The Nationals Enquirer

Summer Rental?

"There's certainly nothing certain about what will happen after this year. But we do love Alfonso and what he's done for our team, what he means to our team and what he means to our fans. And if there's a way for us to keep him consistent with building a world championship...but we're always going to look at the best of our alternatives. For today, there wasn't anything that was good enough for us to trade him."              (Stan Kasten, via Washington Post, 7/31/2006)

In the end, JimBo wanted steak, and all they were offering was burgers.

Kudos to Bowden for sticking to his guns. He had a price in mind - and a lot of people are hollering that said price was too high - but nobody was willing to meet him at that price, so he walked away from the table. As much as it probably killed JimBo as 4 o'clock came and went, you don't make a trade just for the sake of making a trade: Hell, that's part of the reason why the Nats ended up with Soriano in the first place.

Next question(s): Does Soriano fit in with the long-term plan that Kasten's been preaching? Does signing Soriano to a long-term deal impede the organization's ability to go young, develop their farm system, and ultimately become a perennial contender? Do these first two questions put the cart before the horse? Is there any chance that the Nats can lock him up before the end of the season? If they're not able to sign Soriano before the end of the year, what are the chances they'll be able to sign him in the offseason? Will there be a bidding war?

Answers (in order): Probably not; hopefully not; Yes; maybe; probably not very good; Yes.

So where does that leave things? Relax. Worst case scenario is that you get to enjoy Soriano for the rest of the summer, he walks in the offseason, and the Nats get a couple of draft picks. That's not such a bad scenario considering what Bowden gave up for him to begin with. An even-worse case scenario is that the Nats overpay for him.

At the end of the day, the most aggravating thing is that nobody wanted to take on the Nats'  sucky pitching for a playoff push. So the Nats are still stuck with The Former Ace and Tony (sore)Arm ass, etc. Throw out everything we just said about not making a trade for the sake of a trade. 2nd most aggravating thing is that our WMP dream didn't come true. Oh well.

(Photo by Danny Moloshok/AP)

D-Day

Hey Jimbo, we're waiting...

It's anybody's guess at this point what's going to happen, but we think Soriano will end up somewhere in California.

Livan NY bound?

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• So that explains it: O'Connor says his elbow hurts, just in time to be sent packing for New Orleans.
• Sucky pitcher alert! Jorge Sosa designated for assignment by Atlanta - go get him Jim!
• Surprise! Drese to have Tommy John surgery.

Dog Day Afternoon

Nationals roll over and play dead out West; LA completes sweep with 4-3 win.

Soriano goes 0-4, gets caught stealing, and whiffs in what could very well be his last at-bat as a Nat.

(Photo by Ric Francis/AP)

O'Crap.

"He was all over the place. I don't know if he has an idea if how to throw the ball where he needs to throw it." (Frank Robinson, via ESPN dot com/AP, 7/29/2006)

Blah. O'Connor stinks it up, Nats lose second straight to Dodgers, 7-5.

(Photo by Danny Moloshok/AP)

Annihi-LA-ted

"I didn't do my job today. It was just a situation where I pretty much [stunk] right from the get-go." (Tony Armas, via Washington Post, 7/29/2006)

Nats get beaten black-and-(Dodger) blue

A good ol' fashioned 13-1 ass whupping. Ouch.

The streak is over. Wild Card dreams dashed.

*sigh* So much for trading Tony Sore Arm Ass. His performance  (3IP, 7H, 6R, 1BB, 2HR) is as deadly to trade value as Guillen's elbow and Vidro's hammy. Damn.

Roy Corcoran also shines in a couple of fun filled innings (2IP, 4H, 6R, 3BB). (pssst...It's called the strike zone, Corky. Try looking for it the next time.)

(Photo by Branimir Kvartuc/AP)

Goodbye Mike Stanton. Hello Shairon Martis.

"Anything that we think is going to help us in the long term, we're going to go in that direction." (Jim Bowden, via Washington Times, 7/29/2006)

Nationals send 39-year-old Mike Stanton to SF for a 19-year-old kid. Read all about Martis here.

