Nationals Inquisition

The NQ has just returned from our trip to Natstown, Nationals Park and an absolutely dominating performance from the Army of the Potomac. The Washington Nationals butchered the visiting Milwaukee Brewers, 8-0. Livan “Orville Redenbacher” Hernandez continues to make us eat crow by pitching nine shutout innings. Justin Maxwell had a 2-run bomb in the victory. The Nats played like a well oiled machine while the Brewers– played like the 2009 Washington Nationals.

Nationals bloggers were in attendance today, including the NQ, and our hosts were MASN during their Second Annual Blogger’s Day event. About 15 blogs were represented. MASN spokesperson Todd Webster and the stunning Kristen Hudak took us up to the booth to meet Rob Dibble and Bob Carpenter then to the MASN suite to take in the game and mingle. I was a bit tipsy by the 8th inning (a full layout of food and a fridge stocked with free beer greeted us) so I took notes. I wish I could have blogged from the suite, but there was not an available power source I could get to. But here is what I got:

On the elevator on the way up I notice I am standing right next to MASN sideline reporter Debbi Taylor. She is accused of asking soft and sometimes ridiculous questions, but this doesn’t enter my mind as I notice she is cuter in person than on television. She also has a monster rock on her finger. Damn. Anyways, she follows us into the suite where she greets us and tells us that the mood in the Nats lockeroom lately has been one of “we want to win.”

We are taken to the MASN booth where Bob Carpenter and a slick dressed Rob Dibble sit waiting for us. Rob has these huge shades on where you can’t see his eyes, but I get this uncomfortable sense that he is looking at me. They field questions.

When asked what has been the most important piece added to the Nationals this year, Dibble replied with one name: Pudge. Carpenter agreed. Pudge is held in the highest respect in the Nationals organization and even if the stats don’t amaze, the energy and passion he has for the game is worth it’s weight in gold. “It is a good problem to have,” said Dibble when asked if there will be problems at the catcher position when Jesus Flores comes back. “We have Pudge for two years and for those two years Jesus Flores is going to be learning from Pudge Rodriguez. I can’t think of a better situation for Flores,” said Carpenter.

There was a tense moment between Rob Dibble and Dave Nichols of the newly credentialed Nationals News Network. Unfortunately I did not catch all of Nichols’ question, it had something to do with back to back 100 loss seasons, but Dibble grew a little upset for he felt what he was saying was not being taken right. At one point an obviously upset Dibble goes, “And thank you for putting words in my mouth. I love that.” All air is sucked out of the room and everyone falls silent waiting for the Dibble Bomb to go off that never does. Did I mention he had on a nice suit?

Bob Carpenter says he will be ecstatic if he sees Chein-Ming Wang pitch before the All-Star Break in a game. He doesn’t believe the predictions of a mid-May, late-May return are accurate. Dibble believes that if he continues doing as well as he has, Drew Storen will be in the Nats bullpen in a matter of weeks and no one in the organization is in any rush to call Stephen Strasburg up to the Bigs.

Back in the MASN suite, Webster informs us that ratings so far for Nats and Oriole games are through the roof. He also said MASN is looking into getting more Harrisburg and Syracuse minor league affiliate games broadcast. Especially because of, what was his name? Stephen Strasburg?

Ben Goessling stops by and chats for a bit. Ray Knight comes into the suite and eats a hot dog in front of me.

Brownie points to whoever decided to put the really cute ballgirls in those knee-high 80s camp socks. Reminds me of my desperate, pubescent horndog days at Camp North Star.

During the first inning, Livan Orville Redenbacher did one of the coolest things I have ever seen in a baseball game: Craig Counsell hits a comebacker right at the mound and Livan just snags it out of the air and– waits. He actually holds onto the ball and looks at it like he is looking for dirt or it has morphed into a diamond in his glove. He then tosses it to Dunn and gets the out. Cocky, but suave, Redenbacher.

The rest of my notes are scribbled jargon about the game itself, but really not all that important. Justin Maxwell’s homer was an absolute centerfield bomb, Zimmerman definitely was watching running full out while on the bases due to his hammy and I giggled every time Steve from FJB called Adam Dunn “Richie Sexson.”

