Proposed starters -
Friday: Strasburg vs Eovaldi
Saturday: Haren vs J. Fernandez
Sunday: Jordan vs Slowey
(Starters subject to change)
Treading water. That's what it looks like, from where I sit. Good things happen (like Desmond's season). Bad things happen (the team's offense, overall). The All-Star break commences after this series, and Washington would love a sweep this weekend. The Marlins are the type of team that contenders dominate. Are the Nats as good as I thought in March?
On Wednesday, the Marlins broke a five-game losing streak with a home win against Atlanta. Looking at this Miami roster, they have familiar veteran names like Placido Polanco, Juan Pierre and Greg Dobbs. Giancarlo Stanton is the power guy who would get more attention on a better team. Logan Morrison has shown flashes of potential, between periods of injury.
The Marlins' pitching staff has potential with Jose Fernandez and Henderson Alvarez. A good-looking young position player, Adeiny Hechavarria, homered the last time the two teams met. He leads his team with a .236 BA.
After the Nationals losing three of four in Philadelphia, it's hard to tell what Washington will do against this Marlins' team. One would expect the Nationals to sweep this struggling Miami bunch, but I don't have any idea.
Washington's offense is so inconsistent. Philadelphia made four errors on Thursday night, but the Nats couldn't cash in.
Strasburg should dominate on Friday night, but he shows signs of fatigue and frustration on hot nights. If the roof is open, look for him to struggle around the 6th inning. Haren showed his experience in a solid start last time out against Philly; I hope he can continue against the Marlins. Jordan also looked pretty good last time out against the Phillies. Maybe Miami is an opportunity for him to gain more confidence.
The first half of this season has been underwhelming, to be charitable. Maybe winning this series, plus taking a break, will give the Nationals a boost once the second half of the season starts. Maybe...
Friday, July 12, 2013
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
It Feels Like A Graduation
My son keeps a pretty busy schedule. He's heavily involved in his church, he's in two bands and he's working his way through college. So, there are days where we don't see each other very much. I was mildly surprised to see him earlier than usual on Tuesday morning. He was getting ready to start his day, and shared with me a pretty big announcement. He'd found his first grown-man, full-time, go-to-work-every-day job, and he was to start in a couple of hours.
Like many in his generation, he's troubled by the state of employment in this country. And also like many in his generation, he's trying to figure out what job would be the best fit for his future. Meanwhile, he's got me in his ear, "reminding" him how the "early bird gets the worm", et cetera.
So, on Tuesday, he showed a sense of excitement as well as some relief. I too felt some relief, but for a different reason. I suspect most parents are concerned about the paths their offspring take. I am truly excited for him, based on his employer's mission.
Personally, even as I celebrate his opportunity, I found myself awash in nostalgia. My son is the second-born of my two kids, and I've watched his ups and downs over the years. I found myself remembering his days in pre-school and the day he got his first drum kit. I could see the day he got three tackles in the opening high school football game of his senior season and the day he drove off to college.
So now, we're on "short final" for his landing as an independent man. Before long, he'll move out and build his own life apart from me. He's the last reason I stay in this town, and once he's on his own I'll be done as a parent in this life. Rearing my kids gave my life a sense of focus and purpose. After spending all these years loving, directing and nagging my kids, they won't need my full-contact version of fathering. On some level, it feels like I graduated Tuesday from dad to advisor.
Only God knows what the future holds. With this long-anticipated event, my purpose has to evolve. I can live wherever I want, but what's the best destination? I can spend my days however I want, but what's the best choice for each moment? Do I default into someone selfish, or do I use the remaining years to choose a worthwhile path?
Just like a school graduation, the path ahead is wide-open. The good news is I have lots of choices. The bad news is I have lots of choices.
Like many in his generation, he's troubled by the state of employment in this country. And also like many in his generation, he's trying to figure out what job would be the best fit for his future. Meanwhile, he's got me in his ear, "reminding" him how the "early bird gets the worm", et cetera.
So, on Tuesday, he showed a sense of excitement as well as some relief. I too felt some relief, but for a different reason. I suspect most parents are concerned about the paths their offspring take. I am truly excited for him, based on his employer's mission.
