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Wire Taps: Florida Marlins' Perspective, Wes Helms On The Washington Nationals' Nyjer Morgan.
Wilfredo Lee - AP
1 day ago: Players from the Washington Nationals and the Florida Marlins brawl during the sixth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2010, in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
The Florida Marlins' 34-year-old first and third baseman Wes Helms, a veteran of 12 major league seasons, appeared on Sirius/XM's MLB Network's Inside Pitch with Casey Stern and Jim Bowden this afternoon to offer one more opinion on the bench-clearing brawl that took place during the sixth inning of last night's game between the Fish and visiting Washington Nationals. In the game, Marlins' starter Chris Volstad hit Nats' outfielder Nyjer Morgan with a fastball in the top of the fourth in retaliation (most assumed) for a crushing hit on Marlins' catcher Brett Hayes in the previous game, but when Morgan decided to steal second and third and then scored on a sac fly in the at bat which followed his own, the Marlins apparently decided that further retribution was needed. In the sixth, with first base open following a leadoff double by Justin Maxwell, Volstad once again attempted to exact revenge, throwing a 90+mph fastball behind the Nats' outfielder, setting off the brawl that's been the subject of every highlight and talk show that covers baseball since it happened.
Asked what he thought of the play at the plate the previous night in which Morgan ran over Brett Hayes, Mr. Helms said, "It was borderline, yes if he slides he's clearly safe, but Brett Hayes was on home plate, so, in baseball etiquette if he's covering home plate [Morgan] has a right to run over him," but according to Helms, "That wasn't really what triggered this,":
Wes Helms: "What triggered it was the incidences before, so in our opinion and our minds, for him to do the things he did before the incident with us kind of made us think he's got bad intentions in his mind, because of his reputation of the past week or two, so the [play at home with Hayes] wasn't as dirty as something that we would've went after him for."
Before Morgan decided to steal second and third after the first HBP, the Marlins, according to Mr. Helms were, "...done with it." The Nats trailed 14-3 at the time, and, "In our minds," Helms continued, "we're finished, we let him know that we're not going to stand for it, and then all of a sudden he gets on first base and takes off for second, and the first thing that goes in my mind is, 'O.K., what's this guy doing?' and I'm standing at third base just kind of like in awe of what's going on with this guy, I don't understand it, and then he takes off for third, and that put in my mind for sure and I know it did everybody else's this guy is just trying to be a total butt about the situation. He is totally going out of his way to show us up and that's just not good baseball etiquette. It's the intergrity of the game, it's bush league, you're down by eleven runs and he did that it just totally showed us that he's not playing the game the right way."
"It was just something that don't happen too often in the game," Mr. Helms concluded, "...but something that's part of the game, it happens, it's happened in the past, it's not going to the last time that somebody does it, it just had to be a night where it was us and the Nationals."
Shark Week in DC!
SB Nation Team Pick: $99 Golf Package at Compass Pointe for only $49!
SB Nation Team Pick: $99 Golf Package at Compass Pointe for only $49!
A lot of people seemed interested in the last SB Nation Team Pick that offered a substantial discount to a local golf course, so I figured I'd post this one too, as SB Nation Team Pick and the Compass Pointe Golf Course team up to offer, "...a round of golf, a cart, bucket for the range, lunch and a sleeve of balls, a $99 value for just $49."
The Compass Pointe Golf Course is a premier 36-hole public facility of championship caliber golf designed by award-winning architect Lindsay Ervin which is located in Pasadena, Maryland, between Baltimore and Annapolis. The 36-holes - known as the "four nines" - offer a wide range of both terrain and challenges for all golfers, whether you're just starting out or are a scratch player.
• To take advantage of the offer, CLICK HERE. You have 5 days 6 hrs and 14 minutes as of 5:45 pm EST on September 2, 2010 to do so.
Defending The Caveman
Maya One Win Closer to DC; Sens and P-Nats Win; Upper Minors Report 9/1
Perhaps Yunesky Maya could hear the Nats cries for help all the way from South Florida? Maya made another large step towards a callup and September rotation spot. After celebrating his 29th birthday Saturday, the Cuban righthander pitched five scoreless innings over Rochester before yielding a run in the sixth. Maya's line: (W, 1-1) 5.2IP, 6H, 1ER, 2BB, 3K. Jason Botts' fifth inning grandslam provided all of the necessary offense in a 7-2 Chiefs win over Rochester.
