Stunned

One word says it all. No one, not even a poor pundit like myself, could have ever predicted the Nats would be on fire this much. They have won 14 of their last 16 and still retain sole possession of the NL East lead.

The more amazing part, however, is how they are doing it. They pick up Ryan Drese off waivers from Texas, who was 4-6 with a 6.46 ERA, and turn him around to pitch against an AL team that he had faced before (Texas is in the same division as Anaheim) and he throws an 8 inning 2 hit shutout. His ERA after that performance dropped almost a run. Granted, this performance may not continue, but I refer you to the fact that AL pitchers going to the NL almost always have a huge drop in ERA and perform better. For reference see Clemens, Roger and Martinez, Pedro. Also, Drese is a sinkerball pitcher, meaning he gets a lot of ground balls. The Nats are exceptional defensively, so between his propensity for ground balls and the friendly, no homer confines of RFK, he should be fine as a 5th starter.

What really gets me is the performance of Chad “chief” Cordero. He comes on last night with a 1-0 lead, promptly loads the bases – you read that correctly – with NO OUTS – you also read that correctly – and still gets out of the inning. He struck out two and gave up a pop fly that wasn’t deep enough for Darrin “linebacker” Erstad to tag up and bum rush another NL East Catcher.

Watching these games is more exhilarating than a Ridley Scott opus. Oh wait – we couldn’t watch last night. You’re right, ESPN2 broadcast the game, but it was blocked in the DC area by Comcast for Comcast subscribers using the local viewing rights exemption (despite no local broadcaster showing it) as a new ploy in their legal battle with MASN. When will they realize that the public doesn’t care who wins this battle, as long as they can see the Nats? I hear more people blaming Comcast for not showing the games than MASN.

SIDE NOTE – Carlos Baerga, don’t be mad at me for what I’m going to say. You’re a great part of the Nats and have defined “clutch” several times this season. But dude – when you run – I laugh uncontrollably. I giggle like a schoolgirl. You run like your legs are two little pistons, and it looks like you take 3 steps per foot of ground you cover. I point this out when noticeable and other people giggle too. My dad loved it, so when he watches the Nats now he always looks for it. Don’t be mad, Carlos, and keep up the good work. If you hear laughter when you run, it’s just me. Don’t worry.

From Nationals Pride