Nats 55, Nats 2-1

As you have noticed, I have changed the blog name to Nats 55. When I originally started the blog in November, Zimmerman was the best player on the team so I named the blog after his number, 11. Since they got Dunn, whose # is 44, I didn't know who would be more valuable in '09 so I added 44+11 and got 55. As you probably know, Lastings Milledge was our #44 last year. After Dunn signed with the D-Backs, he wore #32, with pitcher Micah Owings wearing 44. When Dunn was introduced to the media, he put on his 32 jersey. Lastings then gave Dunn a 44 number, and then Lastings decides to wear #85, a number only worn by AA backup bullpen catchers. He wears 85 when the numbers 1, 13, 18 and 35 are available. So that is the new name of the blog. Other number changes is Willie Harris from 1 last year to this year 22, Kory Casto from 5-27, Wil Nieves 53-23, Luke Montz 23-79 (79= he will not be on the roster), New pitcher Terrrel Young is 51, Scotty Olsen is 19, Martis 51-39, Marco Estrada 55-74, Ross Detwiler 29-48, Tyler Clippard 19-36, Daniel Cabrera is 40, and Collin Balester 40-49.

The nats have already started their spring training games and are 2-1 so far. They look pretty good, especially Jordan Zimmermannnnnnnnn. he threw 2 innings on Thursday, allowing no baserunners and striking out three. The first game was against the Astros, and they lost 6-3. Nothing much happened that game, and they won the second game against the Tigers 2-1. Zimmermannnnnn, Bally-Star, and Terrel Young combined for 6 scoreless innings, and the El Tigres was held to only two hits. The Nats won the third game, against the Astros again, 2-0. The pitching was outstanding yet again, and Shawn Hill was great in his only inning. Once again, the pitching held their opponent to only two hits. The Nats scored two runs in the second inning, thanks to RBI doubles by Jesus Flores and Cristian Guzman. The nats play the Cardinals today, and Daniel Cabrera is starting. A report on the newest nats, Josh Willingham is 1-2 with a run, Scott Olsen will pitch tomorrow against the Orioles, and Adam Dunn is 0-3 with a walk.

Jose Rijo was fired recently, he was a special assistiant; I don't know why the heck they have to make it into such a big deal...

The Nats also released left hander Odalis Perez, who signed (signed means you like the contract and have agreed with it) a one-year minor league deal with the Nats, and then didn't show up to spring training because he said he didn't like such a "horrific deal"... even though he agreed with it about two weeks ago...

Preview of 2009 and new jerseys

For 2009, I think the Nats have a overall good team. We have a good lineup, if everyone can stay healthy. As of now, we have Flores as catcher, Johnson at 1b, Bonifacio/Hernandez/Belliard at 2b, Guzman at ss, Zim at 3b, Dukes in lf, Milledge in cf, and Kearns in rf. This lineup isn't too bad with the exeption of Kearns. I want Hernandez to be the 2b, because Belliard is too old and is good coming off the bench, and Bonifacio may be ridiculously fast but cannot hit for a good average, especially from the right side, and he doesn't take any walks. Also if you look at the lineup, there isn't any bad fielders except for Milledge. The bullpen is solid, even if Cordero doesn't come back. We have three really solid relivers, with Shell, Rivera, and Hanrahan. I also liked what I saw out of Hinckly and Mock. Although getting rid of Charlie Manning means we must get another left hander.
The starting pitching scares me. If the Nationals wish to get in the playoffs, they need one stud starter. They need a Peavy or Sabathia. Lannan is great, Redding is a streaky veteran who can be unhittable at times, the other three could be Ballester, Shawn Hill if he can stay healthy, and Shiron Martis.
I saw the new road jersey, and I don't like it that much. It looks too old-fashioned, I like last years grey a lot better.