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Tag Archives: Mike Rizzo

Unchained Melody: The Ballad of Wilmer Difo

2017 Articles Leave a Comment
To most of you, Wilmer Difo is a light-hitting utility infielder with goofy hair and even goofier walk-up music. But to a limited few, (probably just me, and Luigi de Guzman), he’s so much more. I dare not speak for Luigi (who’s more than capable of speaking for himself) but to me, he embodies the Washington Nationals past, present, and future. However, you can’t tell the story of Wilmer Difo without first telling the story of Carlos Alvarez, also known as Esmailyn “Smiley” Gonzalez.
 

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Nationals Recent Losing Streak Highlights Deficiencies

2017 Articles 1 Comment

Pain. As we reach the quarter point of the season, the Nationals have hit their first real rough patch, losing four of six to teams that are a combined 12 games under .500. The Pirates, who have the second-worst offense in MLB, scored 20 runs over the three-game series. The Braves were one of the most power deficient offenses in the league—especially so without Nat-killer extraordinaire Freddie Freeman. Atlanta hit six home runs in their two victories before Strasburg dealt them the Ace of Spades and shut them down over 7.2 IP. For all the good the Nationals have, there are some cracks in the foundation. For the starting pitching, the bullpen, lineup, and bench, we will look at the areas of concern, and how significant they are.

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World Series or Bust

2017 Articles Leave a Comment
“Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.”
– some dead nun
 
Countless Cubs fans lived their whole lives and never saw their beloved team win the World Series. The same goes for generations of Red Sox fans. Some teams were good. A lot were bad. And every year ended the same – with a loss and the promise of next year. Because winning the World Series is hard. Even when you have the best team. The euphoria that gripped Chicago last year, and Boston before that, was long overdue – for those still alive to enjoy it. Will any of us still be alive if and when the Nationals ever win it all?

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Little Nats Fan Asks Rizzo to Re-Sign Bryce, Werth

2017 Articles Leave a Comment

The chance to see adorable letters written by small baseball fans in hopes of persuading their favorite teams’ general managers to do their bidding is one of the best things about the advent of social media. (Though, it was not as cute when a kid asked the Giants to sign Mark Melancon. Never forget.) It’s a modern day Dear Abigail, but with more desperation.

Saturday afternoon, little Natalie spoke for all Nats fans when her mom posted a picture of a letter she sent to Nationals GM Mike Rizzo, asking him to pull out all the stops to sign Bryce Harper and Jayson Werth. She even slipped him a 20 (plus one) to make it happen.

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The Nationals Biggest Problem (Hint: It’s Not the Bullpen)

2017 Articles 1 Comment

Like good Washington sports fans, Nationals faithful are panicking. This week, like most weeks this season, the hot takes, angry tweets, and general unrest centers around the much-maligned bullpen. But take heart, folks! I’m here to tell you that the bullpen is not actually the Nationals biggest hindrance in making a playoff, but in fact, there’s something else to lose sleep over: Centerfield!

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