I always get excited when the Nats and the Fleas play each other. The Ombudsman is a Philly partisan so more than just a spot in the standings is on the line.
This season, we agreed on a mayors’ bet. The winner of the season series will be taken out to eat to a classic eatery in the losing city. If the Nats win the season series, Cliff owes me a trip to Jim’s Steaks. If the Phillies prevail, I owe him a trip to Ben’s Chilli Bowl. I don’t think we came up with what to do in the event of a tie, so suggestions are welcome. We probably ought to be representing when the bet is paid off though. We might have to throw in a Cakelove/Tastykake portion of the bet too, though that seems quite lopsided.
Bullpen Is a Work in Progress – The Post
Let’s see… the bullpen, which was a strength last year, lost two important pieces (Luis Alaya and Hector Carrasco) and is currently overworked; so of course it is considered to be a work in progress. If the starters can go at least seven with any regularity, things should get better.
Vidro maintains a healthy outlook – Th e Wash. Examiner
2B Jose Guillen was quite excited to be healthy during the first week of the season and responded at the plate. However, he has missed a couple of games with a tight hamstring, but seems unconcerned.
Drese Will Return From Elbow Injury – The Post
RHP (redundant, I know) Ryan Drese apparently does not need surgery for his ailing elbow, but will miss a month and a half.
More from The Wash. Times: Drese sidelined 4-6 weeks
Robinson reaches milestone – The Wash. Times
Another article about the 50th anniversary of Frank Robinson’s first Opening Day.
Articles like this are why when it comes to Robinson vs. Bowden, I am going to take Robinson’s side every time, dubious managing and all. Robinson, at the very least, was a great player and probably a great man, having performed at such a high level depsite a pretty tough situation early in his career. Bowden was not the former, and I have seen no evidence of the latter.
Rick Snider: Angelos not the villain we thought – The Wash. Examiner
I am still trying to figure out how Snider concludes Peter Angelo$ is not the “villain we thought.” Snider breaks down how Angelo$ became subsidized by Washington, but wants us to blame Comcast for not showing the games. He goes way too easy on Angelo$, which screams to me that the MASN propaganda is working.
Phil Wood: ‘Twinkletoes’ Selkirk and Hodges have to go from Hall of Stars – The Wash. Examiner
Wood makes a good case for removing George Selkirk and Gil Hodges from the Washington Hall of Stars, but I disagree. They belive that recognition should just be given to baseball stars in the new park, however, I like having one place where all the D.C. sports greats are honored, and hope that they are presented a little better in the new ballpark. While the plastic banner is a little cheesy, I do like that everyone is clearly visible. Also, a couple of names need to be added — Glenn Brenner and Ken Beatrice.
Phils hope home will be sweeter this time – The Inky
The Fleas are having trouble at home too.