Nats (62-70) at Bravos (79-54)

Post #1 » by **Jollay** » Mon Aug 29, 2011 6:36 pm

The Nats have lost six straight, and are very grateful they have a day off Monday after a 14-inning loss to the Reds on Sunday. They open at the Braves Tuesday, who are six back of the Phils and in firm control of the WIld Card, 8.5 up on the Giants.

Haven't been that impressed with Davey Johnson, although in fairness he is clearly managing to some extent purely for next year's benefit and to answer some questions. For instance, Laynce Nix played first while Michael Morse was played in left field last weekend. Obviously putting Nix at first who before this year hadn't played there since high school is to assess Morse's defensive skills in the outfield further before 2012.

Still, things aren't going so well, and the Nats don't want to fall too far under .500 playing their regulars, which could have an adverse effect going into 2012. There is alot of potential to go into 2012 with some momentum, especially with Strasmas II right around the corner for a ten-game homestand that starts Friday.

Livo versus Jair Jurrjens on Tuesday, but the Braves are still a little up in the air as to their rotation the rest of the series because of the hurricane postponements this weekend.

Jordan Zimmermann closed out his season yesterday and is out for the year. September callups occur Thursday. The Nats already are looking at 1B, Chris Marrero, who joined the team in Cincy, and will look at many others, to certainly include pitchers Brad Peacock and Tom Millone who have been dominant this year, and second baseman Steve Lombardozzi, who may be an option to start at second next year if Desmond or (less likely) Espinosa is dealt for a center fielder or something else.

Post #2 » by **pineappleheadindc** » Wed Aug 31, 2011 2:54 am

Well, now that's more like it.

:nod:

Post #3 » by **Jollay** » Wed Aug 31, 2011 12:31 pm

pineappleheadindc wrote:Well, now that's more like it.

That was fun to watch. For some reason the Nats have been killing Jurrjens this year.

Those homers were BOMBS.

Post #4 » by **Rafael122** » Wed Aug 31, 2011 12:52 pm

Morse and Stanton from the Marlins have to be two guys who have the most raw power. Morse just straight up kills the ball.

Post #5 » by **Jollay** » Wed Aug 31, 2011 6:47 pm

Lannan versus Lowe tonight. Oddly Lannan has owned the Braves, winning I believe five or six in a row against them.

Atlanta has a lefty-oriented lineup, which might explain it, except Lannan has occasionally pitched worse against lefties than righties, due in no small part to his horrible record against Phily indicates.

Of course that's Phily, but the Braves obviously ain't no slouches either...

Post #6 » by **pineappleheadindc** » Wed Aug 31, 2011 7:24 pm

I like the way Lannan pitches. It's enjoyable to watch.

Countdown to the Strasburg debut is getting short.

:nod:

Post #7 » by **Rafael122** » Thu Sep 1, 2011 12:12 pm

Only Lannan would allow a pitcher to hit a home run off of him.

Post #8 » by **Jollay** » Thu Sep 1, 2011 3:20 pm

Rafael122 wrote:Only Lannan would allow a pitcher to hit a home run off of him.

First CAREER homer, with only two pitchers in history getting it while older than Derek Lowe...

Lannan didn't pitch horrible--he actually had some nasty stuff on his slider that made me wonder if he was cheating, but it wasn't enough. Nats all or nothing offense came up with nothing until late, and then with the Braves' pen, it's academic at that point anyway.

Wang battles I believe Hudson tonight...