(Photo by Lynne Sladky/AP)

Angelos trying to F*@k things up for the Nats, again?

Does the reappearance of Tejada on the trading block screw things up for JimBo and the Nats? Does it change the price for Soriano?

(Photo by Chris Gardner/AP)

They Might Be Giants; but Nats are Giant Killers

Nats slay Giants 6-5. The streak is alive at 6.

Soriano's last (home) stand, punctuated with another leadoff HR. He'll be missed.

The Former Ace shines in what will almost definitely, without a doubt (but maybe not) be his final start as a National. Hey Jimbo, we want Wily Mo!

Another shaky save for the Chief. But a save is a save is a save...

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Nats head out to the left coast for a 9 game trip. It's anybody's guess what the roster will look like when they return to RFK in August. LA Times suggests today that Soriano is a possibility for the Dodgers - that would be convenient for Fonzi, who could just walk over to the other clubhouse in the event of a trade.

Tony Armas auditions for the Blue Jays this evening against the Dodgers.

Admit it: You did it again this morning. You checked the Wild Card standings, didn't you?

(Photo by Nick Wass/AP)

Bowden Refutes Soriano-for-Preston Wilson rumors

"All I can tell you is we do not have a deal in place with any team at this hour." (Jim Bowden, via Washington Post, 7/25/2006)

Three team blockbuster between Nats, Astros, and Rangers to return Wilson, Brad Wilkerson to Washington.

(Photo by Brian Kersey/AP)

Austin Powers Nats to 5th Straight

"Each day is getting better." (Austin Kearns, via Washington Post, 7/27/2006)

Kearns, Zimmerman, deliver when it counts: Nats blow early lead but rally in 9th to drop Giants 4-3.

Admit it: The team is 11 games under .500, you know that this is a lost season, but you checked the Wild Card standings this morning anyway (yeah, they're only 8 games back).

(Photo by Lawrence Jackson/AP)

Free Wily

Baseless speculation of the week: Jimbo loves Wily Mo Pena (rumor has it that he tried shipping Soriano to Boston for WMP back in March), and the Red Sox are looking for another starter to shore up their rotation. According to the Boston Herald, Boston is currently shopping Wily Mo.

Bet the house on it: Bowden will deal Livan Hernandez to Boston for Wily Mo Pena before the end of the weekend.

Livan makes his final start as a Washington National this afternoon - let's hope it's a good one.

(Photo by Mike Carlson/AP)

The Pissing Match Continues

"You put up $450 million for the team. Well, we put up $611 million for the stadium, and we're trying to get some benefits for our people. Excuse me, we do not need the condescending attitude." (Anthony Williams, via Washington Post, 7/27/2006)

And the beat goes on...Mayor wants to kiss and make up with the Lerner group, Kasten denies the "condescending" accusation in a press release...and on and on it goes...

Look out!

*gulp* Soriano hit with first pitch of game by Matt Morris. Bowden crapped his pants, but don't worry, Fonzi was just fine.

Johnson, Anderson, Church lead the charge offensively. Ortiz not real good, but good enough, typical Chief in the 9th, Nats win 8-6.

0-for-4 night for the The Big Cheater.

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Nats go for 5th straight tonight. Wild Card, here we come!

Vidro fakes a hammy so he can stick around in DC for the rest of the season.

(Photo by Nick Wass/AP)

Bowden refutes Soriano-for-Tomo Ohka rumors

"We want pitching, pitching, center field, pitching." (Jim Bowden, via Washington Post, 7/26/2006)

Blockbuster would send Soriano, Livan Hernandez, Ramon Ortiz, and Tony Armas to Milwaukee for Tomo Ohka. Ohka to play center field.

(Photo by David Kohl/AP)

Bowden, Williams, take the air out of Windy City rumors

"All I can tell you is we do not have a deal in place with any team at this hour." (Jim Bowden, via Washington Post, 7/25/2006)

"I have no intention whatsoever of trading [McCarthy]. He's very much part of our present and future." (Ken Williams, via Chicago Tribune, 7/25/2006)

Much ado about nothing?

