Beltway Baseball Live with Mark Zuckerman - 5/26
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Thu, 26 May 2011|
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CS in Washington dot com. Everybody -- -- marks are coming here -- -- and watching dot com your watching beltway baseball alive and that's Thursday afternoon. Now mark the nationals are kind of reeling right now they've they've lost five straight including a three game sweep at the head of the Milwaukee Brewers we got our first. Glimpse at life without Adam LaRoche or you talk about his injury you know the origins traced back to spring training they try to let him play through it. Do you think that they can they be handled it differently and what do they do now yep well it's not to be the question comes up because yes they discovered the torn -- in spring training. The idea at the time was that he could play through this bad. Loved it affect his throwing it did not affect swing at all and Adam -- -- little. So we did and he kept insisting -- last six weeks and and we ask you know I don't feel it doesn't affect my swing. And finally in last week he said yeah you know what. You know it doesn't hurt it does it -- -- -- in my power my belly drive -- the ball the violence I've checked out. Now is on the DL there's still hoping he can just -- -- habit for about a month but it's still decent -- needs surgery would miss the rest of the season. Look at they've done differently. I think what you have to look at and say. Maybe if they've just decided back then yet you know what it is gonna affect your place and now maybe there's a chance to play through that -- would be better off. Having surgery now -- a couple months maybe three months but and we know you're gonna back under percent for the last season. Now as it turned out you got. Two months of bad player out of him. And -- won't get anything else haven't. They would have been better off -- I missed the first half -- year but at least get one good half season. It's a tough situation we're all kind of holding out hope because he traditionally starts -- And finished a strong but he just kind of never. Pulled it together. Yeah no exactly and I think that's why they were reluctant to maybe admit that it was the injury all along because it felt like well as track record isn't always comes along and but. What was interesting is that it wasn't just it's. Batting average with power numbers out. Everything else about as often. Drawn walks out on. Hello -- on the DL right now they just got they got back Rick Ankiel which now leaves them with three left handed outfielders with -- -- next. How do you think Greg and can handle that well -- it's kind of a complicated situation because -- -- the exit three left in any outfielders. Ankiel was the center fielder. Before he got hurt sprained his wrist generally say you don't lose your job because of injury but. Bernadine has played well out there being good at the leadoff spot and great moment has come -- sent burned in -- might lead off. So where does that put him well you could put him in left field with and you'll answer but nix has them when they're better offensive players at least so far. Whenever it happened out there and at this point -- probably the best offensive team -- -- because I scored runs. So what do I thought it was interesting that Ankiel is activated off the deal two days ago -- start the first game. Which you can understand -- first game -- just flown in. And her face a left pitcher he has not fair well lefties and yesterday. He was also again outlined against a righthander -- -- -- center and Nixon left and that to me as a sign maybe. And -- job isn't to say that maybe he is actually going to lose his job some playing time because of injury. Switch over to the bullpen Redmond has a few young arms in the bullpen right now particularly -- Campbell and Andrea Rodriguez with -- lately. He's been using an important situation. Yeah he has in this supplement they've wanted to start seeing more from these guys. -- with the make up the bullpen has an interest in at the moment. They've clearly established islanders' story as the closer there hasn't been quite. He's been fantastic to finally get runners last time out. That said where's the rest it go from there well Clippers could be in the mix as a setup guy. On Burnett had kind of in the eighth inning guy at least that was constantly if he's not closing he's going to be set up. Well two games in Milwaukee frequently used him face one batter prince case Prince Fielder. Each time just for one that's never been Burnett's. Track record to be at left hand specialist is one guy he's gone for whole inning and faced right handers have been just as effective. So by taking Burnett out then he threw and Rodriguez. Into the mix and Rodriguez won the -- in the game for now. They need