Since we last left them, the Nationals have won four of their last five games. They no longer possess the worst record in the league (thank you, Texas). Nationals attendance is also rising, and they are poised to break an average of 30,000 fans a game. Also, Wily Mo Pena has received his World Series ring!
All is not puppies and sunshine for the Nats, though. First, closer Chad Cordero felt his arm go out after 13 pitches last night and seems destined for the DL. Also, while the offense is showing some signs of life, the Nats are still second to last in the National League in Batting Average, OPS, and Slugging. Also, Shawn Hill’s arm is still not feeling normal.
The Nats have five more games in this homestand, their longest of the season: one against the Braves, and four against the 10-16 Pirates. Also, tomorrow is one of the most important home games of the season… Dmitri Young bobblehead day!
Lannan Emerges
One of the surprises this season has been the pitching of John Lannan. He is 2-2 with a 2.64 ERA, and has not allowed a run in the last 19 innings he has pitched, including a gutsy performance against the Cubs last Sunday. He has only 11 major league starts, but he is showing signs that he may be one of the pitchers of the future. Not only that, but he visited Lafayette Elementary school in Northwest this week, and learned a little about baseball in the District.
Nieves Makes His Case
The other highlight for the Nationals this past week has been the unstoppable Wil Nieves. He hit his first major league home run last Friday night, and it happened to be a walk-off to beat the Cubs. He is currently batting .348 with a .423 OPB OBP and 4 RBIs in 23 at bats. He has also caught in the aforementioned John Lannan’s last 3 starts. With Paul Lo Duca expected to return to the team soon, it will be interesting to see what Manny Acta does with his three catchers.
Briefly Noted: In a move that surprised no one, the Nationals have released reliever Ray King… Barry Larkin stopped by to help the Nationals get out of their offensive funk… Despite going 0 for the last week, Rob Mackowiak wants more playing time. I can think of a place where he can get some at bats…
Meaningless Statistic of the Week… The Nationals are leading the National League with a 1.49 ratio of ground balls to fly balls.
Photo by Flickr user tayloe75.
