GB&U: Collar Tightening Again For Mets?

RESULT: Nats beat Mets 7-2 behind gem from John Lannan.

GOOD: Lannan. Seven innings, one run, one hit. He was simply awesome. He scattered three walks amongst seven strikeouts. He did not allow more than one base runner in any inning, and he had four 1-2-3 innings, including the last two he pitched. So much for hitting a wall.

BAD: David Wright. I don't usually mention opponents in the GB&U, but Wright merits exception. He was 0-for-4 with 2 Ks and grounded into a potential rally-killing double play in the top of the eighth.

UGLY: We'll stick with the theme here: Pedro Martinez. Wow, is this the same guy Nats fans so lustily booed several years ago when he was head-hunting at RFK that night? Petey gave up 8 hits and 4 BBs in 6 IP, with just 3 Ks. It's kinda amazing he only gave up four runs. I think the Mets are in trouble again.

NEXT GAME: Tomorrow night. The Nats try to knock the Mets from first place AGAIN, as New York clings perilously to a half-game lead over the suddenly red-hot Phillies. The four-game series continues as Odalis Perez (6-10, 4.48) and the Nats try to play spoiler against Mike Pelfrey (13-9, 3.77) and the Mets.

Stock Photo (c) C. Nichols 2008

Lannan Tosses Gem, Beats Mets 7-2

Washington -- Washington National rookie starter John Lannan has pitched in his share of bad luck this season, considering that he has been one of the better pitchers for a team that is last in most batting statistics. But Monday night, facing a team that currently leads the N.L. East, Lannan took matters into his own hands, allowing only one hit and one earned run over seven innings, and the beleaguered Nationals bullpen suffered no repeat of Sunday's collapse, holding on for the 7-2 victory over the New York Mets before 21,759 patrons at Nationals Park.

Lannan (W, 9-13, 3.97) had struggled a little bit of late, but was sharp from the very beginning on this beautiful evening for baseball. The game time temperature was 77, and dipped to the low 70s with a light breeze by the middle innings. By that point, Lannan was well in control of the game. He scattered three walks, and struck out seven, including all-star 3B David Wright and the resurgent 1B Carlos Delgado twice each. Lannan has three 1-2-3 innings, including the sixth and seventh, showing his team that he does indeed have the strength to pitch deep into a meaningful game. He threw 59 of his 97 pitches for strikes, and left after the seventh to a standing ovation from the Nats faithful.

Offensively, Washington was paced by 2B Anderson Hernandez' two-run double in the sixth inning and Elijah Dukes' three-run shot in the eighth, his twelfth of the season. Ryan Zimmerman and Aaron Boone both drove in runs, Lastings Milledge went 3-for-4 with two runs and a stolen base, and all-star SS Cristian Guzman added two more hits.

The defense even chipped in with an outstanding diving catch by Willie Harris in left field, robbing OF Fernando Tatis of a hit, and two double plays, none bigger than in the top of the eighth, as Michael Hinckley, who has yet to surrender a run in seven and two-thirds innings since his call-up, got Wright to ground into a 6-4-3 double play to quash any chance of a Mets comeback.

But John Lannan's progression from draft pick to prospect to rotation mainstay was the story of the night. His development remains one of the main topics of what otherwise has been mostly a season of disappointment for the Washington Nationals and their fans as they challenge for the worst record in the major leagues.

The four-game series continues Tuesday night, as Odalis Perez (6-10, 4.48) and the Nats try to play spoiler against Mike Pelfrey (13-9, 3.77) and the Mets, who find themselves perilously close to another late-season division lead collapse.

NATS NOTES: The win puts the Nats record at 57-93. Washington is 26.5 games behind the Mets in the division, who now are only one-half game ahead of suddenly red-hot Philadelphia. The Nats are one-half game "ahead" of both Seattle and San Diego for the worst record in baseball.

GB&U: Wow. What Else Can You Say?

RESULT: Nats lose 8-7 to Marlins. Losing streak at 5 games.