I'm liking this Guzman for Roark and Tatusko trade more and more each day. Tanner Roark provided another shot in the arm for the Harrisburg rotation Wednesday night, yielding only one run in 6.1 innings. Shortstop Josh Johnson was the offensive star. He had two doubles and a walk on the night. After his leadoff double in the 9th, he scored the winning run on an Edgardo Baez seeing eye single in a Harrisburg 2-1 win over New Hampshire. Harrisburg retains a 1/2 game lead over Bowie with the win.
Marcos Frias had one of his better starts of the year in a tough season. He allowed just one unearned run in a 4-2 Potomac win over the Salem Red Sox. Sean Rooney's two run homer in the fourth inning was the decisive blow for the P-Nats. Potomac's victory keeps them 1.5 games in front of Wilmington for the division lead.
Hagerstown won 9-1 in a laugher over the Lexington Legends. Big story in this one was the debut of 2010 second round pick Sammy Solis. Solis started the game and pitched two shutout innings, striking out one batter. Paul Applebee (W, 6-5) pitched the remaining seven innings for the win. JP Ramirez led the hit parade with two runs scored and two RBI.
Links and key performances after the jump:
- Brian at Natsfarm.com is going out on top. Huge loss for the Natmosphere as he focuses on his teaching career. Brian's half of what got me hooked onto the minors and he'll be sorely missed. If you've ever read any of his stuff, drop by and offer a parting note.
- Bud Poliquin from the Syracuse Post-Standard reflects on how Syracuse's season performance rates to some of their recent campaigns. In a nutshell, more wins and more buzz than recent seasons but the manager is still far from satisfied.
AAA Syracuse:
- Yunesky Maya, RSP: 5.2IP, 6H, 1ER, 2BB, 3K, WP; 98 pitches, 62 strikes; 9 groundouts, 3 flyouts
- Fan Fav Boomer Whiting, LF: 0-4, BB, K
- Fan Fav Michael Martinez, SS: 3-5, R, 2RBI
- Fan Fav Josh Wilkie, RRP: 1.1IP, 0ER, 0BB, 3K
AA Harrisburg:
- Tanner Roark, RRP: 6.1IP, 5H, 1ER, 3BB, 2K
- Cole Kimball, RRP: (S, 11) 1IP, 0ER, 1BB, 1K
- Stephen Lombardozzi, 2B: 1-3, BB, SB, CS
- Chris Marrero, 1B: 0-3, BB, K, fielding error (17)
- Michael Burgess, RF: 0-3, HBP
- Josh Johnson, SS: 2-3, 2R, 2 2B, BB, K
High A Potomac:
- Derek Norris, C: 0-1, BB, K (Norris was ejected in the third inning)
- Bill Rhinehart, RF: 1-3, BB, K
- Tyler Moore, 1B: 2-4, R, K
- Marcos Frias, RSP: (W, 7-5) 6IP, 1R, 0ER, 3H, 2BB, 3K
Low A Hagerstown:
- Sammy Solis, LSP: 2IP, 0R, 0H, 0BB, 1K
- Paul Applebee, LSP: (W, 6-5) 7IP, 4H, 1ER, 0BB, 5K
- Rick Hague, SS: 2-5, 2R, 2B, BB, 2K
- JP Ramirez, LF: 2-5, 2R, 2RBI, 2B
- Destin Hood, RF: 0-3, R, 2BB, K
- Eury Perez, CF: 2-3, BB, CS
Tyler Moore named Carolina League MVP
Carolina League - Sports - Baseball - Slugging percentage - Extra base hit
Resume Baseball Activities (Nyjer)
Wire Taps: Florida Marlins' Gaby Sanchez On Washington Nationals' Nyjer Morgan.
More photos » Wilfredo Lee - AP
1 day ago: Washington Nationals manager Jim Riggleman, center, gestures after a bench-clearing brawl during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Florida Marlins, Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2010, in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Marlins' first baseman Gaby Sanchez, the second man into the brawl last night that started when Fish right-hander Chris Volstad threw at the Washington Nationals' Nyjer Morgan for the second time in a HBP-filled affair in Florida, made an appearance on Sirius/XM's MLB Network Radio show Power Alley with Jim Duquette and guest host (and former major league pitcher) Jeff Nelson to talk about what went down in Sun Life Stadium last night. According to the first baseman, he blinsided and clotheslined the Nats' 6'0'' 175lb outfielder because he was "just trying to protect" the Marlins' 6'8'' 230lb right-hander. "I mean it's just one of those crazy things," Sanchez says, "I'm trying to protect Chris Volstad as much as I can in that situation."