to find out what this guys made -- throws under miles. You wanna see but that's the first time he's been using game where they actually held the lead. First pitch with a lead. And Cole Kimball live also tried to throw in -- sneaking out to these guys have very good arms and good stuff and makes his team needed it could do it. I think it's a little odd that all of a sudden guys with more track record guys like Burnett or Todd Coffey. Who have talent and ability to pick and succeed in the major leagues holding the lead late in the game being passed over. Whatever they're doing right now it is where -- anatomy. Had a real tough road trip. I'll talk about the mood in the clubhouse I understand -- sort after the game estimates and very interesting comments about something have to change. What's going -- yeah it's kind of tough to decipher and it worked this content works comments work. Well I think it's pretty obvious what's going on that -- so shirts is obvious that he thinks we think it's. You know what could this be well obviously they have some flaws on -- roster -- lineup hasn't an awful lot this season I think he probably out at on. Is he upset at. The players they have -- he does it -- changes need to be made. On the coaching staff you know. As much as brick -- is taking heat from a lot of corners here. We're actually yesterday it was really complimentary of him. Talking about some changes that he's made with him on his swing and his stance that helped him work the next start -- last couple weeks -- -- that. -- isn't something wrong with the manager that still feel like for the most part the clubhouse isn't supported him now feel like he's lost them. Maybe there's a little bit since of frustration for some guys in there that maybe they're not fueling their best when he five. Guys or on a daily basis in the line up -- best nine guys on the other night Brian Drexler start in left field first time ever starting outfield. Which I was curious. About the same thing using Rodriguez in the eighth inning talk. Are -- right now trying. To build for the future are trying to win on that given night I think some of the veterans might be a little frustrated -- -- not necessarily doing everything they can't try to win on that given. Whenever a team losing questions and come up about job security. Yeah and that seems to be the theme of the day from fan questions -- -- and -- -- thank you guys we appreciate the support and submitting your questions. The first is from Ernie who wants to ask about -- on his contract is up in the the end there hasn't really any talk about re -- him should we read something into the well it may be a little too early to -- -- -- -- yes he's not under contract that you have an option for him for next year same thing happened last -- is picked up his second option. Now there's another one left you don't have to do that now there's no reason. That said any -- after. Whose contract is up in the years. That status he always kind of an -- mind -- Whether players and self. Typically why -- we see how -- performs. This year before you decide whether pick it up and -- -- to this point cabinet certainly performing level it makes you say they will. A lot of time left I don't think we're necessarily in a situation here where his job in jeopardy yet. That said if you get to a point now you're talking about the all star break things -- continue on down downward spiral. We saw with -- act a couple of years ago similar situations -- -- held out didn't do anything didn't say anything about it and things turned sour and the all star break you lost that job I don't think they're they're yet. I think there's support for an -- That said. If this were continue what they've done for the last week ten days -- that were to continue. And the stoker didn't hear anything from the front office about what they're into their manager I think maybe come July this could become more. Second question is from -- through very points out that the starting rotation has been a comparatively bright spot right now. But John Lannan has really struggled in his last three -- forced our starts any thoughts about hammers security and it. Yeah I mean it's funny because almost every in the nationals have been in existence there's been thought of both somebody's not perform in the rotation makes changes there and every year to this point they have made some kind of change it's it's kind of minor miracle that made this -- Harvick -- five start. Out of the five -- has probably been the worst at least least consistent. That said I don't CNN mediate. Had reason to believe it is spot rotations of Japanese at a couple rough starts here. He knows it which -- and it's always about location. He knows isn't the greatest stuff in the world he's got to keep the ball down in the zone he can't be nibbling around the he's got to make