Today's lineup
There are two interesting new looks to today's lineup: Ian Desmond is leading off for the first time, and Ivan Rodriguez is batting eighth for the first time this season. Rodriguez met with Manager Jim Riggleman and hitting coach Rick Eckstein yesterday. It's possible they talked to him about batting eighth, which for a surefire Hall of Famer -- even a 38-year-old with a 72 OPS+ -- requires swallowing some pride.
It's raining today, but just a light mist. The grounds crew has removed the tarp. It'll be gray and ugly, but it looks like they'll play.
Nationals
1. Ian Desmond, SS
2. Adam Kennedy, 2B
3. Ryan Zimmerman, 3B
4. Adam Dunn, 1B
5. Roger Bernadina, LF
6. Michael Morse, RF
7. Nyjer Morgan, CF
8. Ivan Rodriguez, C
9. Jordan Zimmermann, SP
By
Adam Kilgore
|
September 12, 2010; 10:30 AM ET
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Is Kennedy Still on the team? Why?
Posted by: Kolchak | September 12, 2010 10:58 AM | Report abuse
It may also provide a bit more of a buffer between Nyjer Morgan and the pitcher's spot in the order, lessening the chance Morgan might decide once again to try for a two-out steal of second with the pitcher at the plate.
Posted by: greggwiggins | September 12, 2010 11:07 AM | Report abuse
Initial reaction was lol after reading greggwiggins post. Then I thought, hey, maybe that isn't a joke after all...
As for Kennedy, seems we have to give the vets their playing time even in September of a losing season. Understand respecting the players, but isn't this taking things a little far?
Posted by: NatsFly | September 12, 2010 11:24 AM | Report abuse
If the Nats need some live bats, I understand the National Zoo has a few available...
Posted by: bertbkatz | September 12, 2010 11:25 AM | Report abuse
Not only is Kennedy still on the team now, he'll still be on the team next year. Get used to it.
Posted by: nunof1 | September 12, 2010 11:26 AM | Report abuse
But seriously, folks, Danny Espinosa is a rookie, has played in six straight games or so, and is 0 for 14 since his career day against the Mets. A day off for him is not the end of the world.
I second the motion that Jorge Cantu is worth pursuing in FA. He's four years younger than Carlos Pena, and having a down year in Texas after the trade from Florida. I agree with another poster that the loss of Guzman, Capps and (likely) Dunn should make it possible to pursue Carl Crawford in FA. Hope springs eternal...
Posted by: bertbkatz | September 12, 2010 11:32 AM | Report abuse
To clarify, I meant the loss of the salaries of Guzman, Capps and (likely) Dunn should make it posssible to pursue Crawford in FA.
Posted by: bertbkatz | September 12, 2010 11:34 AM | Report abuse
bertbkatz: Don't count on it, first off the Ray's are in a dead heat for the AL east division crown and if they unseat the Yankees and advance to the ALCS then that's a good reason for CC to stay put, secondly as much i would love to see him in DC why go from a possible pennant/World Series contender to a perennial cellar dwellar? I just don't see it happening.
Posted by: dargregmag | September 12, 2010 12:32 PM | Report abuse
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