GOOD: Collin Balestar. The rookie starter took a no-hitter into the sixth, and his line was impressive: 6.2 IP, 1 ER, 4 hits, 3 BBs, 5 Ks.

BAD: The Line-up. Manny decided to go with an almost completely rookie line-up, save for Zim, Langerhans and I guess Milledge doesn't count anymore either. The rooks built a lead that should have held up though, leading 6-1 entering the bottom of the 8th inning.

UGLY: The Aforementioned Eighth Inning. The Nats have had some ugly innings this year to be sure, but tonight probably took the cake. Four different pitchers gave up 7 runs (6 earned) on 7 hits and 4 walks, including back-to-back walks to start the inning by Saul Rivera and Manning's walk of Paul LoDuca on 5 pitches. Then, Hanrahan threw one away when no one covered first base on a bunt hit. The very definition of ugly.

NEXT GAME: Tomorrow night the Nats host the Mets at 7:10 pm. John Lannan (8-13) faces Pedro Martinez (5-4). Come out and boo the Mets with me. Seriously, I know it's football season, but if you're reading this, make the effort to come out tomorrow night. I'll be in Section 131, Row SS right on the aisle with three empty seats. First round's on me.

GB&U: Quiet 2-1 Loss

RESULT: Nats lose to Marlins 2-1.

GOOD: Shairon Martis. Five innings, two hits, three walks, one earned run, nine strikeouts.
Wee Willie Harris went 2-for-3 with a walk.

BAD: Cristian Guzman. 0-for-4, two left on base, and a throwing error that resulted in the winning run scoring.

UGLY: Fifteen individual runners left on base. Example A on why the Nats need a to get a slugger in the line-up. They just have trouble stringing base hits together to score runs.

NEXT GAME: Tomorrow. 7:10 pm from Dolphin Stadium. Tim Redding faces Josh Johnson.

Dukes Issues Apology

Courtesy of Nats Journal:

"I just wanted to apologize to my teammates and the Nationals organization and the fans for my actions in the game Wednesday. It was wrong. I basically let my emotions just get the best of me. You know, it was just tough for me to take in what I had to endure, basically, and I just shouldn't have did it and it was wrong. I wanted to apologize about it, because you know, I talked to Jim Bowden and Manny Acta and I let them know that I apologize for it, and I'll try not to let it happen again. And for my teammates especially, I just want to apologize again to them for my actions."

Appropriate. Contrite. Consice.

Since Boz Brought It Up...

I wasn't going to continue on about the Dukes incident from Wednesday's game. Plenty of others have already fanned the flames on the continuing saga of Elijah Dukes and his episode in New York Wednesday night.

Now The Washington Post's esteemed veteran columnist, Tom Boswell, has chimed in with his opinion, presumably since there are no more swim meets to write about.

First of all, what would Boz know about being toxic in the Nats clubhouse? This is only the second time this summer he's written about the Nats. The Natosphere's long-term criticism of the Post coverage (of lack thereof) for the Nationals is an exhausted subject, including in this space. But Boz takes the cake in today's column, offering conflicting views about who Dukes is, how he acts and how he reacts to events.

In one breath, Boz admits,

In a season of boredom and disappointment, Dukes has been, by far, the best reason to watch the Nats. In their search for core pieces of their future, youngsters Lastings Milledge, Jesús Flores and John Lannan have shown promise, but hardly greatness. Others, including Collin Balester, Emilio Bonifacio and Joel Hanrahan, are on the horizon. But besides Zimmerman, Dukes stands alone.

But then, as if Boz himself has his finger on the pulse of the clubhouse, decrees,

When he smiles, or connects with a fastball, electricity hits his team and you can see the vague outline of a future. But when he beats his chest after a walk-off walk, infuriating the pitcher, or glares at the home plate ump as his walk-off home run is still leaving the park, the Nationals' room grows darker.

