The Annual Season Of Change

September 29, 2008

In the four years I’ve been doing this, every time it comes to major changes in the Nationals’ ballclub, I get a little knot in my stomach. I’ve seen players, beat writers, a manager, broadcasters, and coaches rotate through the door and it’s always hard to adjust, particularly after getting to know some of them and then suddenly they’re gone. (I have outlasted!!) I haven’t adjusted yet, although I have sort of learned to expect it, but it doesn’t make it easier. Fans, returning coach/manager, and players alike will have to get to know the new coaches come spring training, which should be interesting.

Behind the scenes in MissChatter’s world, this means a lot of work getting the new recruits to trust me and not run screaming if they hear the word “blogger” and mentally tack that label onto an image of my face (good thing I’m adept at chameleon like appearance changes haha!). Here we go all over again! Frankly, I consider myself more of a photographer/videographer than blogger at this point, but the fact remains – my stuff gets posted through blog software, therefore I am. My next “That’s Chat’s Nats” scheduled for after the season ended was going to be with the video coordinator to learn/show how all that video and technology works together to help the players – filmed in the new video room at Nationals Park. I guess that’s out the window now, eh? I am intrigued by that job (and have been for some time) — I wonder if they’re hiring? :-)

So yes, after this 59-102 season, obviously change was needed somewhere and I guess this was it. Lenny Harris and the training/medical staff were sharply criticized all season given the extreme lack of offense and remarkably high injury rate, so their departures weren’t as surprising as those of Rick Aponte, the bullpen coach. I thought the bullpen performed quite well this season, especially given the departures of Jon Rauch and Chad Cordero. The bullpen was also hailed as a strength last year and the previous seasons’ antics of the relief pitchers weren’t even noticed this season. Pat Corrales was hailed as great with the young catchers. In fact, I had just asked Luke Montz during my brief MASN Fantasy Camp stint about the wisdom Corrales, who was a “tell it like it is” type, imparted in him and he gushed about it. Still, I don’t think all of the blame for the season can be placed on the shoulders of the coaching staff. On the other hand, the team would take a serious hit if it headed into next season with the status quo, I suppose.
Best wishes to all of the coaches, all of whom handled the non-renewals with grace!

Not pictured: Video coordinator Tom Yost, who I have never met and apparently never will.

So I’ve now spent the morning researching what it takes to be a video coach, what kind of software is prevalent in the marketplace, and how to transfer each pitch to an iPod. Fun stuff! A fruitless exercise on my part, I’m sure, but still fun.

Meanwhile, the Post delivers its assessment of the ownership/front office situation. Thom Loverro points to the first series against the Phillies as the point this season derailed, costing the coaches their jobs.

Posted in MLB, Washington Nationals