Smokin' ace? Not quite yet

Submitted by Jeff on Sun, 03/04/2007 - 8:53am.

John Patterson, pitching for the Nationals for the first time since July, was a little shaky in his spring debut, allowing one run on three consecutive two-out singles in the first, but rebounded to retire the side in the second. "Once you get the first one out of your way, you can start to get comfortable, start to really focus on pitching instead of all the stuff that goes into your first start," Patterson said.
Joel Hanrahan might be hoping for the same: in a disastrous appearance after Patterson, he allowed five runs in one-third of an inning, walking three, one with the bases loaded. What went wrong? "Everything". That big inning was the difference in the game, which the Orioles won 7-2. (Box score)
The Nats, in the spring home opener, played before a less than full house, in part, perhaps, because of the cool, damp weather. Not even having players hand out t-shirts nor the chance to see Teddy Roosevelt throw out the first pitch ("he is working out with the Nationals to prepare for this season's races", Florida Today reports with a straight face) could lure more to Space Coast Stadium.
Ryan Zimmerman and his agent are scheduled to meet this morning with Jim Bowden and Stan Kasten to negotiate a long-term deal. Zimmerman said ownership's commitment to the team, as gauged by long-term deals signed by several key players, make him interested in locking up a long term agreement. But why would the Nationals want a big deal when they control Zimmerman's future for several more years and could sign him to a cheap one-year deal? "If they lock him up now, the Nationals could save money over the long run by keeping Zimmerman's annual salaries relatively modest," notes Mark Zuckerman.
The Post profiles bench coach Pat Corrales, who will provide guidance and experience for Manny Acta after serving in a similar capacity for the Braves for many years. Stan Kasten said it was Acta who recommended the team hire Corrales. "Not only is it a quality hire -- you can't do better than that -- but it shows a terrific maturity about the job and understanding of what would be useful on Manny's part. There was no threat, no intimidation."
Luis Ayala looked in good shape Friday after a batting practice pitching session. "I'm starting to have good location," he told MLB.com. Ayala is scheduled to throw more BP Sunday and, if all goes well, get into a game later in the week.
Remember the legal battle over city's use of eminent domain to take property in the footprint of the new ballpark? While ballpark construction started nearly a year ago, the dispute between the city and former landowners continues in the courts regarding how much the city should pay for the land. Some cases may not be resolved before going to trial in the fall.
Congratulations to new father Brian Schneider, whose wife gave birth Saturday to Tatum Elizabeth Schneider. Schneider missed Saturday's game and is expected back with the team on Monday.