Was all the bluster yesterday just part of a big bluff by Chi-Sox' Ken Williams? That's what the Chicago Sun-Times thinks.

(Photo by Nick Wass/AP)

Bowden refutes Soriano-for-Terrmel Sledge rumors

"All I can tell you is we do not have a deal in place with any team at this hour." (Jim Bowden, via Washington Post, 7/25/2006)

Four team blockbuster to return Sledge, Jamey Carroll, and Brad Wilkerson to Washington.

(AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Fraud

 

Don't bother booing the big fraud Bonds tonight at RFK. Just turn your back when he steps to the plate.

(Photo by Jeff Chiu/AP)

Guillen: Done in DC

Elbow surgery will spell the end of the Jose Guillen Era in DC.

Soriano Bound for Windy City?

"The White Sox are "extremely close" to trading for Nationals outfielder Alfonso Soriano." (ESPN dot com, 7/24/2006)

Hey Detroit, how 'bout a bidding war?

(Photo by Nick Wass/AP)

How Sweep It Is!

"Oh, yeah!" (Stan Kasten, via Washington Post, 7/24/2006)

Lucky 7's: 7-6, 7-3, 7-1. We called it.

Grand re-opening a smashing success as Nats bust up pathetic Cubbies.

All eyes on Soriano as trade talk heats up. Kasten professes his love for Alfie, but not enough to consider a no-trade clause, or cough up $13 mil. for the next 5 years.

Armas awesome on Sunday: Trade value, going up uP UP after one start? We hope so.

Church homers in return from AAA purgatory. Never really understood why so many people feel that he "deserved" another chance. Still don't understand what the big deal is with this guy.

Best news of all over the weekend? Kasten was misquoted on Thursday; Nats not moving to Vegas. Deal, paperwork, completed on Friday.

Is there any reason to leave the door open for a return by Patterson this season after successful surgery on Thursday? Why risk it? Shut him down.

(Photo by Nick Wass/AP)

"Obviously, this means he won't be traded."

"Obviously, this means he won't be traded." (Jim Bowden, via Washington Post, 7/21/2006)

15 Day DL for Guillen.

He could be done for the year. Two things are certain:

1. Obviously, this means he won't be traded.

2. He'll definitely be a fun guy to have around the clubhouse in, say, the beginning of September with no contract and no playing time. Wheeee!

Brown Mustard and More Port-a-Pottys than you can shake a stick at!

"Grand Re-opening" tonight!

Bring on the Cubbies! At 37-57, the Cubs are one of only two teams with a worse record than the Nationals in the NL. We smell a sweep! (Ignore the fact that the 'other' team took 2-of-3 from the Nats last weekend.)

If you go to RFK this weekend, you might want to take Boz's advice and keep your eyes off the field.

Disclaimer: We'd like to take this opportunity to give a tip of the cap to the Lerner group for attempting to make the most of  the situation. They're trying, and for that we say: thank you.  (And we'll forgive the unfortunate choice of "Paint the Town Red" as the theme this weekend, considering how bad the situation has been in the District this month).

Vegas, Baby!

"There has been a certain level of frustration. We're doing all we can to build this team and to excite the fans again about life at RFK. And we're having trouble getting the simplest things done. We keep getting foot-dragging....It does weight us down as we try to move forward. And we keep getting silly roadblocks that stop us. So we're moving the team to Las Vegas." (Stan Kasten, via Washington Post, 7/21/2006)

On the eve of RFK's grand reopening, Lerner group announces plans to move the Nationals to Las Vegas next season.

Blah. Why do we get the feeling that we will never ever ever ever see the end of this tiresome MLB vs. the District routine? It's gonna be a long haul to 2008. There's no chance that the new stadium opens on time, by the way.

