In the beginning, big innings
Submitted by Jeff on Thu, 08/02/2007 - 6:34am.
- In his second big league start, and his first at RFK, the Nationals made sure John Lannan felt right at home. Like by scoring four runs in the first innings, followed by three in the second, capped by a two-run Austin Kearns home run that chased Reds starter Branson Arroyo from the game. Lannan, meanwhile, didn't allow a hit until the fourth and gave up his only runs as he tired in the sixth. Lannan left after 5 2/3 innings to a standing ovation: "It was better than the boos in Philly," he said. Nats beat the Reds, 7-2. (Box score)
- One embarrassment from last night was the unusual double steal by Brandon Phillips, who stole second without a throw and then, taking advantage of an infield shift that put Ryan Zimmerman far from third (not to mention a lapse in concentration by the team), stole third on the same play.
- While Lannan is securing his spot in the rotation, it's looking less like Jason Simontacchi will return any time soon. He will visit Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham today to examine his right elbow, which still suffers from tendinitis. "It scares you because I've never had a problem with my elbow before," said Simontacchi, who is hoping to avoid season-ending surgery.
- Mark Lerner is pleased with his team's performance this season, particularly its rebound from a slow start and the bevy of injuries the team has suffered. "We wish we could have wiped out April and start all over again," he said. Lerner adds that he believes Manny Acta "is going to be an All-Star-caliber manager".
- Chris Marrero is so talented he has been named the top hitting prospect in two leagues this season, for both the low-A South Atlantic League, where he started the season, and the high-A Carolina League, where is playing now.
- The District wants to speed up the pace of work on the new ballpark to ensure it's done by Opening Day next season, even though the work is currently on schedule and budget.
- While his weekly Examiner column gives a nod to Braves GM John Schuerholz for pulling off a couple of big trades, you can sense the frustration he must have felt by being unable to trade for prospects. "In the past, we would have offered our major league players for two or more good prospects. Due to the change in the market, this year you couldn't even get one."