Jim Duquette: "What's going through your mind [when Morgan charged the mound]?"
Gaby Sanchez: "I wish that I could have gotten there before [Morgan got to Volstad] so he couldn't even take a swing at Volstad, and I could've tried to get into the middle of it, but, I mean, just like you said, he's very quick and he's the only one that knew what he was going to do, so...I mean I kinda knew in the back of my head that there was a chance that he would charge if he gets hit again, but he kinda stayed for a second and then all of a sudden threw his bat and then started to run so he kinda got, I think everybody by surprise. So, in my situation I'm just trying to do whatever I can to try to protect my pitcher and get him off him."
Jeff Nelson: "I played a long time and there [are] idiots all over the league. And yeah, if you could you'd want to hit them all the time, every time at bat. And same with pitchers, it goes both ways. I look at what Nyjer did, and for one I want to ask, 'Why did Volstad throw behind him the second time?' He hit him one time, which is for what happened the night before with running over the catcher [Brett Hayes], and I looked at that play and, I don't know if you as a player, I don't know if you've ever run into a catcher, is that a situation like the last ten, fifteen feet, twenty feet, you're seeing a play and all of a sudden you have to make a split decision, 'Am I going to run this over or if I'm going to slide,' and all of a sudden maybe you do run the guy over and then you look at it that night or the day after and you're like, 'You know what, if I would've slid I would've been safe,' but I have to make a split second decision if I'm going to take this guy out or not, so I didn't understand why you guys threw at him a second time, maybe kind of explain that a little bit of your reasoning?"
Gaby Sanchez: "I mean I just took it as, we hit him the first time, I think we're up by eleven at that point in time and when he got to first he ends up stealing second and then stealing third, down by eleven. And that's the whole gist of the conversation, you know I heard, you really don't do that in baseball. I can understand if it's a four-run lead, and you know, they hit you on purpose and you go ahead and steal second and steal third, then I don't think it's anything of a big deal, but when the team's down by eleven, we're not really holding him on, we're not really doing anything and he ends up stealing second and then third, and I know a lot of the guys were upset about the whole situation, so just try to hit him again kinda thing."
Jeff Nelson: "I can understand if it's late in a game, 7th, 8th, 9th game. If I'm a pitcher, I don't like when he's stealing cause all of a sudden I take up for my teammates and next thing I know he's stealing bags and that's a freakin' earned run and we're eleven runs up, but it's in the 4th and you've got to expect that they are going to run. If you weren't holding him on then you had to be playing close, and in that situation if you guys didn't want him to steal, and who knows what Nyjer's mindset is about, 'OK, I'm stealing this base no matter what.' But I didn't think, now if it's the other way, if they're up by eleven I can understand how you don't run, now when it's down, you're trying to do everything you can to come back that early. I don't think it's an unwritten rule about hey if you're down this much then you shouldn't be stealing, cause I mean if you guys are down and you're on the basepaths that early in the game, I mean anybody does it."
Gaby Sanchez: "Yeah, I definitely understand both ways of it, it was just I definitely know he was stealing because he got hit. It wasn't, 'Oh, we're down by 10 or 11, I'm going to steal those to get to third, it was, 'You guys hit me on purpose so now I'm going to steal second, I'm going to steal third,' and I know that was his mindset, but I mean, it's over now, things are done, so you've just got to continue playing and you know we still have got another three games against them and I'm pretty sure that all of this is done with."
There. Now you have both sides of the story.
• Had enough brawl talk? Here's some other things to read to get you through the travel day before tomorrow night's game in Pittsburgh:
• CSN Washington Holden Kushner: "Nats Worth Watching In 2011?"
Holden Kushner debates with his significant other as to whether the Nats will be competitive and exciting to watch next season: "You’ll have to depend on young guys like Jordan Zimmermann and Ross Detwiler to win 28-30 games next year like San Diego has gotten with young guys named Mat Latos and Clayton Richard. The Nationals defense has been consistently atrocious and the Padres have the best bullpen in baseball. Again, this is all possible, but definitely not probable."