Everything's coming up zeros

"Can't get a man...How many times have we said that? Can not get a man in from third base. It's unacceptable...Major league hitters. Can't get people in from third base." (Frank Robinson, via Washington Post, 7/20/2006)

Nats blanked 1-0.

Ramon deserved the W for his 7 innings of 6 hit, 1 run ball. But Anibal Sanchez was better.

They had a shot in the 9th against Borowski, but Marlin Marlon & Kearns couldn't get it done.

How sad. Zimmerman's hit streak ends at 17.

Baseless speculation: We're now convinced that the Frank Robinson Dilemma (re: how Stan & co. can gracefully part ways with Frank) will sort itself out on its own. Frank will step down before the end of the summer; his frustration will get the best of him .

(Photo by Lynne Sladky/AP)

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Pointless observation of the day: Humberto Sanchez, the Tiger's top pitching prospect that the Nationals have reportedly asked for in a deal for Soriano got roughed up last night in his start for Toledo against Pawtucket: 6 hits, 5 walks, 5 runs in 5 innings.

YEScobar!

"I've been fortunate to be in those situations and be able to come through. Especially for a young player coming in to a new team, it's a great opportunity." (Alex Escobar, via Washington Times, 7/19/2006)

Weird game.

Escobar comes through with game winning hit in the 9th. Nats survive Chief's near-nightmare ninth, comedy of errors, to hold on and win 7-6

Nats pull off a vintage Bad News Bears play in the 5th on Reggie Abercrombie's bunt-turned-inside-the-park-homer. Embarrassing, really.

Soriano goes deep on first pitch of the game (again). Get your fill now folks - he'll be gone in no time.

O'Connor shaky at the start but settles down after that. Nice effort by the 'pen.

Zimmerman's hit streak intact at 17, thanks to a 9th inning double.

Untradeable: Guillen departs in second inning with a sore elbow: "It burned like it was on fire." That can't be good. He'll have an MRI today. Damn.

The struggle continues for the new guy, Felipe Kearns: 1-9, 8 left on base.

(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Enquirer answers the mailbag!

Damn it's hot. And even though we're suffering from a throbbing headache, nausea, dizziness, confusion, and fits of unconsciousness  (all reputed to be the warning signs of heat stroke), The Nationals Enquirer STILL answers the latest installment of the Nationals.com mailbag.  The correct answers are available on Nationals dot com; we apologize in advance for the weak effort on this one. Blame it on the heat.

Keep those e-mails coming to Nationals beat writer Bill Ladson, and we'll keep copying and pasting them over here and giving our half-assed answers. Thanks a bunch.

Austin Kearns and Felipe Lopez have not been good. Can we expect better play from them? How can the Nationals consider trading Alfonso Soriano? He and Ryan Zimmerman have been the only reliable players this year.
-- John S., Alexandria, Va.

Please, oh please, John, give me a break with that crap. It's four games, John. Four. Re: Soriano. We'd love to see him stay, but he's indicated that he wants to test the free agent waters in the offseason -- and he'll command a hefty price. Too risky a gamble NOT to move him. Soriano is arguably the biggest prize in the Trading Deadline sweepstakes this year (save for Bobby Abreu), and somebody out there is gonna ante up their top prospects to get him. Nats have to move him.

Overall, the eight-player trade the Nationals made with the Reds looks good, but I was surprised to hear that Bill Bray was included in the trade. I thought that the Nationals were going for a younger team, and Bray certainly looked like he was coming along.
-- Zach, Washington, D.C.

We're sad to see Bray go too, and admittedly we're still not completely sure that this was the best move for the Nats long-term. But in order for the deal to get done, the Reds had to have Bray. Saul Rivera just wasn't gonna seal the deal. 

Since the Nationals have acquired Kearns, who do you think the Nationals will trade next?
-- Nick C., Lynbrook, N.Y.

Livan.

Regarding Saturday's game against the Pirates: In the top of the 9th, manager Frank Robinson didn't pinch hit for reliever Roy Corcoran. Why? He had three relievers in the bullpen and plenty of pinch hitters, who have done a great job as a group this season. Instead, Frank concedes the out, thereby allowing the Pirates to walk Soriano and take the bat out of his hands
-- Brian P., Washington, D.C.