Conflicting statements about Dukes are hardly new. Even his own teammates are divided on the issue. Chico Harlan, in his story about the Wednesday's game, offered quotes by Zimmerman, Milledge and Acta, and each had a different reaction to the unpleasantness. But what bothered me in Harlan's gamer was how he seemingly pitted Zim's comments against what Milledge said, and both comments were played down by Acta's statement. In the presentation, it's like Harlan was TRYING to create a rift.

The Post has been timid in it's coverage of Dukes, however, compared to his hometown paper, the St. Pete Times. While a profile of a troubled athlete is a legitimate story, is it necessary to append that article with a list of birthdays, mother's names, and gender of his children? Isn't that just the least bit inflammatory? And forget about the treatment Wednesday's dust-up got in the New York papers. Sensationalism at its finest. You'd think after reading some of these articles, Dukes was the second coming of Edi Amin, Hitler and Kublai Khan all rolled into one. At least the ESPN.com games story mentions the histrionics where it belonged, at the bottom of the article.

With the constant undertones of subliminal racism permeating the media coverage of Dukes, it's no wonder the kid has an over-reaching and potentially dangerous sense of "prove them wrong" mentality. It's obviously what drives him on a daily basis, makes him the ballplayer that he is, but ultimately could drive him from the game and society.

It's true Dukes brings this on himself. Ultimately, it's him and him alone that will -- or won't -- change the public's perception of him. Boz counsels Dukes in his closing paragraph,

The choice is clear. Soon, Dukes has to grow up. Not totally, but enough. Adults adapt. Elijah, you have to be the one to change, because the game, like the world, never will.

Seems like someone that uses redemption as motivation would only use the word "change" as more fuel to the fire. What Dukes did the other night was nothing to warrant investigation, suspension or public reprimand, even if it happened on a once-a-week basis. Dukes knew, when he was hit with a 3-2 change-up to load the bases, that it wasn't intentional. He took his base without incident and the game went on. If he has to change anything, he just has to get used to getting hit. Cause if you're gonna blow a kiss or thump your chest toward the opponent's dugout, you're gonna get knocked down.

Stay classy Elijah. Don't hear the word "change", think "adapt". Celebrate in the clubhouse. Don't let your emotion motivate your opponent. Let your immense talent do your chest-thumping and kiss blowing for you. Others went through worse. Live long enough to become a nuisance.

Stock Photos (c) C. Nichols 2008.

GB&U: 18 Is Not Enough

RESULT: Nats lose to Mets 13-10.

GOOD: Cristian Guzman. First career two home run game. 5 RBIs. Elijah Dukes. Home run, did not take Pelfrey's head off after the beaning.

BAD: Opening Day Odalis Perez. Yuck. I won't even type his numbers. Joel Hanrahan. Another home run allowed. Sa-ool Rivera. The season can't end fast enough for him. He's throwing meatballs up there right now.

UGLY: Dukes taunting the Mets fans. I'm going to say this slowly so everyone knows where I stand: This...has...got...to...stop. I am the biggest unabashed Dukes fan around here, I think the kid can hit 40 home runs (sorry if I'm propounding Bill Ladson-like hyperbole here). But he has to know that his actions last night night were wrong and irresponsible.

INJURY UPDATE: Flores tried to do some simple drills pre-game and had to stop. He ain't coming back this year, it would be foolhardy to think and prepare otherwise.

NEXT GAME: Second off-day this week today. Nats start a three-game series with the Marlins Friday. If you play a Major League baseball game, and no one is there to see it, does it still count in the standings?

Nats Pitching Wastes Power Surge; Lose to Mets 13-10

Queens -- There have not been many instances where the Washington Nationals have hit three home runs in one game this season, let alone lose a game in which they accomplished the feat. But that's the exact scenario that played out before 52,431 screaming New York Mets fans Wednesday night at Shea Stadium, as the Nats fell 13-10 to the division leaders.

For the second night in a row at the soon to be replaced and demolished Shea, the Nats fought back from a large deficit and scored more runs than their season average, only to be ultimately thwarted in their efforts to play spoiler to the contending Mets. Cristian Guzman continued--and added to--his amazing run at the plate, smacking two home runs and driving in five on yet another three-hit night. His "slash" numbers (batting average, on-base average and slugging average) are all at full single season career highs at .314/.344/.445, and he now has nine home runs and 52 RBIs for the season.