Personally, even as I celebrate his opportunity, I found myself awash in nostalgia. My son is the second-born of my two kids, and I've watched his ups and downs over the years. I found myself remembering his days in pre-school and the day he got his first drum kit. I could see the day he got three tackles in the opening high school football game of his senior season and the day he drove off to college.
So now, we're on "short final" for his landing as an independent man. Before long, he'll move out and build his own life apart from me. He's the last reason I stay in this town, and once he's on his own I'll be done as a parent in this life. Rearing my kids gave my life a sense of focus and purpose. After spending all these years loving, directing and nagging my kids, they won't need my full-contact version of fathering. On some level, it feels like I graduated Tuesday from dad to advisor.
Only God knows what the future holds. With this long-anticipated event, my purpose has to evolve. I can live wherever I want, but what's the best destination? I can spend my days however I want, but what's the best choice for each moment? Do I default into someone selfish, or do I use the remaining years to choose a worthwhile path?
Just like a school graduation, the path ahead is wide-open. The good news is I have lots of choices. The bad news is I have lots of choices.
Monday, July 8, 2013
My Team - Nationals at Philadelphia
Proposed starters -
Monday: Haren versus Lannan
Tuesday: Jordan versus Hamels
Wednesday: Gonzalez versus Lee
Thursday: Zimmermann versus Kendrick
Monday morning, Philly is in 3rd in the NL East, 7.5 GB Atlanta and 3.5 GB the Nationals. So far, July has been good to the Phils - winning two of three at Pittsburgh and two of three at home versus the Braves.
Yeah, Ryan Howard is on the DL (left knee inflammation). Setup reliever Mike Adams is also on the DL (right biceps tendinitis). This is still a veteran team that doesn't panic. This series is gonna be tough. Last meeting, in mid-June, Philly took two of three in Washington.
Last time (17 June), Lannan pitched 5 effective innings against the Nationals (6H, 2ER, 1BB, 4K). Hamels didn't pitch in that series, but in 25 career starts he has a 4/1 K/BB ratio (173K/43BB), a 1.09 WHIP and a .223 BAA. On 18 June, Lee went 8IP, giving up 5H, 2ER and striking out 9. On 19 June, Kendrick pitched 7.2 innings against the Nationals, giving up 2 hits, one earned run, one walk and striking out 6. It's a good think the Nationals acquired Scott Hairston from the Cubs on Sunday (for a Single-A pitcher to be named).
In the weekend sweep of the Padres, Washington's offense started showing signs of life. Wilson Ramos' return to the lineup immediately provided a spark. However, the Nats' bullpen struggles continued. Washington will need to break through against the Philadelphia starting staff. Hairston may find himself in the lineup sooner rather than later. His power bat could be a big help right away. Tyler Moore looks like the odd man out for now. Hopefully, Washington scores enough to give the bullpen some breathing room.
For the Phils, Domonic Brown's good year should continue in this series. Keep Chase Utley, Michael Young and Ben Revere off base, and maybe Brown won't do as much damage.
Monday, I'm rooting for Haren to be competitive deep in the game. Maybe the time off has helped. Monday is gonna be a slugfest, where the better bullpen gets its' team a win. Hamels will out-pitch the promising rookie Jordan on Tuesday. Lee will shut down Washington on Wednesday, and Zimmermann will shut down Philadelphia on Thursday. Given my guesswork, Monday is a must-win for Washington. A split won't help the Nats get closer to Atlanta, but losing three of four would dampen some of the recent good feelings.
Monday: Haren versus Lannan
Tuesday: Jordan versus Hamels
Wednesday: Gonzalez versus Lee
Thursday: Zimmermann versus Kendrick
Monday morning, Philly is in 3rd in the NL East, 7.5 GB Atlanta and 3.5 GB the Nationals. So far, July has been good to the Phils - winning two of three at Pittsburgh and two of three at home versus the Braves.
Yeah, Ryan Howard is on the DL (left knee inflammation). Setup reliever Mike Adams is also on the DL (right biceps tendinitis). This is still a veteran team that doesn't panic. This series is gonna be tough. Last meeting, in mid-June, Philly took two of three in Washington.