Even with two relievers available (Cordero & Rivera), we would've liked to have seen him pinch hit for Corcoran, too; it didn't work out very well, did it?

Is it just me, or does it seem that every time the Nationals score some runs to get back into a game, the opposition scores runs the very next time it is up? Is this a coincidence or is there a reason for this madness?
-- Steve C., Syracuse, N.Y.

There is a reason for this madness; and it is known as sucky pitching.

What is the deal with Ryan Church? Why is no one showing him any love?
-- Craig H., Lexington Park, Md.

Can't help but believe that there's more the story here than we're being told when it comes to Church -- soon to be known as "Player to be Named Later" any day now.

LeCroy designated for assignment

"There are no bitter feelings. This organization gave me a job. It just so happens that Nick Johnson stayed healthy and the at-bats were not there. Frank told me how much he respected me and that meant a lot from coming from him." (Matthew LeCroy, via Nationals dot com, 7/17/2006)

LeCroy designated for assignment to make room for Armas. His phone is now ringing off the hook with calls from DC area beer-league softball teams...

Sweep averted, losing streak stopped

"It's great to be on a plane after you win a ballgame. You have a good night. You sleep better. The food's better. Everything's better." (Frank Robinson, via Washington Post, 7/17/2006)

Nationals win in 11!

Nick comes through for Nats.

The Former Ace gets knocked around a bit in the first, but settles down after that and eats 6 innings.

Soriano, Escobar, go long for Nats. Soriano surprises everybody with  a bunt in the 11th. Johnson, Guillen, make it a non-issue with a pair of 2-run doubles.

That new guy, Felipe Kearns? 2-for-25 for the series; boatloads of runners left on base. It's time to officially declare the Trade a disaster. (We're kidding, of course.)

Way to go, Jose: 4-for-14 for the series, 5RBI, and a nice catch yesterday. You can almost feel his trade value rising.

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Tony Armas gets the start tonight in Miami. We're taking bets on how long he lasts. Is three innings asking too much?

(Photo by Gene J. Puskar/AP)

Pitt-iful

"If I go with Cordero there and the score stays tied, we really had nobody behind him. If we had another arm out there, he certainly wouldn't have been in the game." (Frank Robinson, via Washington Post, 7/16/2006)

Ok, Frank, whatever you say.

Three blown leads, 14 LOB, and too much Roy Corcoran. 7-6 Pirates. Nats drop 5th straight.

(Photo by Peter Diana, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

Hey Jose: Get hot but stay cool, okay?

 

"He's not a center fielder." (Frank Robinson, via Washington Post, 7/15/2006)

So what was Austin Kearns doing starting in center, with Jose Guillen in right and the Alex Escobar/Luis Matos platoon sitting on the bench last night?

Simple: Jose is being showcased. And he's gonna see as many at bats as humanly possible in the next few weeks in the hopes that he can get hot. To prove, in effect, that his dismal first half numbers (actually, his dismal numbers since last year's All-Star break) were the result of injury, that he's feeling fine now thank you very much, and could be a nice fit for a contender looking for some pop. This much we know: Guillen won't end up with the Angels.

If you're a Nationals fan, you've gotta keep your fingers crossed for two reasons with regard to Jose.

1.  You've gotta hope that Jose takes advantage of opening the post-All Star portion of the schedule with six games on the road, and gets hot to help increase his trade value -- hits a few long balls, knocks in a bunch of runs. It's well established that RFK is in his head. Nothing like a few games away from home for Jose to flex his muscles a bit. (Although strangely enough he's hitting 88 points higher at home (.257) than on the road (.169) this season; although 5 of his 9 homers have been hit away from the friendly confines of RFK.)

