Paul Cline

An independent Washington Nationals news, opinion, and analysis site

Author Description

Paul has a day job he normally works at night. When he isn’t doing that or tweeting about baseball from @GRTrouble he records the baseball podcast Ground Rule Trouble. Give it a listen.

What’s Behind Joe Ross’ Struggles?

Paul Cline May 03, 2017 2017 Articles, Features Leave a Comment

“Joe wasn’t Joe.”

It seemed like a pretty classic case of manager double talk when you first looked at Dusty Baker’s quote to Jamal Collier over at MLB.com That could mean a myriad of things: It could mean Joe Ross wasn’t his normal effective self (Ron Howard Narrator Voice: He wasn’t). It could mean Joe Ross wasn’t tantalizing Nationals fans with his promise and potential (He wasn’t). It could mean Joe Ross was no longer the handsomest member of the entire organization (He wa— Shut your damn mouth, that man is still beautiful).

Continue Reading What’s Behind Joe Ross’ Struggles?

The Adam Eaton Hole

Paul Cline April 30, 2017 2017 Articles 1 Comment

As Adam Eaton lay sprawled on the dirt past first base at Nationals Park Friday night, it didn’t just feel like the air was let out of the budding Nationals comeback or out of the lungs of the 34,000 plus revved up in the stands. Instead, it felt like the air had escaped from the entire young, promising season. Continue Reading The Adam Eaton Hole

Ryan Zimmerman Really Has Improved His Launch Angle

Paul Cline April 18, 2017 2017 Articles Leave a Comment

{Exterior, Ryan Zimmerman’s house, October 14, 2016, Virginia Beach, VA}

Zimmerman steps out onto his spacious porch overlooking the Atlantic. You can see the weight of the season on his shoulders. He wistfully looks out over the waves, and sighs.

ZIMMERMAN: Never again. Something has to change. No, damn it. I have to change.

{camera pans up to the setting sun as ominous bass notes play underneath}

(Writer’s note: …I made all that up)

Continue Reading Ryan Zimmerman Really Has Improved His Launch Angle