guys. His pitches he's admits. He's been too much up in the zone guys are hitting. It's not quite on the level that we saw last year when he did get sent down -- double play I don't think there at that point it. And the other side of the equation is who's there waiting in the wings rust that wire hasn't been so great Tripoli yuniesky Meyer hasn't been so great I'm not sure there is another option. That they're saying at this moment they're guaranteed to be better than and it's I think he's our right now but he doesn't step up. Now common theme beltway baseball alive in these these two weeks we've done it is injury. And -- torpedo points up that a lot of these entries have started out small but turn into more serious injuries is there any reason in the -- look at the training that. Well I again it's one of those things I know people wanna look at and try to point the finger figure out who's to blame for whenever this happens let's look at Ryan's and for example. Hurts himself. It's kind of sad yeah. Yeah. Then but he concedes -- sliding head first and second baseman worked here is an abdominal muscle and I was out. He tried to you haven't -- in surgery now. He still out won't be seeing him until middle of June what they've done differently well. In this case I don't think there's necessarily anything they did wrong you always want try to avoid surgery I'd say the same thing about approach when it comes this topic. Started always a last resort if nothing else works you want to see canyon rehab it can you get through this without it and -- If it comes to point is that you know we can't do it then you have the surgery now it's important that you make -- decision. At a time it's not gonna cost you in the entire season. I think concerns case. They may call fast enough to say okay get this done he's out six weeks he'll be back in -- with a -- maybe they did wait a little too long. Like we're talking before maybe just assuming if there's another one of his early season slumps and that it really wasn't much an injury issue it's always a fine line with the trainers and doctors. Ultimately it's up to the player to be honest with them and tell them what he's feeling. And these guys competitors and wanna compete they're maybe not always gonna be as forthcoming like the think it's instinct injuries have been a problem and with a lot of these sports in the last few years particularly with the Wizards and the Redskins everyone's asking about the training staff I guess. Maybe it's something about the water I don't know he Arab opposite trainers fired I think this happens everywhere and you've had injuries all over baseball. Unfortunately it's something happens in the game. Well nationals have a day off today with the pick up tomorrow against the Padres have a brief homestand before another long road trip they. Finish this last one and seven hopefully they can do better next time. It only nationals coverage on CS and -- dot com and that's insider dot com and thank you for watching beltway baseball. And. CS in Washington dot com.
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Beltway Baseball: Why Strasburg will be just fineCSN Washington dot com. Are welcomed the beltway baseball here on CSN Washington dot com on chase Hughes and mark Zuckerman. And mark we've been through a month and a few weeks or overly down here. And the nationals as a team having kinda inconsistent but one thing that is really travelling fans and people around league starting to notice is it consistency of Stephen Strasburg. The numbers aren't that far off from what we've seen but it anyone who's watched him over the last few years and tell maybe there's something something a little bit off he's having trouble finding the strike zone. What do you make of the situation and do you think it is that they concern yeah I mean the thing is like you said the numbers don't look. It that far off feeds the pitching. for big league pitcher but he set such a high bar for so we've come to expect so much. Patted him it just doesn't quite look like what you expected the biggest thing is fastball command. You know he's not. Throwing strikes getting ahead in the count. The way it did it was so amazing about him as a rookie when he came back originally from the Tommy John surgery was the fact that. He could be a power pitcher while still having excellent coming that deadly combination. Just not quite there yet. Curve balls still excellent still excellent. I think you're seeing signs of improvement I think he's getting there but he still working on to think that it's mechanical mostly. And they they seem to determine and it's not physical it's mormons and you can see it on the on the field he's the body language that. He's impatient he gets frustrates easily and this just a matter of him being such a perfectionist. He's not used to not