Last time (17 June), Lannan pitched 5 effective innings against the Nationals (6H, 2ER, 1BB, 4K). Hamels didn't pitch in that series, but in 25 career starts he has a 4/1 K/BB ratio (173K/43BB), a 1.09 WHIP and a .223 BAA. On 18 June, Lee went 8IP, giving up 5H, 2ER and striking out 9. On 19 June, Kendrick pitched 7.2 innings against the Nationals, giving up 2 hits, one earned run, one walk and striking out 6. It's a good think the Nationals acquired Scott Hairston from the Cubs on Sunday (for a Single-A pitcher to be named).
In the weekend sweep of the Padres, Washington's offense started showing signs of life. Wilson Ramos' return to the lineup immediately provided a spark. However, the Nats' bullpen struggles continued. Washington will need to break through against the Philadelphia starting staff. Hairston may find himself in the lineup sooner rather than later. His power bat could be a big help right away. Tyler Moore looks like the odd man out for now. Hopefully, Washington scores enough to give the bullpen some breathing room.
For the Phils, Domonic Brown's good year should continue in this series. Keep Chase Utley, Michael Young and Ben Revere off base, and maybe Brown won't do as much damage.
Monday, I'm rooting for Haren to be competitive deep in the game. Maybe the time off has helped. Monday is gonna be a slugfest, where the better bullpen gets its' team a win. Hamels will out-pitch the promising rookie Jordan on Tuesday. Lee will shut down Washington on Wednesday, and Zimmermann will shut down Philadelphia on Thursday. Given my guesswork, Monday is a must-win for Washington. A split won't help the Nats get closer to Atlanta, but losing three of four would dampen some of the recent good feelings.
Saturday, July 6, 2013
In Dreams Two-fer - "Hostage" & "Deployed, Again?"
First one, I was at a college auditorium. Don't know why, but during the time there a team of folk took us hostage. Even though they had weapons, we didn't feel any particular threat or danger. The bad guys allowed us to walk around the concourse that surrounded the auditorium fairly freely.
Every once in a while, as I walked around, I encountered two women. I was romantically involved with both. Each woman was aware of the other, and I sensed that each was preparing to confront me about the other. I didn't feel any dread about that either.
Eventually, us hostages got bored with our status, so we started formulating various escape options. While some others were in a corner, I wandered over to an exterior door. I could see people outside coming towards the door, including friends of mine from church. As they started to open the door, someone else exited while whispering "don't go in there". My friends paused for a minute, which allowed me to slip through the door.
As I got outside, one of my friends handed me a 9mm pistol. As I examined the pistol, I sensed someone watching me. I looked up to my right, and saw a man reclining on a retaining wall. He seemed calm. I was unsure if he was a bystander or part of the team who took us hostage. I found myself contemplating whether or not I should shoot him or enlist his help in freeing other hostages.
Second dream, I was at yet another undisclosed location in southwest Asia. It was that typical deployment location, with sand all around & gravel in a few places. As usual, after my daily duties were complete I walked around a bunch. I could hear the crunch of the gravel under my feet.
When I got to my room, my son was there. He was fiddling with a cell phone, and trying to teach me some little-used technique. I got bored and restless, and found myself staring out the window. Eventually, I made my way to a laptop, and started surfing the 'Net.
Friday, July 5, 2013
Old Dude, Old Movies - "Murder, Inc."
This 1960 release was interesting and enjoyable. It tells of gangster Louis "Lepke" Buchalter and his bloody confederation of hirelings used to terrorize the nation.
Set in the 1930s, it opens with a murder. It ends with more murders. In the meantime, we meet the gangsters holding sway over New York and other parts of the country. We also meet the lawmen and lawyers who are determined to break the gangsters' grip.
There's a bunch of notable actors in this one. In his debut film, Peter Falk is chilling as cold-blooded killer "Abe Reles". He's quick with a blade or a quip, and completely without remorse. Stuart Whitman is "Joey", no choirboy but possessing a conscience. He gets pulled into the dirty life of the syndicate, and desperately wants out. His girl "Eadie" (May Britt) is alluring and loyal. Her loyalty to Joey is put to the test over and over again.
David J. Stewart is "Lepke", the syndicate head whose outward calm belies a relentless focus. He's determined to hold on to his place at the top of the organization. He'll order a hit on whoever gets in the way of his business goals.
