The Nats Thread (old thread link inside, too many load issues)

[skinswillwin06]

Send Henry down. At this point, who cares if it messes with him mentally. He is not on this roster next year. A low-A callup would be at least AS effective. Davey, you're lucky you aren't in Boston or New York. The H-Rod experiment cannot be allowed to continue. Every game you risk ruining the brilliant effort of 24 other guys because you think showing confidence in someone who is fundamentally screwed is good coaching. At no point should it have been that close. Enough H-Rod. Pick someone else. Before you lose the locker room.

I don't think you send him down. He still has filthy stuff. Maybe, like Clippard, he can't handle being the closer. That's fine. We should see what he can do in non closing situations.

[grego]

nats continue to own the phils. what is it now? 8 out of the last 9?

[thebluefood]

Good heavens, and I thought we had a LOB problem. What the hell, Philly?

Another rough night for Zimmermann. Neither team seemed to be able to generate much offense, though. Kendrick didn't have impressive numbers, so I'm guessing the Phillies played solid defense or we kept hitting balls directly at their gloves.

Another solid outing from Gio but Henry...damn it, Henry.

[hunterx]

I don't think you send him down. He still has filthy stuff. Maybe, like Clippard, he can't handle being the closer. That's fine. We should see what he can do in non closing situations.

He wasn't brought in to be our closer, more of a setup man or 1 inning relief pitcher. Mostly situational maybe against a few batters who can't hit fastballs well or lefty/righty combinations.

[Warhead36]

I understand Davey's POV. He knows he's likely going to need Henri in the long run so it's important to keep his psyche up. But after tonight I think it's obvious they'll go somewhere else. Stammen would make a fine closer.

[Sticksboi05]

I understand Davey's POV. He knows he's likely going to need Henri in the long run so it's important to keep his psyche up. But after tonight I think it's obvious they'll go somewhere else. Stammen would make a fine closer.

Lol, his psyche was shot quicker than Lee Harvey Oswald when he went to arraignment.

[hunterx]

Stammen would make a fine closer.

We aren't closing any games if we don't have Stammen pitching spectacular during innings 6, 7 and/or 8. Keep him and Gorze as long relievers, and keep tinkering with closers like Clippard, Burnett and Mattheus.

[Riggo#44]

I understand Davey's POV. He knows he's likely going to need Henri in the long run so it's important to keep his psyche up. But after tonight I think it's obvious they'll go somewhere else. Stammen would make a fine closer.

Actually, I am fine with Burnett until Storen gets back. Burnett has come in and put out two Rodriguez fires as of late. And Morse and Storen cannot get back fast enough.

I am quite concerned about our next two games: Halladay and Hamels against Zim-nn (who NEVER beats the Phils) and Jackson. Hopefully we get Good Edwin.

[Buford]

I understand Davey's POV. He knows he's likely going to need Henri in the long run so it's important to keep his psyche up. But after tonight I think it's obvious they'll go somewhere else. Stammen would make a fine closer.

I kind of get this. On the flip-side. What message does it send to the guys who just played 8 tough innings? He's willing to risk their effort on one guy? If he wants to do H-Rod any favors, move in to a reliever role for a big where the game isn't on the line and let him pitch in the 7th a few times. There he can see if his stuff can be tamed. Otherwise, if Davey puts him in again with a tight lead....that's an insult to the other players on his roster.

[Riggo#44]

I kind of get this. On the flip-side. What message does it send to the guys who just played 8 tough innings? He's willing to risk their effort on one guy? If he wants to do H-Rod any favors, move in to a reliever role for a big where the game isn't on the line and let him pitch in the 7th a few times. There he can see if his stuff can be tamed. Otherwise, if Davey puts him in again with a tight lead....that's an insult to the other players on his roster.

He's the new Armando Benitez. Unhittable when he's on...unwatchable when he's not.

[Tulane Skins Fan]

He's the new Armando Benitez. Unhittable when he's on...unwatchable when he's not.

Just remember, Armando Benitez figured it out with the Mets. Was an all star for a few years. That COULD happen with Hot-Rod too.

[Forehead]

I'd be fine with Mattheus closing out games in the short term; he has seemed relatively solid. Maybe H-Rod just doesn't deal well with all the pressure of those last outs, perhaps pitching the 6th or 7th inning would work better for his psyche. As for Zimmermann, love watching the guy pitch, but he has the worst luck when it comes to run support. There's no way a guy with his talent should have a 13-21 career record; his career ERA is 3.65 going into tonight! Once our offense gets on track, whether it's this year or next, I expect Zimmermann's relative luck to skyrocket.

On another note, I just found an interesting statistic and thought I'd throw it out there to see who guesses right. What has occurred more often in MLB history; a modern era (post 1900) complete game no-hitter (meaning no relievers) or an immaculate inning, where a pitcher strikes out three batters on nine straight pitches. Which of those two has occurred more often?

[skinsfan_1215]

On another note, I just found an interesting statistic and thought I'd throw it out there to see who guesses right. What has occurred more often in MLB history; a modern era (post 1900) complete game no-hitter (meaning no relievers) or an immaculate inning, where a pitcher strikes out three batters on nine straight pitches. Which of those two has occurred more often?

I would guess immaculate inning, but since you're asking I suspect that is not the correct answer.

[Warhead36]

I'll guess complete game no hitter.

H-Rod almost had an immaculate inning though IIRC he had 3 strike outs but on 10 pitches. Hey when he's on he is FILTHY.

[Mufumonk]

Just remember, Armando Benitez figured it out with the Mets. Was an all star for a few years. That COULD happen with Hot-Rod too.

And HRod has much better stuff than Benitez.