Gwreck

Was a great time at the game if you just forget about the 9th inning. I liked Nationals Ballpark quite a bit; the interior and layout reminded me of a more effective version of what Citizens Bank Park has (plus the Nationals fans seemed like nice people, at least the ones around us). It seemed that Strasburg's wildness died down once he took 2-3 mph off the fastball and was throwing at 95-96 instead of the 98-99 the stadium gun had him at during the 1st inning. Of course, once that happened, I think the Mets could actually catch up to some pitches and hence the three hits in the 3rd. Had carefully-selected seats that allowed a good view of the knee-buckling curve which I liked. The 91-mph changeup was just filthy. Of course, I'm still really glad we had a nice showing against him. The subway ride plus drive back I guess allowed me to calm down somewhat but I am of course not happy, with Rodriguez for a total shit-the-bed performance but as was said perfectly above, the dumb-fuck mismangement of the 'pen that contributes to this stuff. My new favorite ballpark concession item is the Victory Knot . Not my photo but that's what you get. A $15 pretzel that is the diameter of a small pizza and feeds two (or more). Three generous size dipping cups, one with chipotle mustard, one with beer cheese, and one with sweet cinnamon creme. Yes, it is as good as it sounds.

Made the last-minute decision to head down to see Strasburg tomorrow. Will be first time at the new Nationals Park, too.

Your other favorite closer just blew the save in Atlanta.

Books never written: Effective bullpen management, by J. Manuel.

I'm quite sure I bring up the low end here with 15. Movies - not really my thing.

I think Fman might be AT the game tonight. So no worries about the mojo. Santana looking decidedly sharper tonight with an easy first two innings.

Morgan CF Guzman 2B Zimmerman 3B Dunn 1B Willingham LF Morse RF Desmond SS Nieves C Hernandez P

Was Fman's to start but he is MIA at first pitch. Feliciano CF Tejada SS Wright 3B Davis 1B Francoeur RF Carter LF Blanco C Cora 2B Santana P

J. Felciano 1.75 Wright 1.75 Dessens 1.5 Reyes 1 Bay 1 Parnell 1 Igarashi 1 Nieve .67 P. Feliciano .33

Wright 2 Tejada 2 Rodriguez 1 Parnell 1 Pagan 1 Thole 1 Carter 1 Dessens .34 Bay .33 Tatis .33

Francoeur 2 Igarashi .25 Dessens .25 Barajas .25

Niese 2.5 Wright 2.5 Francoeur 2.5 J. Feliciano 1 Davis 1.5

Bay 3.5 Wright 1 Thole .5

Wright 2.5 J. Feliciano 1 Bay 1 Rodriguez 1 Igarashi 1 Thole 1 Davis 1 Dessens .5

Hour and a half at the start.

Please, Gary and Keith, tell me again about how late the team (and you) will be getting in to Washington, as you board your chartered flight, then your charter bus, and then arrive at your four-star hotel, while not having to worry about luggage or reservations or anything other than picking up your key and then going to bed, and then getting to sleep all day because you don't start work again until late that afternoon.

Courtesy Adam Rubin twitter: Jose Reyes escorted to clubhouse with trainer. Not taking batting practice with teammates.

Ding. Winner. Trade him for Cliff Lee NOW!!!!

I was at Target Field tonight. It was ugly. Zumaya threw a 99mph fastball to Delmon Young and fell to the ground in pain. He was holding his elbow and was in tremendous pain as he walked off the field. Justin Verlander even came out of the dugout to check on him and wound up taking Zumaya's glove off the field.

Wright 2.5 Pelfrey 2.5 Reyes 1 Bay 1 Parnell 1 P. Feliciano 1 Rodriguez 1

Lots of Twins fans, including several with their "Circle Me Bert" signs. I waffle on this between the "cool" and "stupid." Good game and when Mauer goes 0-4, it's a good sign towards a Mets victory over the Twins -- which I had never seen before! 2 of the 3 previous tilts I had the (mis)fortune of seeing some guy named Santana beat the Mets. Love the win, hate the bunts.

G-Fafif wrote: There was no question (or need for a question mark) eleven years ago. I'm thinking that we may be on the verge of something pretty special with their homegrown successors. Best Infield Ever 2.0, anyone? Best all-homegrown infield? I may hate them but I think I'd concede that all-around the MFY infield is stronger. Also no slouches: Cincinnati, Texas, Milwaukee.

I suppose it's possible that Pagan was one of those oft-injured, oft-overlooked guys who finally developed into a solid player but I too am of the mind that we're getting maximum return from him and accordingly am of the opinion that we could trade him without losing too much.