Short and soggy
Submitted by Jeff on Mon, 07/30/2007 - 5:35am.
- You can argue that the Nats didn't get a chance to stage a comeback in yesterday's rain-shortened game, which was called just one out after the minimum length for an official game. But it was pretty clear from the beginning that the Mets could score more than enough runs off fill-in starter Billy Traber, while John Maine allowed just one hit over five innings. Maybe the rain was a blessing. Nats lose to the Mets, 5-0. (Box score)
- Rookie pitchers Joel Hanrahan and John Lannan have earned at least another start each, and probably more as Traber returns to the bullpen and other pitchers recover from injuries. Lannan will start Wednesday against the Reds and Hanrahan either Friday or Saturday against the Cardinals. "I think we're leaning toward probably letting these kids pitch up until somebody comes back," said Manny Acta.
- Acta, though, may face some decisions in a few weeks as pitchers like Shawn Hill complete their rehabs. Acta said he's looking forward to September 1, when rosters expand. "It'll be more than welcome. Be able to expand it, and keep these guys a chance to keep starting and give us a chance to see them."
- One pitcher not expected to return soon is Micah Bowie, who is still suffering from a left hip injury after throwing a simulated game on Friday. Also: while there are rumors that the Nats are talking about trading Chad Cordero to the Mets, the asking price—Lastings Milledge—is too high for the Mets.
- Are the contract extensions given to Ronnie Belliard and Dmitri Young proof that "'The Plan' been blown up, or is it right on schedule?" The Times; Mark Zuckerman ducks out of an answer, saying only time will tell. The deal will look good if the two help get the Nats into the playoffs in 2009, but if the team is still mediocre, "skeptics might look back on this as the week 'The Plan' derailed."
- ESPN.com's Keith Law is far more blunt: "This is absolutely the wrong strategy for Washington, which has virtually no young talent on its big-league roster around which they can build the first great Nationals team."