• Washington Post Nationals Journal Adam Kilgore - "Hello, Danny Espinosa. Goodbye, Scott Olsen?"
"Espinosa saw the ball skip into the outfield, a clear single. But Espinosa kept his eyes to the outfield as fielder Mike Stanton 'didn't come to the ball hard,' Espinosa said. 'The second I saw him not charging the ball hard, I made my break for second.'"
• NATIONALS NEWS NETWORK- Dave Nichols - "Random Thoughts For Off-Day Thursday."
"In non-Nyjer news, wow, was Scott Olsen bad. It's the second time since his return from the D.L. he's failed to make it out of the second inning. Overall stats since returning in seven starts: 32 IP, 1-6, 8.72 ERA, .331/.384/.574 against. Oh, and every start is another $100,000 down the drain."
Nationals Daily Evolutions 9/2/10
More photos » Wilfredo Lee - AP
1 day ago: Washington Nationals' Nyjer Morgan, center, is le off the field after a brawl during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Florida Marlins, Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2010 in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
That was an interesting game last night. Nyjer Morgan has been out of control for the last week or so. I am really not sure what is up with him. I have never seen a player go from a nice likeable somewhat funny guy to a thug in such a short amount of time. Was this always there? Maybe it is just that his baseball IQ is that bad and he just doesn't get it. --Mark Zuckerman from natsinsider.com
The one interesting thing I found in Goessling's game story was that commenters told him he should have seen it coming. Seen it coming from when? We all knew the Marlins would want vengence yesterday, but Nyjer has never been like this before. In a way it is kind of sad. I don't know if something happenned off the field to set him off like this or what, but this just doesn't seem like the Nyjer we saw before. Maybe all the struggling has really gotten into his head and he just had to explode. I just don't know, but I don't think we should have seen or expected anything like this to happen. --Ben Goessling from masnsports.com
There are a lot of blogs calling for Nyjer's head today. The one thing I disagree with here is saying Listach shouldn't have been involved. As a coach you have to stand up for your players. --Steven at FJB.com
I remember when I was on the wrestling team in High School at my first meet in my first match I had no coach in my corner. Before the match began my opponent shock hands with the ref and the ref asked him about his family. I didn't have a good feeling in my mind at that moment. When the match started I was flat out dominant. I threw the guy around like a rag doll. This was going to be an easy victory, and then penalty for locking hands. My hands weren't locked, but there was no one there to defend me. After the ref called it two more times and I told him my hand weren't even touching on the last one he told me it didn't matter if they were close he would call it. I had a victory stolen from me by poor officiating, and there wasn't a coach in site to stand up for me. Nyjer may have been in the wrong, but he had twenty Marlins on top of him. Listach had to do something.
And incase you haven't seen it here is the video of it. It has the Marlins commentators who also think Listach should have let Morgan get curb stomped by 20 Marlins. --Barry Petchesky deadspin.com
Morgan also had some other issues with a Marlins fan during Tuesday's game. --Dan Steinberg in The DC Sports Bog
The Nationals picked the perfect day to fire Rob Dibble. All of that news and more after the jump.