The Nats also got a long home run by Elijah Dukes, his eleventh (2-for-4, 2 runs), who taunted the crowd on his way around the bases and then at the dugout, blowing kisses to the Queens faithful. Dukes later would be brushed back and have words with Mets starter Mike Pelfrey, and in a subsequent at bat, hit by Pelfrey on a 3-2 count.

"Some people react different than other ones," Manager Manny Acta said of Dukes. "It's very common after a homer to get pitched inside. I think we'll let it go at that."

Washington totaled ten runs on eleven hits and five walks, and on a normal night, that might have been enough for victory. But David Wright led the Mets on a thirteen hit, eight walk evening of their own, as he went 4-for-4 with a walk, home run, three RBIs and four runs scored. Wright, almost forgotten in New York with the re-emergence of 1B Carlos Delgado, is hitting .296 with 28 HRs and 109 RBIs for the Metropolitans. OFs Carlos Beltran and Fernando Tatis each added three hits and two RBIs as well, and former Nat Brian Schneider chipped in with a two-run single in what would be the deciding seventh inning.

The Nationals found themselves down early in the game, due to a season's worst outing by starter Odalis Perez. Perez surrendered an RBI single to Beltran in the first inning, got through the second unscathed but then completely collapsed in the third. Perez struck out his opponent, Pelfrey, to start -- and finish -- the inning, an indication of just how bad it was. With one out, SS Jose Reyes singled to center, then stole second base ahead of Ryan Church's base on balls. Wright knocked in Reyes and moved Church to third with a single up the middle. Beltran took Perez' second pitch to deep left center for a double, scoring Church and advancing Wright to third base. Perez intentionally walks Delgado to get to Tatis, and the surprisingly resurgent outfielder made him pay, as he crushed one to deep left center for a double as well, plating Wright and Beltran. Second baseman Damion Easley finished the carnage, singling to left field, scoring Delgado and Tatis.

Just like that, the Nats trailed 7-1. Perez would complete the inning, but not return for the fourth. He allowed seven runs -- six earned -- on eight hits and three walks. But as poorly as he pitched, he did not take the loss.

The resilient Nats scored a single run in the fourth on a Wil Nieves ground out, three in the fifth inning courtesy of a Ryan Zimmerman ground out and Kory Casto two-run single, and two in the sixth inning on Guzman's two-run shot to right field to take Perez off the hook and tie the game.

Unfortunately, Saul Rivera (L, 5-6, 3.68) gave the lead right back in the bottom of the seventh, allowing consecutive singles to Wright and Beltran, Delgado's sacrifice fly, and Schneider's bases loaded, two out, two run single. The score was 11-7 entering the eighth inning, but the visitors were still undaunted. Aaron Boone hit a one out single to left center and Emilio Bonifacio walked, setting up Cristian Guzman's second home run of the night, a deep blast to right field just in front of the Big Red Apple that looms over right field. With just one out though, the Nats could not extend the rally, as Zimmerman flied out and Milledge grounded to third to go to the bottom of the inning still trailing by one.

The score didn't stand there long though. With Joel Hanrahan on the mound, Church drew a five pitch pass and Wright, capping his perfect evening, took a 2-2 fastball to deep left center, and all left fielder Roger Bernadina could do was watch it leave the park. Luis Ayala entered for the Mets, and recorded his second 1-2-3 save in as many nights for New York, his seventh in eight attempts since the trade.

The recent scoring outburst has to be a harbinger of good things toward next season, but the disappointment of scoring 18 runs in two games --with two losses to show for it -- was evident in the Washington dugout following the final out.

Washington is off on Thursday before starting a three-game series in Miami against the Florida Marlins. Friday's starters are expected to be Shairon Martis (0-1, 3.60) and Scott Olson (6-10, 4.41).