I also made an ass of myself. After a few beers I needed to use the restroom so I went out into the suite area concourse and asked an usher if I could use the bathroom. This sweet woman looks at me and goes, “Actually, sir, the bathrooms are in the suites.” I blinked at her a few times completely stunned and replied, “No, sh**?” This suite thing was totally new to me.

It was an absolutely fantastic time, thank you to MASN, the MASN crew and especially Todd and Kristen for being our bloggers babysitters for the day. The food was excellent, the beer was cold, the company fine and the game outstanding. I’ll have some pictures up from the game sometime tomorrow.

Now, it is time to get in bed and count the Nyjer Morgans jumping over the fence in my head.

Back in August of 2008 I was on one of my romps through Nationals Park, checking out the sights, looking at women and taking photos when I took a quick break off to the side at the Centerfield Gate. I was just looking cool and confident when I suddenly heard a nice beat coming from a small tent just off the Red Loft.

Walking over, I was surprised to find a man behind a turntable and graffiti-ed lab top putting out the most satisfying and funky sound I have ever heard at a ballpark. I snapped a photo of him and walked over to ask who he was. Removing his headphones for a moment he said, “Stylus Chris.”

It was the first time I met Chris Stiles, aka DJ Stylus Chris, and it was the first time I heard his music. It was certainly not to be the last time.

Perhaps you have seen him or more likely heard him scratching at Nationals Park already. Usually decked out in a Nats cap and Nats t-shirt or jersey, one might think Stiles is just a “paid head” who occasionally comes out to the Park to play some music and then go home. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Chris Stiles is a D.C. legend to the DJ and music culture of the city. He is a well-known and respected deejay among fans and peers, he helped open the now deceased but famous D.C. store DJ Hut and the parties that he puts together as a promoter have been called legendary.

He is also a diehard Washington Nationals fan.

The March 2010 issue of On Tap Magazine has an in-depth article on Stiles’ career as a musician which also includes a photo from the NQ, but we were a little more curious about Stiles’ thoughts on baseball. He is booked at the biggest party-zone on South Capitol St., after all and we always wondered: how  did he score the Nationals Park gig? Who wouldn’t want that job other than Felipe Lopez?

Chris took some time out of his day to have an e-mail interview with the NQ and we found that not only does Chris have a passion for music, but also for the sport of baseball. Nats baseball. The only baseball that counts.

NQ: How did you score the Job of Jobs: becoming Washington Nationals DJ?

CHRIS STILES: “Long story short, I was sitting next to a couple of the girls from the Marketing Department at a Wizards/Heat playoff game. It was the first year of the Nats, and we were talking about how they had an open slate to do things no other team had done yet. Only problem was RFK just wasn’t suitable. We kept in touch and when the new Stadium opened, they put me in contact with TD, (The Events Coordinator) and we hit it off. The Nationals Organization is very forward thinking in there approach to bringing people to the stadium.”

NQ: What are some of the perks of being a DJ for the Nats and performing at Nationals Park?

CHRIS STILES: “Free tickets!!! Good parking, good seats, mingling with the fans, being able to play music I love and seeing the reaction. Did I say free tickets?”

NQ: In your messages to us you describe yourself as a “baseball junkie.” What do you mean by that exactly? Do you consider yourself a Nats fan?

CHRIS STILES: “I love all sports. Of course, NFL Sundays rule. However, baseball is more than a sport. It is truly a pastime. It transcends the field. I could go on quoting “Field of Dreams” for hours if you like (my favorite movie and book “Shoeless Joe” of any sorts). My Great Grandfather was a local team Manager during the depression in West Va. It was the whole town’s way of relaxing on a summer night during extremely stressful times. American Culture today has so many different hobbies and such. But back then, it was baseball. It was the Blue Collar American’s nightly theatre. The crack of a bat is a beautiful sound (like a perfect snare on drum kit). I used to love the way my uniform would smell after a game. I actually can still remember my Dad taking me to buy my first glove and going out in the yard for a catch. Okay I’m getting kind of teary-eyed…..so to answer the second part of your question: I LOVE THE NATS!! Living in the DC area for most of my life, I have been lobbying for a team for years. I used to call into Sports Talk shows coming home from DJ gigs at 4am and go off about how driving to Baltimore would take 3 hours during rush hour. Baseball is a past time but that was just ridiculous!!!”