being great. He's used to being great not just good right exactly and I think that's that next step and take if he's really gonna become an ace of the World Series contender. It's about hey it doesn't matter what happens behind him Doesn't matter what run support I the umpire and I'm gonna go out I'm gonna beat no matter We're seeing there and do that right now I think it's time for Strasburg if he really wants to become an elite. Top. The line pitcher. That's what he needs you now quickly another guy who's had trouble as you can also I think might be a little bit more of a concern is his command has been quite there. I think it's curve ball isn't quite as sharp as it was last year this is something that might he might work out the kinks out. But he has been pride stuff yeah I mean an more erratic certainly had some fantastic start and that's really troubling ones I think his last start Pittsburgh may have been a turning point for them. Got a huge jam in the first inning lead off home runs very first pitch then he loads the bases. Nobody out. Battle back and get out six straight after that I can almost see a little something clicked inside and minutes that. Maybe this you Ozzie admitted afterwards and younger version him would have melted there. Let it spiral out control. That might be assigned an comes back next time that made it a big turning point mark let's talk about the catching situation we're moving through May and so far Davey has. Rotated kind of alternated and depending on the edge depending on the he said that at some he's gonna have to make a decision we saw over the weekend go back to back with Ramos. At some point. Maybe you and you think we're gonna see him go with the primary catcher I think so maybe not a true number one in the and a guy you know catching you know once or twice a week and I think he does. Number one wanna play the hot hand whoever it is. I think he hopes its problems he understands that everyone understands. That Wilson Ramos has higher ceilings and Kurt Suzuki put the whole package together offensively defensively he can do more so I think you're gonna start to see that. It Suzuki gets hot they'll play obviously. I think the preference be for to ultimately take over. I went into the numbers last week how the pitching staff has done with Suzuki and For some reason everybody but you done way better with over the past few seasons in their career ERA is. Are better with him in their career marks I don't I don't know I can't tell you why that is but that's the case yeah and I the pictures all insist they'll have both guys I don't know if there even where it. Yzerman tops they had success with Suzuki and it's amazing stats that would certainly something overtime that you have to look him. Now as we're getting close to the middle of may what we take stock with the division first the Braves came out really hot out of the gate. It was it was really at the point were you thinking all right who's gonna slow him down or what's gonna slow them down they didn't seem to have a weakness whatsoever. The nationals. Meanwhile your 500. But as they're starting to get things going they're not that far behind it could be much worse at this point oh absolutely mean if the nationals. Figure that April was their worst month but that's as bad against them they're going to be all right because they hover around 500. And the rays came back to earth and what's it was gonna happen next maybe not. To this extent you're surprised by that we're gonna play 900 ball. All right I think it was twelve and when you start here to me what's interesting is all of a sudden they're closer Craig Kimbrel. Most dominant closer in baseball last year and the first month this year he's blown three saves in days yeah giving up home runs. That's. Staggered problem right there I mean who knows just a blip. Or something long term about but also without Johnny Panthers won their top. Setup men and PG beaches and come back and just came back Heyward been out for a while there. BJ Upton knocked off to a good start the play and they got a lot of weapons are they're going to be good. Long term but they may not be quite easily as we and BJ Upton has been really bad and having having gas was really early on but. he's not looking like the next Mike Capps at this point about one thing I think it's interesting as the two best guys I think in their offense have to look at the numbers today. They've been Justin Upton and Chris Johnson who of course were with the team much yeah exactly they talk on all the offseason moves it made it mentioned Johnson as much damage in the Upton Brothers that night do you think getting Freddie Freeman back to deal with me that isn't fantastic all around first baseman. The Braves are going to be fine long term this can make good race really do believe that. CSN Washington dot com.