NATS NOTES: The loss drops Washington to 56-90. San Diego lost as well, so the teams remain tied for the worst record in the Major Leagues. Seattle won, and is now three games ahead of both teams in the loss column.

C Jesus Flores tested his sprained ankle before the game, and was still in a considerable amount of pain doing the simplest drills, such as playing catch. The team will not rush his return, Acta said.

Stock Photo (c) C. Nichols 2008

State of the Nationals?

http://www.espnzone.com/washingtondc/

Mark your calendars for Friday, September 19th at 12 p.m., and join us at ESPN Zone for the 2008 State of the Nationals address.

Nationals General Manager Jim Bowden and Assistant GM and VP of Baseball Operations Mike Rizzo will address the Nationals’ current season, the Nats’ off-season plans, and the organization’s ongoing development. Fans will be invited to ask questions of Bowden and Rizzo throughout the event, gaining insight in the future of the hometown team.

Boy, oh boy, oh boy. I can't wait for this. Dead men know no fear? I have to imagine EVERYONE from the Natosphere will be in attendance. Here's a little excerpt from the possible transcript:

Charlie Slowes: OK, let's open it up to some questions. In the back here...

Bottomfeeder Baseball: Jim, do you understand how foolish you looked in the Manny Ramirez wig?

Charlie: BANG, ZOOM! Let's get another one...

Fire Jim Bowden: Jim, do you like my t-shirt?

Charlie: UN-BEE-LIEVABLE!!! Next...

We've Got Heart: Jim, did you know that Luis Ayala has a win and six saves in seven tries for a division leading team, and he was passed over for the closer's job here--TWICE???

Charlie: How about one from the kids:

Dancing Boy: Mr Rizzo, Will you be our new G.M.?

Charlie: Oops. How about another one from our younger fans?

Fick Fans: Mr. Bowden, you broke our hearts. BRING BACK FICK!!!

Charlie: BANG, ZOOM! One more...

Nats 320: Jim, I have an Unofficial Poll of all the readers of My Blog and EVERYONE is re-upping their Season's Tickets. By the way, can I have the African Queen pose with you for a picture?

Charlie: Does anyone have a question for Mike? Over here...

NFA: Say the team did sign Aaron Crow. Would he have been assigned to one of the GCL teams, Vermont, Potomac, Hagerstown, Harrisburg, Columbus or Washington? Would he have played in the Instructional League? The Arizona Fall League? Or one of the Latin American Winter Leagues?

Charlie: WOW! Any more? OK, over here...

Mr. Irrelevant: Isn't the Redskins pre-game on yet?

Charlie: Yikes! That's all the time we have for today folks. Let's go get another Curly W for the books!!!

Next Friday cannot come soon enough. See you all there!

Gopher Balls Bury Nats; Lose 10-8 to Mets

QUEENS -- The New York Mets are in a tightly contested battle for first place in the N.L. East with the Philadelphia Phillies, and the loser will probably miss out on the post-season. The Washington Nationals are in a close battle of their own for the worst record in baseball. With last night's 10-8 victory by the Mets, one team inched closer to their goal; the other fell closer to ignominy.

Taken at face value, Tuesday night's game could be seen as a microcosm of the season for the Nats: some good things, some very bad, some fight and ultimately, disappointment. The Mets rode a fourteen-hit attack, including four home runs, to out-muscle their division brethren. And while the Nats had eight runs and twelve base hits of their own, only two were of the extra-base variety, and they could not scrape enough together to pull even in the end.

Neither starter was sharp for their teams and both had left the game by the fourth inning. Nats starter John Lannan allowed five earned runs on eight hits -- including two home runs -- and one walk, striking out only two. His ERA for the season rose to 4.09, the first time it's been over four runs per game since April 17, his third game of the season against these same Mets. His counterpart, Oliver Perez, was worse. In three and one-third innings, he surrendered seven earned runs on eight hits and two walks, striking out only three. But a parade of relief pitchers held the Nats mostly in check, culminating with former National Luis Ayala shutting the door on any comeback attempt, as he recorded a perfect 1-2-3 inning in the ninth to secure his sixth save in seven tries since being acquired by the Mets for 2B Anderson Hernandez in a waiver trade in mid-August.

