann. He has proven he can be a top of the rotation guy with Strasburg for years to come. I always liked him, but I would point out that that was no given before this year, although everyone always been high on him.

[CaPtaiN eYeSaNo]

it seems like jason werth is having trouble with his fast ball bat speed...but what bothers me most about Werth's slump is the volume of times he strikes out looking.