The Streaks End

July 23, 2008

Last night’s late night 6-3 loss to the Giants ended the Nationals’ two-game win streak and my “Beat The Streak” run of 4 successful picks in a row for players to get hits in games. Why? Because the application didn’t insert Ryan Zimmerman into the list of Washington options until today. Had he been there, I would have picked him (and my streak at least would have continued). So I initially picked Ronnie Belliard, but changed my mind realizing if Paul Lo Duca started at first, Ronnie might not play. So I went hunting through other teams and settled on Jorge Cantu of the Florida Marlins. I lost as he didn’t get a hit, but the Marlins won the game. Curse you, Cantu!! ;-) Even if I had stuck with Ronnie (who did start after all), he didn’t get a hit.

So now I get to start all over again. I probably looked really silly checking the Marlins box score obsessively during the Mark Knopfler concert at Wolftrap last night and then screaming “No!” after seeing that Cantu struck out in the 7th inning, realizing he probably wouldn’t get another at-bat. I think I might have a sickness…

Tidying up after yesterday’s newsy day… Joel Hanrahan gets the chance to play closer now, which I pretty much figured would happen. Garrett Mock was recalled to fill the vacant roster spot left by Jon Rauch’s departure, and from what I’ve seen, will likely be a long man in the bullpen. Wily Mo Pena had successful surgery on his shoulder, but is obviously still out for the rest of the season (we knew that – not sure why it was considered news).

Reactions to the trade seem rather ambivalent so far. Some feel the Nats should have received more than one player in return, particularly since Bonifacio (I hope I spelled that right – too tired to go check) doesn’t appear to be a sure rising superstar or anything, but with good defense and Logan-esque bat and speed. Others will judge its value when more relievers are traded to see what they net prior to the deadline. The Guzman extension appears to be viewed as decent – not too many years and average salary. Of course, one person is doing cartwheels and happy with his jersey investment…

Posted in Baseball - General, MLB, Players, Washington Nationals