Ayala has been nearly perfect for the Mets. Including Tuesday night's save, he has allowed earned runs in just two of his eleven appearances for the Mets, earning a victory and six saves. In eleven innings, he has given up ten hits and just one walk, striking out eight, including Elijah Dukes looking in the ninth inning. The Mets learned on Monday that their all-star closer, Billy Wagner, will be shelved the remainder of this season and most of 2009 due to ligament replacement surgery on his left (pitching) elbow. So Ayala will continue to perform in the job for a contender that he was passed over for -- twice -- by a cellar-dweller.

Carlos Delgado, left for dead earlier in the season, has been carrying the Mets offensively most of the late summer, and he did it again last night. Delgado finished 3-for-3, with two home runs, three RBIs and three runs scored. It was his fourth multi-homer game in his past thirteen games. After the second homer, many of the 50,382 chanted "MVP, MVP" as Delgado circled the bases. For the season, the Mets 1B has accumulated 35 home runs and 103 RBIs.

"It's great to be able to contribute," Delgado said. "It's great to be able to help the team. I think we've got a great club. It's a great race. It's awesome."

Ryan Church contributed his twelfth home run, a two-run shot, and Carlos Beltran added a solo shot directly ahead of Delgado's second home run of the evening in the sixth inning against Nats reliever Charlie Manning (L, 1-3, 5.20).
Washington received their offense from familiar--and not so familiar--sources. Cristian Guzman continued his terrific 2008 campaign, going 2-for-5 with his seventh home run, two RBIs and two runs scored. Second baseman Hernandez, trying to punish the Mets for trading him, went 2-for-5 as well, driving in three and scoring two from the lead-off spot.

But all things being equal, the Mets were perfectly happy having Ayala to close out this victory as they take a two and one-half game lead over the Phillies for the right to represent the N.L. East in the playoffs. And the Nats have to take solace in a young player having a good game in defeat, in another lost season.

Wednesday's game features Odalis Perez (6-10, 4.19) and Mike Pelfrey (13-9, .62) on the hill.

Game time is 7:10 pm from Shea Stadium.

NATS NOTES: The Nationals fall to 56-89 with seventeen games to play and are 25.5 games behind the Mets in the N.L. East. After play Tuesday night, Washington is tied with San Diego for the worst record in the Major Leagues with a .386 winning percentage. Seattle is two games ahead of both in the loss column, having played two fewer games.

3B Ryan Zimmerman went 3-for-5 with an RBI to raise his season average to .286. RP Michael Hinckley, called up when rosters expanded, threw another shutout inning and has not allowed a run in five appearances since his recall, covering five and one-third innings.

GB&U: Not Enough In the End

RESULT: Nats lost to Mets 10-8.

GOOD: Anderson Hernandez. Trying to make the Mets regret trading him, Hernandez went 2-for-5 in the lead-off spot with 3 RBIs. Guz went 2-for-5 with a homer and 2 RBIs. He's back up to .311. Zim continues to hit, going 3-for-5 with a ribbie. Zim's up to .286.

BAD: John Lannan. 3 IP, 5 ERs on 8 hits and a walk. Location, location, location. He couldn't hit his spots, and aiming them over resulted in a plethora of hard hits, including 2 of the Mets four homers on the night.

UGLY: Bullpen. Estrada gave up two earned in one-third of an inning. Manning gave up two solo shots in two-thirds. Bergmann gave up one earned in one inning. Not very good.

NEXT GAME: Wednesday at 7:10 pm from Shea Stadium. Odalis Perez (6-10) versus Mike Pelfrey (13-9).

A Little Light Reading: Next Year?

One of our favorite fellow bloggers had his take on what the team may look like next year, and while it may be a little early for that, I figured on the off-day it might a fun exercise. I won't critique his work, because every one is entitled to His Own Opinion, but I'll offer my thoughts, and most of these were expressed trading e-mails today with some other brilliant baseball minds.

