Nationals vs Rangers, Game 3

[DPMOmaha]

MLB calls it one series (Beltway Series), The Nats and Orioles do the same. Only WNFF is insisting it's two series.

Well, then it's been about 10 days short of a year since the Nats were swept in a series. Since last April being swept at home. That's pretty impressive.

[Slateman]

Blanton

[DPMOmaha]

That version of Blanton will be useful.

[bluestreak]

Exactly, that excuse is ridiculous.

Well is it ridiculous because it's not a valid reason to be off your game? Or because it's self inflicted because of the gala? It's not like anyone on the team is throwing out that excuse.

I'm actually curious if this is could be a genuine reason for poor performance.

[nattily attired]

What a circus! Thanks, Rizzo. Leader of the clowns!

[bluestreak]

Also, is it just me, or is Claudio's delivery really damn ugly?

[DPMOmaha]

Well is it ridiculous because it's not a valid reason to be off your game? Or because it's self inflicted because of the gala? It's not like anyone on the team is throwing out that excuse.

I'm actually curious if this is could be a genuine reason for poor performance.

That gala itself, no, it's not. Anecdotally, I don't think it's uncommon to struggle a bit after a long west coast roadie. More than anything, I think it was just a bad weekend. It happens from time to time during a season.

[DPMOmaha]

Also, is it just me, or is Claudio's delivery really damn ugly?

Eye of the beholder.

[varoadking]

I'm actually curious if this is could be a genuine reason for poor performance.

Not having legitimate major league players at critical positions is a genuine reason.

[skippy1999]

Well is it ridiculous because it's not a valid reason to be off your game? Or because it's self inflicted because of the gala? It's not like anyone on the team is throwing out that excuse.

I'm actually curious if this is could be a genuine reason for poor performance.

The staggered game times is the stupidest excuse I can think of.

[varoadking]

Looking forward to Rusty's postgame presser...

[NatNasty]

[varoadking]

Ray blaming the road trip now too... 

[nats2playoffs]

4th day after the West Coast road trip is the worst...

GAME OVER.

WE LOSE.

[spidernat]

Radio guys blaming the varying game times (among other things). Bullcrap. The odd times are to accommodate their fundraising gala so don't freaking use that excuse. If it's so bad, do the gala during the offseason.

preach brother

[spidernat]

SF must be on a vinyard tour...he is overdue for another of his seagull visits...

He was here yesterday nagging about the blown save. Maybe he OD'd on white zin?

[Natsinpwc]

I'm still recovering from the west coast trip. Those late nights were tough. 

[spidernat]

Well is it ridiculous because it's not a valid reason to be off your game? Or because it's self inflicted because of the gala? It's not like anyone on the team is throwing out that excuse.

I'm actually curious if this is could be a genuine reason for poor performance.

The rangers had to play at the same odd times as well.



I'm also wondering how many teams have a gala during the season that "affects" their season as well.

[RobDibblesGhost]

The rangers had to play at the same odd times as well.



I'm also wondering how many teams have a gala during the season that "affects" their season as well.

I was wondering the same thing. There are no others that I know of but that doesn't mean that's definitely the case. So they had 10-day road trip, came right back with no off day, played a super early game yesterday, had a late night at the gala and then back to it today. That's brutal, and I seem to think they've always played poorly on gala weekend. They should either do the gala on an off day (if it has to be a Saturday, then do a Friday doubleheader to allow an off day) or do it in the offseason, maybe in conjunction with Winterfest.

[spidernat]

Just do the crap in the offseason. And while you're at it, make sure the Lerners aren't dipping into the pot to get their cut.

[mitlen]

It was a beautiful day at the Park.     Roamed around.    Caught a nice breeze up the Anacostia.       But man, there were a lot of pissed off people talking about the bullpen.     Seriously pissed off.

[spidernat]

It was a beautiful day at the Park.     Roamed around.    Caught a nice breeze up the Anacostia.       But man, there were a lot of pissed off people talking about the bullpen.     Seriously pissed off.

Were you one of those pissed off people?

[mitlen]

Were you one of those pissed off people?

Nah, I've grown accustomed to it.     

[Natsinpwc]

If the starting pitchers don't step it up more in the postseason than they have in 2012, 2014 and 2016 then the bullpen won't matter. To be honest that's a bigger worry for me.

[baldkid]

Dusty needs to go to the Lerners and give them 1 week to find a bullpen or he walks

Since they obviously do not want him, then they will get what they want, welcome to 2018 when Billy Gardner Junior is the manager