NQ: The sport of baseball is known more for it’s “Take Me Out To The Ballgame” cracker-jackish music. Do you think there is a future relationship between the game and your style of hip-hop/funk?

CHRIS STILES: “Absolutely. I would love to have the opportunity to do the music during the games. I still have a respect for the traditional. However, there are ways to bring a common ground with it so we can bridge the generation gap. That’s my philosophy when I DJ at the stadium. I like to take a “Classic” and upgrade it with a more modern beat. I have two good buddies who are producers/engineers (and baseball addicts) and if they let us get a hold of the internal music we would have the time of our life.”

NQ: What has been the reaction from Nats fans when they see you perform?

CHRIS STILES: “It has been great. Most people come by and give a head nod or thumbs up. Some stand around for 45 minutes just enjoying the music and checking out the gear. The kids ask if they can “Scratch” and then ask me to play something I know would get me in trouble…hahaha.”

NQ: Have the final word on what every Nats fan has been talking about. Stephen Strasburg: the real deal or not?

CHRIS STILES: “Who? Haha.. I really hope so. I believe so. I just don’t want to see him out there if he’s not ready. I want to see him excel in a Nats Uni for 10-12 years. I was going to be really disappointed if the Nats didn’t sign him last year. He earned respect from me for getting the deal done.”

NQ: Who is your favorite Nats player?

CHRIS STILES: “All-time Nat: Nick Johnson. Mr Baseball. He actually threw a ball to me during the inaugural season when he was having such a stellar year. He was coming across the pitcher’s mound and I was yelling “MVP, MVP”! He somehow found me in about the 10th row behind the dugout, gave me a nod and threw me a rope. I had a beer in my hand and it was a little high, but there was no way I was going to drop a ball throw to me by my favorite player!

Current Nat: Ryan Zimmerman. “Yo Zim, you gotta let me work on your music when you come to the plate!!!”

NQ: Are there any players that you know of that are a fan of your music?

CHRIS STILES: “None specific, but when we do promo events, they always seem to enjoy the music. There are several Caps and Skins that show up at some of my weekly club gigs (don’t want to name-drop) but they are extremely cool and down to earth. The funny thing is, I’m in awe of them, yet they come up to the DJ booth so humble and respectful, then say “hey the girl I’m with wants you to play…”

NQ: How do you think the Nationals will do in 2010? What do you look forward to the most this year?

CHRIS STILES: “I think we will be more competitive than people expect. I don’t think .500 ball is an exaggeration. We lost so many close games early last year, that set a bad tone. If we can be strong in the first few months, we will have a team that the DC area can be proud of and come watch. I look forward to just being able to continue what is my “Field Of Dreams” job and becoming more acquainted with the great Nats Fans!!!”

Special thanks to Chris for talking with us. There is definitely more behind this musician than meets the eye. DJ Stylus Chris will be performing once more at the ballpark in 2010. Definitely check him out. If you can’t wait, there is a ton of scratching, photos, performance times and sonic going on over on Stylus Chris’ Myspace page and on his Facebook.

Matt Capps, originally uploaded by BradM..

The NQ and several other Nationals blogs got the chance to sit down and have an over-the-phone conference interview with new Nationals reliever Matt Capps this morning.

Below is a transcript of everything I could catch and write down. It was hard because I had to use something called pen and paper to write down responses. Apparently, reporters of old had to use these primitive tools to record their information. Old school. Like 1997 or something.

How important is it to you to be a closer more than a set-up man and are you prepared to go more than one inning?

CAPPS: The chance to be the closer was important in my decision in coming to Washington and I am not opposed to throwing more than one inning. If Jim Riggleman wants me to play shortstop, I’ll play shortstop. If he wants to put me in the seventh inning and have me pitch two or three innings I am going to do that. I am going to do what is necessary to help this team win.

What sort of advice would you pass on to young players like Drew Storen?

CAPPS: I think I’d tell them it’s a long season. It is a 162 game season, played in 180 days. It’s a grind. But the game is no different. The big leagues is just the same as the minors as college was really no different than high school. It’s the same game, same rules– just a little bit better.

