Nats Win, Soriano Watch Escalates – The Post
The Nats completed their first sweep at RFK of the season, taking down the Chicago Cubs 7-1 yesterday. Tony Armas, Jr. pitched well, potentially increasing his trade value. 104,000 fans attended the grand reopening.
The real story of the weekend though was Alfonso Soriano, who is hot again. The trade deadline is a week away and talks have started between the team (The Wash. Times) and Soriano (The Wash. Examiner). It would seem that signing Soriano would be contrary to Kasten’s modus operandi, so this may just be a courtesty. Enjoy him while you can is the only advice I can give.
Ryan Church returned and hit a home run. Yay!
More from The Wash. Times: Armas on mark against Cubs
Boxscore – ESPN
Guillen may miss remainder of ’06 – The Wash. Times
RF Jose Guillen is headed down to Birmingham today which can only mean one thing — a visit to Dr. James Andrews. The rightfielder is going to find out if he needs Tommy John surgery. Guillen is probably done for the season either way, so this proves the wisdom of playing through pain, right?
NATIONALS NOTEBOOK – Patterson Will Wait And See – The Post
P John Patterson is still wearing a sling, but he is already thinking about pitching again this season. Bad idea, even when Jim Bowden has two starting pitchers left in the rotation come September.
Also, Bowden is getting some help with the hiring of Arizona Diamondbacks scouting director Mike Rizzo. Neither of the dailies knows what his specific title will be yet.
Lerner, fan have a ball – The Wash. Times
Mark Lerner gave a signed ball to a fan the other night.
Nats mailbag – The Wash. Times