After his comments about Strasburg, and veiled threats to "irresponsible bloggers" it was just a matter of time before Dibble got let go, and yesterday turned out to be a pretty good day as it will be widly ignored due to the Morgan brawl. --J. Freedom duLac from The Washington Post
Rob Dibble finally says the right thing, but it is too little too late. --Dan Steinberg in The DC Sports Bog
Who should replace Dibs? The answer may be closer than we think, and might already be calling games. --Chris Needham at capitolpunishment.com
Does anyone really view Bernadina as a piece to be built around. I know I think of him as a below average right fielder, but if he moves to center he would be above average there. He isn't a superstar, but he is decent, and how many teams have eight superstars? You need roll players to win too. --Harper at natsbaseball.com
Maya made what is most likely his last minor league start, and Sammy Solis made his first professional start, and both of them did pretty well. --Byron Kerr masnsports.com
After Scott Olsen's terrible start last night have we seen the last of him? Also can you call someone a dirtball in a good way? A look at the future of the Nationals minus Scott Olsen and plus Danny Espinosa. --Adam Kilgore washingtonpost.com
So, telling everyone that a lot of guys have recovered from TJS and balancing it out by gently reminding people that Strasburg might never be the same is irresponsible? Two non-baseball guys that used to work in DC comment on how they think Boswell and others should be running around telling everyone the sky is falling. --Mike Prada from dc.sbnation.com
Wondering what to expect from Espinosa and Ramos and how they might be used. Rizzo and Riggleman say expect to see a lot of them. --Adam Kilgore from washingtonpost.com
Nationals giving away free tickets. This is a good deal, but I hope it also comes with some lowering of ticket prices for those of us that already have season tickets. --Dave Nichols at natsnewsnetwork.com
I am going to be enjoying some IC beer and Primanti Bros sandwhiches in the city of bridges this weekend. This will be the ninth city I have watched baseball in this year, which makes me really want to get a tenth city in. Anyone else out there going to venture up to Western Pa to remind them that Ovechkin is better than Crosby while watching some baseball? --Kristen Hudak from masnsports.com
Last week I wrote what might be the forward to the book I am going to be working on. It is still being edited and will be up in a week or so, but until I am ready to start working on the real book I have decided to write some sample chapters so i can get some early feedback and to get my mind fresh for the task. --Me at 'Til Death Do Us Part (Working Title)
General Baseball
The race between seven teams for four spots is exciting and could get even better as we get closer to October. Other things to watch include Joey Votto and Albert Pujols' race for the triple crown. --Joe Sheehan at si.com
Of course Omar Infante might have something to say about that. He already kept Ryan Zimmerman out of the all-star game why shouldn't he cost us the chance to see something cool that hasn't happenned for awhile. Jerk. --Jon Bois sbnation.com
It is really unfortunate that Zimmerman plays for a losing team. If the Nationals had happenned to win or even be closer to .500 this year his name would be right in there for the NL MVP award. Here is a breakdown of all the races for awards, with no mention of Zimmerman and his NL leading WAR. --Cliff Corcoran from si.com
Baseball is meant to be fun and teammates are meant to pick on each other, and what better way to do it than through at bat music. --Barry Petchesky from deadspin.com
The Astros got off to a pretty bad start, but with younger and more focussed players they are hitting a late season stride. --Ken Rosenthal foxsports.com
Certain cities might be in a pennant race, but you wouldn't know that from looking at attendance. --Ken Davidoff from newsday.com
By now i am sure you have heard about Chapman and his 104 MPH fastball. The question now is does he end up like David Price or Jonathan Papelbon, and does he really have value as a reliever. --Jack Moore at fangraphs.com
Here is how I viewthe debate on the value of a closer. It is like water. When you are drowning it is extremely overrated, but if you are walking in the desert it is extremely underrated. Look no further than last year compared to this year for the Nationals. Last year the Nationals couldn't do enough to get a closer, and this year the Nationals had enough guys that could be closers that they could afford to trade away Matt Capps for Wilson Ramos. --Joe Posnanski from si.com
Enjoy your off-day folks and I will be back tomorrow to bring you more on the evolution of the Nationals.
Lost In The Scuffle
Lost in the scuffle last night at "Whatever They Call It Now" Stadium.
A tremendous upper deck home run knocked out of the park by that Nats Slugger: Wil NIeves.
The sight of Our Manager Jim Riggleman laughing while patting Nieves on his shoulders in appreciation--just as enjoyable.
Danny Espinosa slapped what appeared to be a routine grounder to second at The Marlins' Emilio Bonifacio that bounced over Bonifacio's head and into right centerfield. A ruled rbi double, moments after the fight on the field, which plated Ian Desmond on Espinosa's very first Major League At-Bat. Espinosa can flat out fly on the basepath. He had to be nervous, but he carried himself like a big leaguer.
And Yunesky Maya threw 5.3 solid innings for AAA Syracuse last night. Considering Scott Olsen did nothing to preserve his spot in Washington's rotation yesterday--you have to figure Maya could be starting for Our Washington Nationals five days from now.
The good things to remember from last night but probably lost in the scuffle in South Florida.
Photo Credit: Wilfredo Lee (AP)
MLB reviewing Marlins-Nationals brawl
Nyjer Morgan - Chris Volstad - Florida Marlins - Washington Nationals - Major League Baseball
Wire Taps: Washington Nationals' Nyjer Morgan Has Some Decisions To Make.