Have you talked to Nyjer Morgan and/or Sean Burnett since being signed and do you look forward to working with them again?

CAPPS: Yeah, I am excited to see those guys again. I am excited to be here. Those guys made it clear they wanted me here and I can’t wait. I haven’t talked to them since signing, but I’ve texted them a bunch.

Are there any players you admire or can’t wait to work with?

CAPPS: I can’t wait to get to know everyone on the team. But Adam Dunn is one guy and Jason Marquis just signed and I think the pitchers and I can learn a lot from him.

Where you shocked at being non-tendered by the Pirates after just one bad season?

CAPPS: It was quite a shock. I knew there was a possibility but it was still quite a shock. But anyone who knows me or pays attention knows that last season was not me. But being a free agent gave me the opportunity to research teams and I found there is a lot to be excited about in D.C.

Did geographic location have anything to do with your decision?

CAPPS: My family is in North Carolina so that worked out well coming to D.C. But geographics was not a huge part in my decision.

Is there anything particular that Mike Rizzo said to you that made your decision to come to D.C. a lot easier?

CAPPS: I think Mike’s actions this off season speak for themselves. It was a no brainer decision for me.

Special thanks to Matt Capps and Mike Gazda for this wonderful opportunity and supporting the Natosphere.

In our final round of video clips from Blogger’s Day, we present Mark Scialabba who is the Assistant Director of Player Development and literally a walking encyclopedia of knowledge on the Nationals Farm System.

We met him during the first Blogger’s event back in July and we amazed at how well he knew his stuff and that he basically knew what was going on with every player someone asked him about. He was a real, unexpected treat to talk to and hope he becomes a permanent guest speaker at future events.

This is our last “high media” segment on Blogger’s Day. We’ll do a final wrap up in the next day or two with our overall thoughts.

Volume up, Quicktime armed.

ENTER: Mark Scialabba

SCIALABBA ON: Drew Storen

SCIALABBA ON: Ian Desmond

SCIALABBA ON: Derek Norris

SCIALABBA ON: Derek Norris and Jesus Flores

SCIALABBA ON: Calling up prospects

SCIALABBA ON: Winning and development

SCIALABBA ON: Five recent International signings

Of all the Blogger’s Day events, meeting with president Stan Kasten and GM Mike Rizzo was the most anticipated. Their sessions are always informal, yet professional, informative, but not boring. And as you will tell from our footage: they have great fashion sense.

Bloggers love to question these guys and some of the best material of the day comes out of these two. We had over 19 video clips, but we cut the questions down to what we figure were the most interesting nine.

As before, you will need Quicktime to view these vids.

KASTEN ON: Media technology and speed of (mis)information.

RIZZO ON: Cristian Guzman

RIZZO ON: How his special week went.

RIZZO ON: How he approaches the GM job.

RIZZO ON: Vets and setting the winter stage.

RIZZO ON: The core of the team.

RIZZO ON: Targeting talent on the Pacific Rim.

RIZZO ON: When Stephen Strasburg will arrive.

KASTEN ON: Not going after a #1 starter.

During Sunday’s Bloggers Day event, Nationals bloggers and/or self-expressionists got the chance to chat with pitcher Collin Balester, outfielder Josh Willingham and pitcher Garrett Mock. They seemed to be a little hesitant at first considering we weren’t the usual pack of jackals that usually hound them, but it didn’t take long for them to open up and get in a groove, especially Willingham who had a Lloyd Christmas-look going for him and huge, ripping arms. He totally rocked it. Garrett Mock might not be present in some of these videos because he came late due to finishing a throwing session.

There was a bit of an uncomfortable spell however, when bloggers started to drill the players on players contracts, most notably trying to get out of the players if they felt slighted considering the massive contract fellow teammate Stephen Strasburg just received. I’m not sure what the intent of this line of questioning was and neither did some of the team reps who stepped in and said these questions were for Kasten and Rizzo to answer. Of course, when we met Stan and Mike later in the day, these questions weren’t asked. Take from that what you will. Personally, I didn’t like the drilling because it’s like asking me how much I make doing this blog and if I am happy about it and if I’m not, “Can I please print your distaste after I cornered you in a box?” I’m not sure what they wanted the players to say.