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Beltway Baseball: Reader questionsCSN Washington dot com. Thanks for clicking here on CSN Washington dot com your watch him beltway baseball it's a season marks the mark it's time for reader questions and I think we got some really good ones this week. The first one from Eric he asks. What are the chances that the league has figured out and or Strasburg and that. Maybe that is contributed to their early season struggles. If that has been going on could changeup the reactions that yeah that's a good question we talk about Strasburg are others segment and I think there's a little bit of the league start to figure him out. But certainly not as intimidated by him. As a maybe it will when he first came out but I think if Strasburg he's so good that he. conference itself can locate his fastball he's going to be just fine opposite Kerr our tests I still so fastball straighten out he's going to be fine. He little more instinct question to me because here's a guy who was new the National League last year whoever went way. Maybe there is little bit more of a book coming out on him his last Pittsburgh was that he got that big jam early. Got out of it and one of the reasons got out it was because change. It doesn't throw a whole lot pass to Tony Wilson Ramos calling for. And insisting on a deal with but he talked and it's not like it's I'm walker out right but he trusted Ramos. Started making some good pitches getting some outs and also and I think you may see some more of that from him down the road it's again. It's all about adapting his pitchers. Baseball's all about adjustments. Pictures investigators because of the pitchers. The more they see you at Wimbledon and you you have to learn how to adjust to that and it got out on the road. That's his thing and think about GO looking back at that trade most of the guys they sent the other way didn't have really worked is kind of favored Houston right now. And Norris is is pretty pretty decent and they got little on the loan is really right now I don't know if you've seen or he's the one that was kind of an afterthought at that time but he he's very polished. Mean I ever be an ace is good solid back pace now or stick with the rotation for the second question really good question in my opinion by Murray the red. Says the one through five rotation it is clear now that they are not the best to worst quarters they should be. Will that be corrected and if so how. And how do you guys see the best course for well let's start with that first part you know everyone makes it's a big who's number one number 2345. Other than the first week of the season and they want to get to the playoffs. It really matter nobody now you don't mind guys that thing and you are number one vs there when it has off days rain outs. You know it throws off so you don't make midseason adjustments that unless one guy is so bad that you think you need to skip his turn. And I don't think there. There but. The way it's staked out so far this year you have to see Jordan Zimmermann is their number one right right now no disrespect to see Strasburg. But towards has pitched like an ace and real team. At the moment he's like. Among the leaders in. We NCR a whip and you have to consider him for the all star game starter. And long way to go obviously I think you have to put number one if it were right now. You goes if they started a playoff series this weekend I think towards me it was game one. It probably still put Strasburg threw just because as we used yet and maybe that I was three because he's been a more consistent you Gonzales. Yeah I think that's the way ago parent I know is listed as the as the recently but that weather started so hot I think he would pride but he bumped up in the rotation as well. Third question is from three on two out. Says what is your prognosis or into any random will he stay in the minors. Barring injury or roster player until September call ups or their other possibility. Answered the question we just got to see him for two weeks and you could see glimpses of what he can for them but here's the problem he's got to play every. He hasn't done it as a professional even late in his college career he was hurt Dan may need him playing every day somewhere. When he was up here couldn't afford a plane never ever losing they need some tough games in Atlanta we need is best possible option so. I really think he's gonna stay in the minors. Play every day and time at third base but also some time at second base shortstop. We'll see if another injury came up exited on back up. Otherwise thank you think it's going to be September. Because he just don't want this guy's development he's too good long term prospect. To bring up your second that's yours and his development if you do that is we've heard the organization say he needs more time. And he when he came up he showed signs stating that there were a little things defense that I'm miscues base running miscues. That just. Proved pretty clearly that he just needs more and he point out it was a great thing that he mentioned off on his last 8% back down he can understand how much more they think here. It's not just about who's the most talented there's a lot of thought processes in it for pitchers. It's something he's dollars and everybody have to learn and you only get that experience. CSN Washington dot com.
