Submitted by Jeff on Thu, 04/03/2008 - 5:07am.
- Well, maybe not, but it's hard not to be impressed with the Nationals three games into the 2008 season (particularly compared to their 1-8 start last season). Last night it was Tim Redding, who pitched 7+ innings of one-hit ball, and Ryan Zimmerman, who hit a solo homer, who powered the Nats to a speedy victory in Philly. But lest you get carried away, the Post advises: "first place in April is akin to winning the Iowa caucuses. Hello, Gov. Huckabee." Nats beat the Phillies 1-0. (Box score)
- Now starting in left field: Felipe Lopez? Yes, Lopez is expected to get the start in left to give the benched infielder some playing time, especially given the injuries to regular outfielders Wily Mo Peña and Elijah Dukes. "He's got a great attitude, and saying he has no problem with it," said Manny Acta. "I think it will be good for him to get those at-bats."
- John Lannan could be called up to start Sunday's game in St. Louis. The team, operating on a four-man rotation for now, decided not to have Tim Redding and Jason Bergmann pitch on three days' rest. Lannan would likely go back down after the start unless Shawn Hill suffers a setback in his rehab in Florida.
- Chad Cordero said his right shoulder is improving and plans to play catch on Thursday as he recovers from tendinitis. Also: Johnny Estrada went 1-for-3 in an extended spring training game in Florida and appears on track to return in mid-April.
- Paul Lo Duca is used to getting razzed by Phillie fans who have booed him consistently, except when he was hit by a pitch Monday—then he was cheered. "They wore me out pretty good, but it was fun. It's part of the competition of the game."
- WTOP radio had this breathless exclusive this morning: the Nats schedule magnets to be given away at April 10th's game could demagnetize your Metro farecard. " The potential magnet mix-up has concerned Metro so much, the agency will put up a special banner in the Navy Yard Station before the game next Thursday that reads, 'Your farecard and magnets don't mix.'" Question: the Nats have given away schedule magnets in past years; was this a problem then?
|
