I did not watch the All-Star game last night. Apparently, President Obama took a cheap shot at the Nationals (DC Sports Bog). I don’t know if that makes him a real Washingtonian or not and I’m not really offended. I will note that Washington has not gone 88 years between World Series wins like the White Sox, so don’t get to proud Mr. President. That goes for you too Red Sox fans.
The Nats have not reached out to Stephen Strasburg (Nationals Journal, The Post), #1 pick in the draft. After not signing last year’s pick, this is the kind of things that frightens fans, but I suspect that Strasburg’s agent has a “don’t contact my client directly” rule.
Players Wish Acta Had Been More Stern – The Post
Whoa, it turns out holding players accountable goes over well in the clubhouse. Who knew?! Not Manny Acta it would seem.
In the last two seasons, counting this one, Acta never benched a player. Not that he lacked opportunities. This season, shortstop Cristian Guzmán didn’t run after balls that deflected on his feet, Elijah Dukes ran into thoughtless outs on the bases, and Milledge misplayed balls in the outfield and refused a patient approach at the plate.
Acta’s most outspoken criticism of a player, oddly enough, came in what ended up being his second-to-last game of the season — and his final win. Dunn, in a 13-2 blowout, missed second base while trying to score from first on a Josh Bard double. That resulted in an out and nullified Bard’s hit. “Just unbelievable,” Acta said after that. “Inexcusable. Those bags, they haven’t moved in over 100 years.”
Several players interviewed for this story, though, acknowledged that a manager who lacks a zeal for punishment can still be a good manager. Acta, players said, probably will be — once he gets the right talent.
Selig Defends Nationals’ Ownership – The Post
Selig thinks Lerners are on the right track – The Wash. Times
Bud Selig says he believes that the Lerner family is doing fine as owners. Selig also believes that the Lerners were not entitled to their own TV rights. If the Nats do anything, they better win at least two pennants in their first 30 years to top that used car salesman’s whopping 1.5 playoff appearances as Milwaukee owner.
Armed for growth in the second half – The Wash. Times
Can the young rotation emerge and provide some much needed hope for D.C. baseball fans?
Nats Deny Report of Talks With Mazzone – Nationals Journal, The Post
Don’t deny it, I want it to be true!
Speaking of the young rotation — I’d rather the Nats not deny talking to Leo Mazzone, the Braves pitching coach during their 14 consecutive division titles. He is somebody worth talking too and he certainly has the resume.
I will note that the starting pitching has improved under current pitching coach Steve McCatty.
Zim’s All-Star experience – Chatter, The Wash. Times
Ryan Zimmerman entered the All-Star game in the 5th inning went hitless in two at-bats.
That is all I have time for this morning.