Overall the session went well. You will need Quicktime to view these videos as well as have your volume up on your speakers because the audio is low.

WILLINGHAM ON: The pieces in place.

WILLINGHAM ON: Being or not being an everyday player. 

PLAYERS ON: McCatty’s pitching strategies.

MOCK ON: Being called back up.

PLAYERS ON: Draft regulations and signing bonuses.

WILLINGHAM ON: Nyjer Morgan.

PLAYERS ON: Late night signing of Stephen Strasburg.

PLAYERS ON: Playing against contending teams.

Nats Owner Ted Lerner, originally uploaded by DonKosin.

This is just a little funny side story to Blogger’s Day that I wanted to share before I made way back to North Carolina:

We live blogged from the Nationals Bloggers Press Box and we stayed a few minutes after the game to wrap things up and pack up. Miss Natpenny, myself, and Steve from FJB got into an elevator together to return to the main concourse.

As Steve was showing me the Frank Howard bobblehead we all received as a parting gift from the team, the elevator stopped, the doors opened who walked in? Pretty much the whole Lerner family. Ted Lerner stood only inches away from me while I could have reached out and touched Mark Lerner who probably would have disintegrated me with some really expensive, high powered laser glasses he might have been wearing.

I looked at Steve. I looked at Miss Natpenny. The air was thick with the smell of hot dogs, sweat and greenbacks. What do you do in a situation like that when your a trapped in a metal box with one of the richest guys in the world?

My first instinct was to snap a photo, but I decided against being one of those types of jackasses. I simply stood there and stared as Mark Lerner made jokes about needing a hearing aid. We finally reached our floor and we filed out, leaving the world of diamonds, limos and bloody red steak behind us.

After the doors closed I turned to Steve.

“What do you do when your standing next to the guy who is richer than God?”

Steve took a second, looked at me and said: “Pass gas?”

ZING!

Jim Riggleman is a baseball man through and through. He is a hardcore, no bull or sugarplum fairies kind of guy that seems to remember every detail that ever played out before him on a baseball diamond. He fielded questions from bloggers yesterday during the Nationals second official Blogger’s Day event of the season.

As I have said, the NQ is experimenting with audio and video and this might be far from perfect but we are working on it. To view these vids you will need Quicktime on whatever typing box you are using. Let us know if you have trouble viewing these and for those who don’t want to download the free version of Quicktime, our apologies. You are going to have to miss out.

Riggleman on: What the team has to build on and what they are trying to accomplish.

Riggleman on: Pitching injuries, Jordan Zimmermann and dealing with it.

Riggleman on: Recent success with the team and Manny Acta.

Riggleman on: The Media. (Sorry for Blair Witch Project effects)

Riggleman on: Kerry Wood and pitching.

Riggleman on: Current state of team and what they are working on.

Riggleman on: Adam Dunn playing first base.

Jim Riggleman: The Nats Captain Ahab.

Nats In-Game Entertainment team. The guy on the very left: creator of the Presidents Race.

Collin Balester, Garrett Mock and Josh Willingham share insight, stories and huge arms.

Mark Scialabba: Assistant Director of Player Development and the Encyclopedia of the Minor League System.

Stan Kasten and newly minted GM Mike Rizzo sharing the most recent Nats info and fashion tips.

***Stay tuned. We are going to be working on editing all the audio and video we picked up this afternoon. Hopefully in the next day or two you will know what we know and see the wonders we have seen.

I told you we’d have some interesting material for you today.

Miss Natpenny and I are enjoying our time at Nationals Park during yet another wonderfully organized and informative Bloggers Day Event put on by the Washington Nationals. We got the opportunity to talk with Garrett Mock, Collin Balester, and Josh Willingham as well as several members of the Nationals In-Game Entertainment team and the Nationals Dream Foundation. Stan Kasten and Mike Rizzo will be coming in shortly.

We’ve gone a bit high tech during this event, so stay tuned for some video footage and audio clips of today’s interviews.