Simon Oakland, Morey Amsterdam and Vincent Gardenia have key roles as well. Also, look for the legendary Sarah Vaughan singing in one scene in an after-hours club.
The story is presented at times in a near-documentary style. For those who remember the "Untouchables" television series with Robert Stack, this movie will feel familiar.
I got a kick out of it. Cool story, great ensemble of acting talent. Check it out when you have the time.
Set in the 1930s, it opens with a murder. It ends with more murders. In the meantime, we meet the gangsters holding sway over New York and other parts of the country. We also meet the lawmen and lawyers who are determined to break the gangsters' grip.
There's a bunch of notable actors in this one. In his debut film, Peter Falk is chilling as cold-blooded killer "Abe Reles". He's quick with a blade or a quip, and completely without remorse. Stuart Whitman is "Joey", no choirboy but possessing a conscience. He gets pulled into the dirty life of the syndicate, and desperately wants out. His girl "Eadie" (May Britt) is alluring and loyal. Her loyalty to Joey is put to the test over and over again.
David J. Stewart is "Lepke", the syndicate head whose outward calm belies a relentless focus. He's determined to hold on to his place at the top of the organization. He'll order a hit on whoever gets in the way of his business goals.
Simon Oakland, Morey Amsterdam and Vincent Gardenia have key roles as well. Also, look for the legendary Sarah Vaughan singing in one scene in an after-hours club.
The story is presented at times in a near-documentary style. For those who remember the "Untouchables" television series with Robert Stack, this movie will feel familiar.
I got a kick out of it. Cool story, great ensemble of acting talent. Check it out when you have the time.
My Team - Nationals versus San Diego
Proposed starters -
Friday: Gonzalez versus Cashner
Saturday: Zimmermann versus Marquis
Sunday: Strasburg versus Erlin
(Starting pitchers subject to change)
The Padres were a bit of a surprise this season, up until this current six-game losing streak. They lost the last three of a four-game series at Miami, just before getting swept in a three-game set at Boston. During the losing streak, they've only scored seven runs.
San Diego has some good arms in the rotation and bullpen. Cashner is a big, hard-throwing guy with a 1.17 WHIP and a .248 BAA. On 19 May, he did pretty well in a home start against Washington (6.2IP, 7H, 3ER, 1BB, 6K). Marquis is a cagey veteran. His stats don't jump out at you, but he competes and throws strikes. Marquis leads the team with 9 wins. Erlin is a slightly-built lefty rookie whose last start at Boston didn't go well (3.2IP, 5 H, 3ER, 3BB, 1K). Huston Street is the closer, but he's not "lights out" every time out. He's been known to give up a run here or there. His entering a one-run game isn't a guarantee he'll shut down the opponent.
Offensively, the Padres are a lot like Washington. Some guys are having decent years, but nobody's stats jump out at you. OFs Carlos Quentin and Will Venable supply some power. OF/IB Kyle Blanks is a hulking guy who can drive in a run. SS Everth Cabrera has 31 steals, but he's on the 15-day DL (strained left hamstring). Chase Headley was their big gun in '12, but he hasn't found a groove yet this year.
Defensively, OFs Venable and Chris Denorfia have decent range, but not plus arms. Teams can run on those two. SS Pedro Ciriaco has range and a good arm, but has 3 errors in his first 47 chances since coming over from Boston. Overall, they are a solid, not-flashy, defensive team.
For the Nationals, it's more of the same. After the 4-game split with Milwaukee, the team is one game over .500. Again. Wilson Ramos' return to the lineup on Thursday was a boost (5 RBI). As much as I like Suzuki as a catch-and-throw guy, Ramos is an offensive threat. Maybe the Thursday lineup is the one the team needs to use going ahead (Desmond batting 2nd, Werth batting 6th).
I expect a pitchers' duel on Friday, and Zimmermann/Strasburg fairly dominant over the weekend. Washington needs to win all three. The Nationals are only 6 games behind NL-East-leading Atlanta, with nearly half the season left. Washington still has a chance to fulfill the preseason expectations. When does the needed hot streak start?