2. You've gotta hope that Jose doesn't melt down in that special way that only Jose can melt down. Think about it: he's due. The Nationals need Jose on an even keel these next few weeks, and judging by his comments after getting dropped to 7th in the batting order last night in Pittsburgh, the arrival of Kearns, and the possibility of getting shipped out himself, well - it seems that there just might be something boiling under the surface:

"I talked to Frank today. We discussed it. Am I happy? Probably not. He makes the lineup, and I have to go and play. What can I do? I have to start producing." (Jose Guillen, via Nationals dot com, 7/14/2006)

Good Lord let's hope he keeps it all under wraps. The Yankees are reportedly interested, but they're also said to be wary of his reputation:

Nationals outfielder Jose Guillen also has been deemed a possibility, though there is a debate going on within the organization over whether adding Guillen's reportedly acidic personality to the Yankees' clubhouse would be a good idea - early indications are that the Yanks have some reservations about it.

Several Yankee executives, according to sources, believe that Guillen's moodiness and cantankerous edge could ruin the Yanks' camaraderie; others, however, believe Guillen likely could be acquired on the cheap and would be an adequate replacement for the injured Gary Sheffield. (via NY Daily News, 7/15/2006)

So, Jose, we're begging you: Please keep your sh*t together these next few weeks, ok? And while you're at it, you could also start hitting, too.

(AP Photo)

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• It's about time: Patterson likely done for the year. Why is it even a question at this point? Shut him down already!
• Astacio makes start #3 tonight. Let's hope it's more like start #1 than start #2.

The more things change, the more they stay the same

"You can't jump to conclusions after the first game." (Felipe Lopez, via Washington Post, 7/15/2006)

Some of the names on the backs of the jerseys may have changed, but Nats pick up where they left off before the break -- 7-4 loss to Pirates.

12 LOB not gonna cut it.

Felipe flops in Nats debut.  Makes like Guzman with 0-4 night + a costly error.

Kearns. 0-3, had a chance to be a hero with the bases loaded and two out in the 8th and the Nats down one, but hey, it didn't work out. Silver lining? He gunned down Jack Wilson in the eighth with a bullet to end the inning.

Meanwhile, in Cincinnati..."It's a completely different atmosphere here (in the race). It was fun. It's always fun." (Gary Majewski, via Cincinnati Enquirer, 7/15/2006)

Oh, go F yourself, Tex.

(Photo by Gene J. Puskar/AP)

Byrd becomes a former Nat; former Bird becomes a Nat

 

Another day, another move. Byrd designated for assignment; Matos designated for CF.

Well, at least Marlon won't need to worry about leaving his car at RFK on road trips anymore.

No idea what to expect out of Matos. Guess CF goes to him or Escobar, or whoever can stay healthy.

The Morning After

"It was very, very difficult to trade Majewski and Bray. I think they're two of the best relievers in the league. You have to give up something to get something.  Our pitching staff is going to take a major hit." (Jim Bowden, via Washington Post, 7/14/2006)

We're a little bit jittery this morning about losing Majewski and Bray.

Does the deal really fit in with the master plan?

Is this the best trade for the long run?

Does it fit the long-term interests of the club to trade two young arms for a younger, maybe a tad slower but injury prone guy sorta-kinda-but-not-really-like that guy who got traded to Texas in the offseason? And a 26-year-old shortstop who can hit but is worse defensively (at least that's what the numbers say) than the 36 year old guy who just got shipped out? And Ryan Wagner?  A 24-year-old with...potential...but...?

We're jittery this morning, that's all...

The shakeup begins

Adios: Royce, Majewski & Bray.

Hello: Austin, Felipe, & Ryan.

They don't call him Trader Jim for nothing.

What's  not to like about this deal? (ok, besides losing Bill Bray, the guy some idiot referred to as one of "two untouchable players on the current 40-man roster" a few weeks ago) Can Kearns or Lopez pitch?

Hey, we like this move. Here's why you should too.

Break time

"My TV is boycotting baseball for the next three days." (Frank Robinson, via Washington Post, 7/10/2006)

Our TV too. We can't stand the All Star Game.

Meanwhile, over at old RFK, the PR push behind Operation Polish the Turd rumbles into full effect...

