Looking ahead
Submitted by Jeff on Thu, 09/20/2007 - 4:40am.
- The National's focus yesterday appeared to be more on the future than the present, which was not necessarily a bad thing. The present wasn't too kind to the Nats, who couldn't work their come-from-behind magic that got the team wins against the Mets earlier in the week. Instead, the Nats took a 2-1 lead after two innings, only to see the Mets press ahead a take a lead they would never relinquish. Mets beat the Nats, 8-4. (Box score)
- The focus of most of the coverage was on the future, as Stan Kasten talked with the media prior to the game. Despite the additional revenue that the team will be getting from the new ballpark don't expect the Nats to go after expensive free agents, he warned. "Signing free agents prematurely moves you further away from your goal, not closer," he said. Instead, the team will look to trades of either veterans or prospects to build up the team.
- Kasten also said that some suites still remain for sale in the new ballpark, although all the larger classes of suites have been sold. The team has relocated season ticket holders seeking premium seats behind the plate; the relocation process for others will continue "until at least November".
- One person who hopes to have a place in the clubhouse in the new ballpark is Jason Bergmann, who starts tonight against the Phillies. Bergmann said he believes he's pitching now to prove he should be with the team next year. "My position is not going to be guaranteed. I'm going to have to go out there and prove myself worthy of a spot."
- One person who apparently won't be with the Nats next year is Bob Carpenter, who reportedly will not have his MASN contract extended after this season. Don Sutton has a multiyear contract and will be back next season, as will field reporter Debbie Taylor.
- As you might expect, the Nationals are enjoying their potential role as playoff spoilers, with three more games against the Mets and seven against the Phillies. This is their pennant race and that's the way they're treating it," Sutton told USA Today.
- Jim Bowden sings the praises of the Florida instructional league in his Examiner column. This year is the first year the franchise has participated in the league since moving to Washington.