Nats Update: Judgment Month
The Nationals have left their fans in quite a quandary this year. What criteria do you use to judge this team? One perspective says that this team has already exceeded expectations and found some quality pitchers in their system, so the season is a success. And yet, this team is currently the fourth worst team in baseball and has lost 10 of their last 14 games, and are in the midst of a 4-game losing streak. The fact that 21 of their final 30 games are against teams in the midst of serious playoff races can only make matters worse.
In many ways, the character of this team and first year manager Manny Acta will be determined in these last 30 games. If they manage to win at least 13 and tie last season's record, many will consider this season this season a resounding success and Acta will probably earn some manager of the year votes. If they fall apart, fans will be left wondering how well "the plan" is working, and how close we really are to a fielding a competitive, or even respectable, team.
Cordero's Future In Question?
After blowing a 4 run lead in the ninth on August 24th against Colorado, many fans are left wondering about Chad Cordero's strength as a closer. He currently leads the majors with 8 blown saves, and his ERA has ballooned up to 3.39. Chris at Capitol Punishment has a good rundown of the numbers, and finds that The Chief is a perfectly average closer. Given Billy Beane's insight into closers and the trade rumors that have surrounded The Chief for the last few years, one has to wonder about Chad's future with the Nationals.
Goodbye, Aramark!
In happier news, the Lerners have chosen Centerplate as the company to provide concessions in the new ballpark, replacing Aramark. There have been many complaints about food service at RFK; among them are the long lines, stands running out of hot dogs, and the lack of food options. Team president Stan Kasten is known for creating a superior in-game experience, and hopefully dumping Aramark will go a long way towards improving the service in the new stadium. One hallmark of Centerplate's service is that they work with local food establishments, so maybe the dream of getting a Ben's Chili Dog at a Nats game will finally be realized.
Briefly Noted
Jason Bergman makes his first start tonight after missing a month due to a hamstring injury... Surprisingly enough Ryan "I have more strikeouts than total bases" Langerhans cleared waivers and is still a National... Despite a rough start to the season, Ryan Zimmerman has already hit 22 home runs, 2 more than his total last year.
Useless statistic of the week:The Nationals lead the National League with a whopping 1.25 ground outs per fly outs!