Wholly Crap!

"I blew it." (Chad Cordero, via Washington Post, 7/10/2006)

Ugg. This one hurt. Padres rally to beat, sweep, Nats 10-9.

Chief blew it. Yeah yeah yeah so he threw 55 pitches and probably shouldn't have been left out there for as long as he did. But blame Chad, not Frank, for this one. And Majewski, too. They told him they could give him four.

Damn you, Khalil Greene. Damn you, Mike Piazza.

Blah blah blah it's just not like it was last year at this time and blah...

One and done for Patterson: Early departure sets the stage for disaster. Frank: "We'll have to shut him down until he's well, period. That's it. There's no sense in crying this, that or the other. Until he tells us his arm feels great, no problems, then we'll start rehabbing and hopefully we'll have a real John Patterson back." (Frank Robinson, via AP/ESPN.com, 7/9/2006)

9 runs, 14 hits? Should be good enough to win every time.

Silver Lining? Tie: Alex Escobar: 4-4, HR, 3RBI, 2 runs -- Ryan Zimmerman: hit streak reaches 12.

All Star break. "DC heads into break within striking distance of Wild Card?"  14 games under .500

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Is the starting pitching situation so bad that Sidney Ponson becomes a serious consideration? Hmm...Jose Canseco is working on a knuckleball...

One thing that really bugged us all weekend: Why is Cla pronounced "Clay" and not "Clah"?

(Photo by Kevin Wolf/AP)

Sweet Lou to DC?

Since the question is not IF Frank Robinson will be replaced as Nationals manager, but WHEN Frank Robinson will be replaced as Nationals manager, the question that follows is: WHO will replace Frank Robinson as Nationals manager? It seems unlikely that the Lerner/Kasten braintrust would be willing to take the big PR hit that would come with replacing Old Frank before the end of the season and slapping the "interim" tag on Davey Lopes or Eddie Rodriguez (or Bowden's "special helper" Davey Johnson), especially if the firesale commences shortly after the All-Star break. Then again, if the team continues to nosedive, maybe Bowden will convince his new bosses that a change is needed before the end of the season.

The Sunday papers in New York and Boston speculate that Lou Pinella could land in DC. Not a peep about this in the hometown papers, however.

NY Daily News:

Lou Piniella, the best manager in baseball not presently managing, has maintained he wants to sit this year out to get the losing sickness from Tampa entirely out of his system. However, he may not be able to, as it appears "Sweet Lou" is the top candidate to replace all three of the managers most likely to be fired in the second half - the Phillies' Charlie Manuel, the Cubs' Dusty Baker and the Nationals' Frank Robinson. Phillies GM Pat Gillick has the highest regard for Piniella, who took the Mariners to the playoffs for him in both 2000 and 2001 when he was GM in Seattle. Nationals GM Jim Bowden, who worked with Piniella in Cincinnati, feels likewise. Bowden and Robinson can't stand each other and now that Bowden has been given permanent GM status from new team president Stan Kasten, he's going to want his own man managing the team. (Bill Madden, via NY Daily News,  7/9/2006)

Boston Globe:

Piniella's toughest job could be deciding where to go next...Chicago is a place Piniella would consider, but he may have other choices, including Philadelphia, where Charlie Manuel's job status is shaky; San Francisco, where Felipe Alou could hang it up after this season; Seattle, where Mike Hargrove is on the hot seat; and Washington, where Frank Robinson could be done. (Nick Cafardo, via Boston Globe, 7/9/2006)

But would Sweet Lou, still smarting from his disastrous 3-year stint in Tampa Bay (200W-285L), consider managing in Washington? The price would have to be right, that's for sure; With new ownership chanting a mantra of rebuilding the farm system and going young, would Lou want to get himself into that sort of situation again? Wasn't that the Ray's m.o. when he took the helm in 2003?

Only time will tell. The Frank Robinson Axe Watch is on.

