Maxwell’s slam good to the last drop – The Wash. Times
Earlier in the month I lamented that the Nats would not be able to take five of six and ruin the Mets playoff chances. New York’s second team (maybe even third given all of the nostalgia for the Brooklyn Dodgers) was awful this season and not in contention but the Nationals did not seem to mind as they completed a sweep in stunning fashion — a Justin Maxwell walk off grand slam (VIDEO — warning: Bob Carpenter and Rob Dibble nearly ruin it). It the proved to be two more runs than needed, but that is just fine. Maxwell, a Olney, Md. native and University of Maryland player said it was “It’s like everything I’ve ever dreamed of in the big leagues.”
Maxwell’s heroics came after Ryan Zimmerman struck out and Adam Dunn walked, sending a runner home on the already full bases. Yes, Zimmerman missed a walkoff opportunity of his own, but no matter, it is good to see someone else do it.
Starter John Lannan again got a no decision despite pitching well and will not get his 10th win unless he is called in for some relief duty, a highly unlikely occurrence. He finishes with 9 wins (again) and a 3.88 ERA.
I really wish I had been at that game.
Manager decision expected quickly – The Wash. Times
I read this as the new manager is not going to Jim Riggleman.
THOMAS BOSWELL – A D.C. Game of Moneyball – The Post
A good column this week on the Nats finances under the Lerner/Kasten ownership.
If the Nats keep operating as they have, they’ll be seen as the only top-10 market with the gall to act like a bottom-five town.
That pretty much sums it up. This is a huge offseason for the Nats. They really need to show some good faith and make the Nats better next year.
THOM LOVERRO – Attendance is sure not to appreciate – The Wash. Times
Loverro gets some decent quotes from Stan Kasten about attendance.
Listen, I can’t pretend we didn’t have two 100-loss seasons. I get it; we have to produce a compelling product. We are going to. We just haven’t done it yet.
There is nothing like starting sentence with “Listen” is there?
Loverro also notes that he did not see the Nats on any of 15 televisions in a Bethesda bar recently. Do you think that would be happening had the Nats been broadcast in 2005? This is due in large part to Peter Angelos, something everybody needs to remember.
Dick Heller continues to be unlinkable.
From 1971:
SHIRLEY POVICH – The Senators’ Final Game – The Post
Yesterday was the 38th anniversary of the Washington Senators final game.