We’ll be LIVE BLOGGING from today’s game from the Nationals Press Box so keep refreshing and checking back. The ground crew is currently hosing the dirt down on a sunny Sunday afternoon. We’ll get back to you during the game.

TOP OF 1ST

1:36pm: First pitch at 1:36, a ball to Felipe Lopez by Craig Stammen. Lopez booed.

- Lopez hits it deep, but Willingham makes a nice catch deep in the outfield. One out. Meeting Willingham today, he had the Lloyd Christmas look going for him. It works.

- Braun flies out to Nyjer “Tony Plush” Morgan. You’ve just been Plushed, Braun.

- Zimmerman collects the a grounder for the third out. Painless. That’s good.

BOTTOM 1ST

- Scattered crowd today as Morgan heads to the plate. Hits a nice ball which is bobbled by Brew Drinkers and makes it to first.

-Nyjer thought about the steal. You could hear it all the way up here.

- Three half-ass pick-off attempts by Parra. BOOOOO! Guzman almost hits into double play but Lopez blows it and the Nats have two runners on base with no outs.

-Zimmerman hits one through the hole, Nyjer scores, Guzman to third, Zimmerman pushes a single into a double. What is this? Christmas? Nats 1-0.

-Adam Dunn and Josh Willingham both pop out. Where is the gunpowder? Where are the explosions?

-Belliard brings home two. Nats love these Sunday games. Josh Bard flies out to left. Three outs. Nats 3-0.

***Might have to shorten things up. Sorry if the writing is weird or scattered but I am using a new computer I am adjusting to.

TOP 2ND

-Two quick outs for Stammen. A nice grab by Dunn and a K by Stammen. Final out was a high fly ball in the sun to Morgan. Brewers look like they just want to get out of here. Nats 3-0.

BOTTOM 2ND

-Morse worked the count then zapped a beauty down the left field line for a double.

-Stammen with a sac bunt. Morse to third. Observation: three really dead patches of grass in the outfield. Morgan sac bunts and Morse scores. That was a surprise. Nats 4-0.

- Even bigger surprise: Guzman launches a left field bomb. Nats 5-0. When did the real team fly in?

-Zimmerman flies out. Three outs, but five runs on the board.

TOP 3RD

-Bad read by Morse in RF. Allows a Parra double over his head.

-With two outs, Felipe Lopez drives in Parra. Nats 5-1.

-Ground out to Belliard finishes the Brewers Top of the 3rd Dream off. Do we really care about the Brewers? I know I don’t. Nats 5-1.

BOTTOM 3rd

-Oops, Adam has DUNN it again- RF smash. Nats 6-1.

-Willingham grounds out to first, Belliard got on base somehow, was too busy paying attention to Stan Kasten. Curses you, Stan and your hospitality.

-Bard flies out. Morse hits a ball right at Counsell at third base and he bloops it. Two runners on, two out. These can’t be the same teams from last night– Stammen pops out in foul territory near first base. Three outs.

TOP 4TH

-Stammen looking a little dicey. After getting one out he allowed a hit and a steal and just walked Cameron– who just popped up to Zimmerman for the second out. Sun is ungodly today out there.

-Zimmerman with a nice grab to second for the third out. Nats 6-1.

PRESIDENTS RACE: Abe wins a close one. Teddy falls on his face and grovels in the outfield. His glasses are broken.

BOTTOM 4TH

-Morgan can’t sneak a hit past first, Guzman singles. Now the Brewers are holding a pow-wow at the mound. BOOORRRING.

-Zimmerman with a two-run bomb to RF. Love how they play a clip from the Zorro movie up on the big screen. Nats 8-1. Pour it on, boys!

-Nats have scored in every frame this game so far. Inning, for those who don’t bowl.

- Dunn almost hits another bomb to right, instead singles off the wall. Willingham makes a solid hit but it is nicely run down in LF. The fans are loud and feeling good. They want this one.

-Belliard hits a grounder to third. Dunn out at second for third out. Nats 8-1.

TOP 5TH

-After a Gerut pop-up to the catcher and a out, Escobar hits a solo home run which was not as pretty as the Nats homeruns. Nats 8-2.

