Nats (62-70) at Bravos (79-54)
Posted: 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.
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.
