The Nats Thread

[DeathFromAbove1979]

For what it's worth, they could still say Stras pitches tonight... At least that's what Rizzo said this morning.

Ass puckered to a dangerous level. Can't see this team going out in 4 games, but DC teams are always surprising me.

[Julian, Bespoke SEXPERT]

Can't see this team going out in 4 games, but DC teams are always surprising me.

At this point, wouldn't "actually winning something" constitute a surprise? Going out in the first round in four games is probably the most-consistent, least-surprising outcome they've had.

[Space Freely]

He’s attempting to put his balls on the line.

I don’t know, since when does a pussy have balls?

Despite Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg not taking the ball for his team in an elimination game against the Cubs on Wednesday because he’s ill, Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo defended the competitiveness of his $175-million ace.
“He is attempting to put his balls on the line,” Rizzo said on 106.7 The Fan in Washington D.C. on Wednesday morning ahead of the after Game 4 of the National League Division Series at Wrigley Field. “He went out and threw a bullpen and said to Mike Maddux, our pitching coach, ‘I’m going to give you everything I have, I don’t know how much it is.’ We made the decision that we want a 100 percent Tanner Roark over a depleted Stephen Strasburg.”

[vansmack]

Stras now starting.  I love Dusty....

[DeathFromAbove1979]

Stras set to start lol

EDIT: as of 11:56am he's back out lol

[hutch]

Done with Stras...the guy is just too "fragile" physically and mentally...so Rendon made ONE error...does Stras pick him up?

[DeathFromAbove1979]

Done with Stras...the guy is just too "fragile" physically and mentally...so Rendon made ONE error...does Stras pick him up?

He's gonna pitch?

[vansmack]

I like to think that as soon as the rain out was called yesterday, Dusty called Stras into his office and asked if he was healthy for the game.  Then when Stras said yes, he called Roarke in and said, I'm given the ball to Stras tomorrow, but the team needs you to be ready for relief or for game 5. 

He then told the team leaders and asked them to keep it a secret so that the ensuing media circus would take the focus (and pressure) off the hitters, which have been the real problem for the playoffs.

But then I remembered that's what Smackie would do, and there's no way Dusty would do that.

[DeathFromAbove1979]

Trea Turner did some baseball

[hutch]

Good call resident gm smackie...bats have come alive!!!!

[Space Freely]

Good call resident gm smackie...bats have come alive!!!!

5/32 (.156) isn't really coming alive in my book but it beats .121 I reckon.

[vansmack]

Speaking of which - whose going to call Cleveland and tell them that when the A's won 20 straight they were bounced in the first round?   

I take it none of you called them?

[DeathFromAbove1979]

What a heartbreaker for Cleveland. Some hellacious ABs from the Yankees.

I am not prepared for tonight. Have no faith in the offense. Am curious to see how Roark handles it. Interested to see if they have Max come out of the pen if need be. Dang.

[Space Freely]

What a heartbreaker for Cleveland. Some hellacious ABs from the Yankees.

I am not prepared for tonight. Have no faith in the offense. Am curious to see how Roark handles it. Interested to see if they have Max come out of the pen if need be. Dang.

How Roark handles what?

I'm positive we'll see Max tonight unless it's a Nats early blowout.

[DeathFromAbove1979]

What a heartbreaker for Cleveland. Some hellacious ABs from the Yankees.

I am not prepared for tonight. Have no faith in the offense. Am curious to see how Roark handles it. Interested to see if they have Max come out of the pen if need be. Dang.

How Roark handles what?

I'm positive we'll see Max tonight unless it's a Nats early blowout.

I thought Tanner was listed as the starter. Nats site says "Roark or Gonzalez" lol

 I guess we'll find out!