The biggest decision during the off-season is not one of player personnel, but one of front office personnel. Whether the team retains Jim Bowden as GM is the biggest question facing this organization. That said, Let's Speculate!

OUTFIELD: We're almost certain to see a Dukes-Milledge-Kearns outfield next year to start, with Harris and Pena as back-ups. Pena has a player option which he's certainly take, and the team will at least try to see if the injury he hid all season was to blame for his poor play. They just won't throw $2M away. Harris is not under contract for next year and is arbitration eligible, and players of his sort (4th OFs having career years) are typically not the kind that rebuilding teams should be clogging their system with. That said; a) this team has a history or doing just that, and b) with so many questions in the OF, he's probably a pretty good investment, unless he costs Guzman money.

INFIELD: We're looking at Johnson and Young (both crutches) at first, Bonifacio at 2B, Guzman at SS and Zim at 3B. All these guys are under contract, there's no one in the minors pushing them and the team has already gone on record saying they aren't going to chase big-time free agents, nor should they at this point. Then I think they'll keep Belliard and Gonzalez as utility players. Gonzalez is a legitimate defensive wizard with a cannon, and will be invaluable providing middle infield defense in the late innings. As long as they don't have to ask him to swing the bat all that often. Anderson Hernandez is a spare part, and will stay warm in Triple-A (wherever that may be next year) in case of injury.

CATCHER: Pretty simple: Jesus Flores and Wil Nieves, or some other veteran catch-and-throw guy (think Gary Bennett-types). Flores' development is one of the few bright points this season, and he just needs to keep playing to keep getting better.

OTHERS: That's 14 position players right there, probably one too many. It may come down to Gonzalez' glove over Belliard's bat, Young or Johnson's infirmary, or the team willing to eat $2 to rid themselves of Pena. Boone, Casto, Langerhans, Orr = phooey. I don't think any of those guys get a contract. They don't particularly merit one. Bernadina needs another minor league year seeing AAA pitching

STARTERS: It's a complete crap shoot for pitching, starters and relievers. Who knows what the rotation looks like other than John Lannan and perhaps Collin Balestar? Redding isn't under contract, can they keep him for the $1M he cost this year? Do they try to bring back Perez? He stayed relatively healthy and relatively productive. They clearly don't see Bergmann, Estrada or Mock as long-time starters. Do they reach for a low priced free agent? Maybe so. I'll guess Redding, Perez, Lannan, Balestar, Low Priced Free Agent.

BULLPEN: Who knows? Can Chief come back? Will Wagner's velocity return? Will Rivera's arm fall off? Here's a throw it against the wall guess: Hanrahan, Rivera, Manning, Shell, Mock, Bergmann and someone not on the roster right now, perhaps another lefty. I think Cordero starts on the DL, and Wagner, Colome and Speigner are all non-tendered.

BOTTOM(FEEDER) LINE: Until the albatrosses of Johnson, Meathook and Kearns are gone, this team is going to be stuck in the bottom third of the league. Hopefully the draft picks of the last three years turn out to produce major league players and the progress is quicker than that, but most of the talent is still 2-3 years away. Next year may look an awful lot like this year, with hopefully fewer long losing streaks due to a more consistent line-up.

Let's just hope Dukes stays out of trouble this winter and he and Zimmerman play a whole year next year. That could be exciting. Dukes is really starting to look like the player scouts have been saying for three years he could become and Zim finally looks like he's healthy again.

And when/if we start seeing some of this pitching talent in the lower levels finally start trickling up to Nationals Park, then, and only then, will the front office (whoever may be in charge by then), be ready to fill the holes with a free agent here or there.

GB&U: Extra Innings, Extra Effort Over the Weekend

RESULT: Nats take two from Braves over weekend; Saturday 8-5 in 10 innings, Sunday 7-4 in 14 innings.