-Another out and a ground ball, Belliard throws to Dunn for the third out. Really, does anyone even know what state Milwaukee is in? Nats 8-2.

BOTTOM 5TH

-Bard singles to LF. I really dig his batting music. Some sort of meeting going on at first with Bard, Riggleman, and possibly a trainer. They leave and Bard stays in the game. Wonder what that was about–

-Morse flies out to RF, Stammen strikes out. God, I just want to scream “Plush” down from the Press Box but fear I would be kicked out.

- Morgan has a nice smash to CF but it is caught. Why is the other team allowed to have outfielders? Nats 8-2.

TOP 6TH

-Braun just got thrown out by a spectacular Guzman throw from a little away from the infield. Braun throws down helmet in disgust. Manager comes out to argue but sadly not ejected. We want more ejections!

-Fielder flies out to RF. Stammen pitching a heck of a game here.

-Stammen takes a ball to the gut, but knocks it down and throws it to first for the greatest out in Stammen history. Nats 8-2.

BOTTOM 6TH

-Mmm, mmm, mm– sorry. Just finishing off a fantastic burger from the Press Box kitchen. Perfection. Mmm. Guzman lines out to CF. Mmm, oh, ugh, mmmm.

-Zimmerman pops out to catcher. There are a lot of pop ups this game and we aren’t even reading children’s books. Oh, what a horrible joke–

-Dunn walks. Or trounces. Or whatever he does when he goes down the first base line to take his base.

-Willingham hit by pitch. Charge the mound! Hit that bum with your hammers, Josh!

-Belliard hits a beautiful, light as a feather hit into CF where it is caught by the dainty hands of a Brewer. Nats 8-2.

TOP 7th

-Stammen earning that paycheck today, but he might be getting gassed. He just let–Iribarren– hit a ground rule double. Who is that guy’s mother? Iriadnhfalkjdhfakjdhask?

-Riggleman visits the mound then back to the dugout. Looks like the end is coming soon.

-Rivera pops up to Dunn at first. Almost looked like Dunn was going to lose it in the sun. But Dunn is bigger than the sun.

-Craig Stammen is coming out as everyone comes to the mound and everyone is on their feet for a Standing-O. I don’t even get that when I have a Laying-O from one person. Sean Burnett in and taking his warm up pitches.

-Burnett with a wild pitch. Iribaflahdsfjah moves to third. Gerut hits in Irishadfdhfdajkfd. Nats 8-3.

-Miss Natpenny is reading all the handouts on the team provided to us and she is shocked how much better the Nats look on paper than in real life. Lopez hits a ball straight back at Burnett who knocks it down and throws it to first for the third out. I don’t even remember what happened for the second out. Too distracted by the smell of beer coming from the Red Loft. Nats 8-3.

BOTTOM 7TH

-You can tell the RF ballgirl is cute even from this height. A credit to her and the person who hired her. Morse strikes out as Willie Harris comes in to bat for the first time today. Bard got out somehow too so that is three outs after Harris flies out– Jesus, I am doing too many things at once. Nats 8-3.

TOP 8TH

-Tyler Clippard now pitching. Padilla put in at RF and Harris stays in the game at LF. Ring around the rosey–

-Counsell flies out to Willie Harris in LF. Willie Harris feels loved.

-Ryan Zimmerman claims Fielder’s popped up ball as his own. Greed rules.

-Bourgeois got on base via walk and just stole second. The Nats have absolutely no idea or don’t have the personnel to stop the bleeding steals.

-Clippard strikes out Cameron. Nats 8-3.

BOTTOM 8TH

-Fans texting Player of the Game. Stammen, Zimmerman or Guzman. Stammen was leading with 42%. It should go to him. Morgan grounds to second and almost gets an infield hit. Sadly, no.

-Talking with the Man who put all this Bloggers Stuff together, Mike Gazada. In the meantime, Guzman is the second out.

-Zimmerman walked, Dunn out on broken bat grounder. Nats 8-3.

TOP 9TH

- Here we go…. fly out to RF. One out

**At this point my computer completely shut down.

-Clippard strikes out one, gets another to flyout to RF.

BANG ZOOM!

Keep your eye on the NQ for we will be posting Bloggers Day stuff over the next day or two.