CHATTER
Only at The Washington Times: Mark Zuckerman and Ben Goessling blog on the Washington Nationals.
Latest Blog Entries
Less than an hour to go
Just heard from a source close to Chad Jenkins that the Kennesaw State right hander will not be the Nationals' pick at No. 10.
Zimmermann won't start tonight
Rookie right-hander scratched. Ross Detwiler will start instead against the Reds.
Looking for excuses?
The Nats had a few after Sunday's 7-0 loss to the Mets. None was really valid.
Thru 6: Mets still up 5-0
Craig Stammen settled down and didn't give up another run, but the Nats still can't do anything with Livan Hernandez.
Thru 3: Mets pounce on Stammen
Rookie right-hander gives up five in top of first, putting Nats in a big hole.
A night where everything lined up
Covering the Nats, these are the kinds of nights you don't see very often. In a 7-1 win, there's not too much Washington could have done better.
Thru 3: An early lead
This is the best start the Nationals have had in a couple weeks--they're being aggressive against John Maine, playing good defense and getting a smooth start from John Lannan. The Nats lead 3-0 after 3.
Hanrahan out as closer again
Joel Hanrahan's second stint as the Nationals' closer this season is over. Mike MacDougal, who was called up from Class AAA Syracuse on May 29, is the new closer.
Strasburg leftovers
Here are the extra quotes from Tony Gwynn on Stephen Strasburg that I promised yesterday. There's a lot here, so make sure you have some time before you start:
Sliders, fastballs and a loss
At the heart of the Nationals' 3-1 loss to the Mets was Joel Hanrahan's approach to three batters in the 10th inning. Here is a detailed breakdown.
Strasburg story (and Bowden)
Our latest story on Stephen Strasburg, plus some information on Jim Bowden's stalled foray into TV.
Dunn on the called third strike
Adam Dunn's (deadpanned) reaction to the called third strike that preserved Randy Johnson's 300th win.
Johnson wins 300th, beats Nats 5-1
Big Unit allows two hits over six strong innings to best Jordan Zimmermann and the Nats, becomes 24th member of 300-win club.
Thru 6: Nats trailing 2-1
Randy Johnson was finally scored upon in the sixth, but he's still in line for his 300th win.
Thru 3: Unit perfect, Nats trail 2-0
Randy Johnson has retired all nine Nationals he's faced, and the Giants are ahead 2-0.