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Boston Marathon runner Rachel Ackerman describes her experience on MondayCSN Washington dot com Rachel first or by. Describe to the viewers just fit the moments leading up to the ovaries and just describe what the city of Boston was like it. Yeah I got in net and a couple might be further and I went to the accident to pick up my number and that's always really exciting as spenders I'm a lot of great GNC. All the different people who learn there are just getting ready. I'm driving ever wearing their shirts ended the reeling me I have it I made stayed at my college which is happening before. They're racing in the morning and she lives by the starting lines there's lots of people coming in and out and just eating and chatting and talking about so happy it's so much cooler than last years and have there which is 9089 degrees that. And it's really just a beautiful start lots of green energy and Dan and look like it was going to be really fantastic and. The race starts. You finished you feel like triumph celebration. Over the training you put into it. Walk us through the events that led up to at the 250 mark of the race when you first heard the explosion. Yeah that you know I had it finished there is am I name's Wayne and got my bag and changed and then masters checking on and I relations and some time know my time. Yeah I was safety hair and and with getting text messages about that I was on the on the get together with them and you know. I can't go at those walking. Toward the start line to cheer on other people who we're finishing and I think that's the greatest part of that. to get to theater and I'm excited and and ran that slant and yet going toward the finish line. I heard. Allowed explosions. Heard in Ireland. And I way. Got out there and tactically. And where are starting to from where it finished out toward where. Luckily you got a chance to call your father right away a lot of fuel didn't get an opportunity because a frantic situation that's going on. What did you see eighty your dad at the time to get a chance talked to. I was terrified and I hung up with my friend and I immediately called my father and I expect that I have no idea what's going on I just heard explosions I'm pretty I was crying on the and I think you need to look on the and Tommy what it is. And then I was completely. Panicked. And I say and just started walking away from them. The and I looked around I thought I mean I was filed a big buildings and not have to just keep walking away from us and I just kept going. Torre. Out outside of the immediate downtown area and it it just out. I mean just you know when did you. Feel like something wasn't right you heard the first explosion and I think fifteen seconds later was the second one was at that second one when you're like OK something's not right he. I think it was the second it sounded like it had been anything that I had heard before learn and it didn't found the car backfiring someone spending he was a transformer. Exploding like that I've heard before and telling Amy could have been but when I saw people running. And looking frantic and ask them. Everyone kind of stopped being looking very perplexed that was probably not we ever in fear of your life. I was very panicked when it happen and I don't know if I was in fear of my Iowa I think I was just so you know. Going I was a little bit in shock I think I am. Was very and I was. Very aware. Began large buildings around me and if these whereupon I think what were they trying to get to get. As far away from this buildings. I think I was more. Panic because I was five I was had not yet met up with friends with me later so I kind of self. I'm trying to get somewhere and that part it's with the scary for me thing I've been in touch with people or where to go or what to do you. Clearly from. Listen to the president and the FBI. This is a terror event the question I think many people wanted to know from people experience it is your marathon runner. Will you do it again and now when you are in public places does this change how you go about your daily life. If they're really. It's a really good question. I I think you know. Part of the thinking part of what I love about running marathons is that anybody can do and it's a gathering I mean this again and Aaron from around the world from across the country. And I am. You know I I You know of course run another marathon and I I would even do Boston again I mean that I just think it's so. Horrific that. It's it's now going to be a place that is. thought of as a target but there's going to be have to increase security act and holiday things when usually. Speculate and in Boston it's a sad day when everybody in the community comes together and you know knowing that workers schooler. Things like that and and you know I am I winning at a I would not run again because I think that would be. Giving in to look at you sure this 2013. Boston Marathon when you put this shirt back on again whenever that is. What is going to be the first thing you think about. You know when I when I put it on today I had read a lot of posts about everyone should Wear their shirt today in honor. Everybody and Bob and in the marathon and that's an injury and you know I usually just use either their regular running sure I don't know it's that really it's a related question but it was nice today even at the aircraft coming over just to see everybody. In there marathon. much more quiet in the heat and it has had been last year and that it was just in the community. I'm feeling that everybody was kind of rally around it. in with this. Yesterday while we saw terror. Tragedy we saw the American spirit once again. Coming to the forefront watching people not just run away people were running towards in helping what would you remember most about what happened yesterday. You know having Adam. Having not know quite is going nine I was really struck by people who and having myself in those moments I was really struck by people who are trying to help. help everyone out I know I was. I'm walking you wonder action there is stamina liking to go find your family it's a family meeting and that's like now. But an and then another group like you're just gonna keep walking with us and tell. We figure out where to go and I went into a restaurant with my phone battery was the people there. I'm in by and they kept the computers. On everything in that that theory you know either. and restaurant wearing you know inviting people to sit with them and you know you know Guinea tees and greens and just constantly checking and then and thought that was really great I thing. And to of course see all of us stories about people who cross the finish line and then when he gave turned right around London and went back and how I thought was really unbelievable. behalf of all of were glad your safe. And we hope this doesn't deter you. From running another marathon especially going back to Boston thanks so much thinking. CSN Washington dot com.