(Photo via Getty Images)

Bushwhacked

"We play good, bad, good, bad. That's where we are right now." (Jose Vidro, via Washington Post, 7/9/2006)

Actually, Jose, it's more like: bad, good, bad, bad. And last night, with The Prez in attendance, it wasn't really bad, it was more like "blah": Nats lose 5-2.

Yuck. Astacio gets the hook in the 4th after coughing up 5 runs on 9 hits (HRs by Cameron, Gonzalez, and Bellhorn).

Soriano goes deep on first pitch of the game. But Chris Young (former Expo farmhand?!) in control from that point on. Why can't we get players like that?

Silver lining? 5+ scoreless innings by the 'pen.

Nats still within striking distance of 2nd place in NL East. Gotta love that NL East. Striking distance of .500? That's a different story.

Patterson up today.

(Photo by Nick Wass/AP)

ZZZZZZZ...Padres beat Nationals 3-2

"You don't second-guess Frank." (Royce Clayton, via AP/ESPN.com, 7/8/2006)

Actually, Royce, lots of people DO second-guess Frank, because if "you" didn't there would be nothing to talk about half the time, especially after a night like last night's snoozefest at RFK.

But we'll follow your lead, Royce. It's not worth our time complain that Frank let Ortiz bat in the 5th with the bases loaded and one out because the bullpen is cooked, and blah blah blah. So what if it didn't work out? Ortiz whiffed and Soriano followed up with a flyout. End of threat.

Ortiz not real good, but probably good enough to win.

So what else should we talk about? How 'bout that wacky Fick-to-Jackson-to-Fick-to-Zimmerman-to- Johnson-to-Clayton-to-Zimmerman run-down to catch Josh Barfield trying to steal home in the 8th?

Astacio tonight.

(Photo by Nick Wass/AP)

Zimmerman the man, again - but the real story is the 'pen

"I think everyone was just relieved we won the game." (Ryan Zimmerman, via Washington Post, 7/7/2006)

That's right, "relief" is the real story. Another game-winner for Zimmerman (*yawn*). Nationals down Marlins 8-7 in 11.

Another forgettable performance by the Former Ace (1.2 IP, 6 hits, 7 runs, and a walk) setting up what looked to be a disastrous scenario for the weary bullpen. But then a strange thing happened: Bowie, Rauch, Majewski, Bray, and the Chief combine for 9+ (!) scoreless innings. 

Raise your hand if you turned off your radio when Frank yanked Livan in the 2nd.

Goodbye Mike O'Connor. Hello, Alex Escobar?  Not a bad return at the plate for AE: a triple, two walks, a run scored.

Two straight series wins against bad teams from FLA. Nats head into a 3-game set with the NL West leading Padres and old friend Vinny Castilla (and his bad knees and hockey hair). Take two of 3 this weekend from SD, roll into the All-Star break, click the reset button, and start that long climb back towards .500.

(Photo by Nick Wass/AP)

Ouch

"It was one of those nights." (Mike O'Connor, via Washington Post, 7/6/2006)

Streak stopped at 4: Fish Fry Nats 18-9.

It got Uggla ugly at RFK.

It was all pretty much down hill after O'Connor's 35 pitch "effort": 5 runs, 4 hits, 1 walk, 2 HR. Frank quick with the hook in the second.

How 'bout that Saul Rivera?

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Soriano wants to stay put: "I don't want to leave."

Armas strikes out 4 in 2+ inning rehab start w/Harrisburg.

(Photo by Nick Wass/AP)

We're stuck with him

"Jim is very smart. By smart, I mean analytical. I love that. I also think he's very resourceful. And right now, as we're building this -- needing to speed the process up as quickly as we can, needing to shave any unnecessary steps -- I need someone resourceful. I think Jim is really good at that." (Stan Kasten, via Washington Post, 7/1/2006)

Frank's days are numbered.

Bedeviled

"When looking back at the times back in Montreal and the good times here last year, I don't remember this organization, this ballclub being this bad." (Jose Vidro, via Washington Times, 7/1/2006)

Can it get any worse?

(AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)