GOOD: Saturday -- Elijah Dukes! 4-for-5, 2 HRs, 3 RBIs, 2 runs. Ryan Zimmerman. 2-for-5, HR, 2 RBIs, 2 runs. Guz! Ho-hum, two more hits. Ryan Langerhans! Pinch-hit homer in the 10th. Wee Willie also hit his 13th homer of the season.

Sunday -- Dukes! 1-for-7 (ouch), but three-run double in top of the 14th. Boy, Oh Boy Alberto Gonzalez. 3-for-4 with a walk, his first home run and 3 RBIs! THE BULLPEN!!! 8 innings of shut out ball, including five in extra innings. Very solid.

BAD: Saturday -- Joel Hanrahan. The dreaded "blown-save-win". 3 hits and 2 walks in one inning allowing two earned runs. He got bailed out by Langerhans, et al.

Sunday -- Collin Balestar. There will be days like these. 11 hits and 2 BBs in just six innings. Pretty amazing he only gave up four earned with that many base runners.

UGLY: Saturday -- Emilio! 0-for-5. Haven't had too many of those lately though, as his average is up to .254 including the O-fer.

Sunday -- Luke Montz. Sorry kid. 0-for-7, five runners stranded. There's an underlying reason he wasn't a prospect entering the season.

NEXT GAME: Off on Monday, the guys can probably use the rest. Tuesday it's up to New York to face the suddenly struggling Mets. Opening Day Odalis Perez (6-10, 4.14) faces some guy named Jonathon Niese (0-0, 15.00 in 3 IP).

GB&U: Hammered in Atlanta

RESULT: Nats pounded by the Braves 10-5.

GOOD: Kory Casto. He went 3-for-5 hitting in the clean-up spot. Good for him. Bad for the Nats that Casto has to hit 4th in a weaker than normal line-up (no Milledge, no Dukes).

BAD: Marco Estrada. Ponch was just merely bad, giving up two earned in 2.2 IPs on 3 hits and 2 BBs.

UGLY: Jason Bergmann. If he wants to stay in the rotation, he's doing a lousy job of it. He managed only 7 outs last night, allowing 7 ERs on 5 hits and 3 BBs, including walking two straight to load the bases and giving up a hit to the Braves starter. His indignancy after the game adds to the problem.

"I was extremely [upset]," Bergmann said. "I don't want to have the whole year ruined on a couple of bad starts here at the end."

Those are the words of a guy that doesn't realize how bad he's been and how much he's been hurting the team his last few starts.

NEXT GAME: Tonight in Game 2. Tim Redding (10-8, 4.55) against Mike Hampton (2-2, 5.67).

GB&U: Shut Out Again

RESULT: Nats shut out by Braves debut pitcher 2-0.

GOOD: Ronnie Belliard. If indeed his groin injury shelves him for the rest of the season, he went out on a good note, going 3-for-3. For the season he is hitting .287/.372/.473 with 11 homers, 46 RBIs and 3 SBs. Shairon Martis. It may be his only start of the season, but it went pretty well, despite walking the bases loaded in the fourth. His line was 5 IP, 2 ERs, 4 hits, 5 BBs and 2 Ks. The bullpen. Mock, Manning, Shell and (gasp) Speigner combined for three innings of one-hit baseball.

BAD: Cristian Guzman. Even in a great year, you'll have a stinker. Guz went 0-3 with 3 Ks.

UGLY: Belliard's Injury. He's been very dependable this season, and a real trooper playing wherever Manny tells him. He may be the only player in the bigs this year to have player every infield position. Unfortunate his season has to end this way.

INJURY UPDATE: GM Jim Bowden announced 1B Dmitri Young will rejoin the team Sunday and be in uniform Tuesday against the Mets, primarily as a pinch-hitter. He said that before Belliard's injury though. Still, expect to see a lot of Kory Casto down the stretch.

NEXT GAME: Tonight at 7:35 versus the Braves in game two. Jason Bergmann (2-10, 4.83) takes on Jair Jurrjens (11-9, 3.59) from Turner Field.