Friday: Gonzalez versus Cashner
Saturday: Zimmermann versus Marquis
Sunday: Strasburg versus Erlin
(Starting pitchers subject to change)
The Padres were a bit of a surprise this season, up until this current six-game losing streak. They lost the last three of a four-game series at Miami, just before getting swept in a three-game set at Boston. During the losing streak, they've only scored seven runs.
San Diego has some good arms in the rotation and bullpen. Cashner is a big, hard-throwing guy with a 1.17 WHIP and a .248 BAA. On 19 May, he did pretty well in a home start against Washington (6.2IP, 7H, 3ER, 1BB, 6K). Marquis is a cagey veteran. His stats don't jump out at you, but he competes and throws strikes. Marquis leads the team with 9 wins. Erlin is a slightly-built lefty rookie whose last start at Boston didn't go well (3.2IP, 5 H, 3ER, 3BB, 1K). Huston Street is the closer, but he's not "lights out" every time out. He's been known to give up a run here or there. His entering a one-run game isn't a guarantee he'll shut down the opponent.
Offensively, the Padres are a lot like Washington. Some guys are having decent years, but nobody's stats jump out at you. OFs Carlos Quentin and Will Venable supply some power. OF/IB Kyle Blanks is a hulking guy who can drive in a run. SS Everth Cabrera has 31 steals, but he's on the 15-day DL (strained left hamstring). Chase Headley was their big gun in '12, but he hasn't found a groove yet this year.
Defensively, OFs Venable and Chris Denorfia have decent range, but not plus arms. Teams can run on those two. SS Pedro Ciriaco has range and a good arm, but has 3 errors in his first 47 chances since coming over from Boston. Overall, they are a solid, not-flashy, defensive team.
For the Nationals, it's more of the same. After the 4-game split with Milwaukee, the team is one game over .500. Again. Wilson Ramos' return to the lineup on Thursday was a boost (5 RBI). As much as I like Suzuki as a catch-and-throw guy, Ramos is an offensive threat. Maybe the Thursday lineup is the one the team needs to use going ahead (Desmond batting 2nd, Werth batting 6th).
I expect a pitchers' duel on Friday, and Zimmermann/Strasburg fairly dominant over the weekend. Washington needs to win all three. The Nationals are only 6 games behind NL-East-leading Atlanta, with nearly half the season left. Washington still has a chance to fulfill the preseason expectations. When does the needed hot streak start?
"Baby, I'm Back"
Omaha was nice. Got to see old friends and make a new one. Chicagoland was nice, meeting new friends, seeing relatives and enjoying the sights of the area. Memphis was Memphis. Home is always a treat.
For the 13 days, it was 3,400 miles of driving (without a speeding ticket, by the way), eight different states and nice people every step of the way. I watched the Billy Crystal movie "Parental Guidance", and found my ability to laugh again. I walked through a wilderness preserve and saw what my favorite local park could be with a little political foresight.
At a baseball game, I saw for the first time a foul ball land right next to me, and I let it go. In Tulsa, Oklahoma, I got to argue the fundamentals of barbecue with a total stranger. In the end, we were both laughing.
This is one of the biggest things I love about traveling. I get to meet people. Every person's story is valuable and endlessly fascinating. Hearing someone's perspective on an issue gives me food for thought. I won't always agree out of hand, but those exchanges give me a chance to gain some wisdom.
Now that I've had my two weeks of goofing off, it's time to write again.
For the 13 days, it was 3,400 miles of driving (without a speeding ticket, by the way), eight different states and nice people every step of the way. I watched the Billy Crystal movie "Parental Guidance", and found my ability to laugh again. I walked through a wilderness preserve and saw what my favorite local park could be with a little political foresight.
At a baseball game, I saw for the first time a foul ball land right next to me, and I let it go. In Tulsa, Oklahoma, I got to argue the fundamentals of barbecue with a total stranger. In the end, we were both laughing.
This is one of the biggest things I love about traveling. I get to meet people. Every person's story is valuable and endlessly fascinating. Hearing someone's perspective on an issue gives me food for thought. I won't always agree out of hand, but those exchanges give me a chance to gain some wisdom.
Now that I've had my two weeks of goofing off, it's time to write again.
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