More photos » Wilfredo Lee - AP
1 day ago: Washington Nationals' Nyjer Morgan, center, is led off the field after a brawl during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Florida Marlins, Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2010, in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
In light of the bench clearing brawl that followed Florida Marlins' starter Chris Volstad's second purpose pitch to Nats' center fielder Nyjer Morgan last night, a lot of discussion has focused on whether or not Morgan's decision to quickly steal second and then third in the next at bat after the beaning had reopened the situation for further retaliation after Morgan had barreled Florida's catcher Brett Hayes over the previous night resulting in what was later diagnosed as a separated shoulder. On the MLB Network's MLB Tonight highlight show, former major leaguer Harold Reynolds said, "I know they're losing, but there are protocols within the game, so once he did [steal the bases] then it's open war again, he brought that back on himself and that's why I think this thing continued to escalate." Nats' Skipper Jim Riggleman, whose comments Mr. Reynolds referenced before expressing the opinion quoted above, didn't have any problem with Morgan's decision to take out the catcher in game two, or steal the two bases after he was hit in retaliation. When asked on the MASN post game broadcast if Morgan stealing the two bases was what reignited things, Mr. Riggleman had the following response:
Jim Riggleman: "No, I think they were going hit him again anyway, and I'm glad Nyjer stole those bases to tell you the truth. They hit him, he went to first base, he took his medicine. I don't know that yesterday's play was right or wrong, but we were going to let it go. Nyjer went to first base, but if they hit you and you feel like you didn't do anything wrong, which that's the way Nyjer felt about it, he took those bases, that's his business. We'll decide when we run, we don't let anyone else decided when we run. So whatever their reason was for throwing at Nyjer again, I've got no problems with what took place after that.
Q: Was it professional to steal the bases after the HBP?
Jim Riggleman: "If [Morgan] felt that he had done something wrong than I would have put the hold on him, so I didn't put the hold on, he chose to run, I didn't know he was going to run, but I didn't care that he ran, because I know Nyjer felt that he didn't have a place to slide [the previous night], that's a decision he made. But right or wrong, they hit him and for him to steal the bases, I don't have a problem with it..."
It's a matter of Morgan's decision making in my mind, however. Morgan decided to run the Cardinals' catcher Bryan Anderson the other night on a play at the plate when Anderson wasn't standing over the plate as the Marlins' backstop had. Morgan's choice to hit the catcher instead of bothering to touch the plate was a bad one. It was a cheap shot and it also cost the Nationals a run as he came into contact with his teammates before going back to touch the dish and was called out. In the play at the plate against Florida, catcher Brett Hayes made a bad decision to straddle the plate and force Morgan to make a decision as he rounded third, and the choice to take out the catcher as opposed to sliding, and try to knock the ball free, was questionable in terms of his chances for success, but not outside the lines.
The decision Morgan made to steal two bases after he was hit, even with the Nats down eleven runs at the time, was pretty clearly an attempt to respond to the HBP. Can you honestly argue that Morgan's decision to steal the bases was solely about trying to get the Nats within 10 runs and cut down on the lead? Do you believe that? I think Morgan's decision to respond negatively to his manager's comments in the press recently was a poor one. I think his decision to run the Cardinals' catcher was a poor one. Should he have stolen the bases? Harold Reynolds doesn't think so, Rayn Zimmerman along with some of Morgan's teammates questioned the decision, but Morgan decided what he thought was the correct response. If he's given the opportunity to make his own choices and makes poor choices each time, isn't it about time you took the power to make those decisions out of his hands? Something tells me MLB is going to make the decision Jim Riggleman says he wasn't willing to, and "put the hold on him." Discuss...
How Wil Nieves Got Revenge on the Marlins
(Wil Nieves hit an absolute bomb into the upper deck in left field at Sun Life Stadium on Wednesday night. Serious fun, like the sign says. Screengrabs via mlb.com)
The most notable item lost in the Nyjer Morgan brouhaha last night in Miami? Not the fact that Scott Olsen likely pitched his last game as a National with another stinker of a performance (1.2 IP, 8 H, 9 ER, 2 BB, 1 K), clearing the way for the arrival of Yunesky Maya. And no, not Danny Espinosa's Major League debut and first hit.
In fact, it was Wil Nieves absolutely crushing a Jorge Sosa pitch into the upper deck at Sun Life Stadium. MLB.com video here. And with that swing, Wil Nieves now has more home runs on the season (3) than Pudge Rodriguez (2). Sweet revenge for Wil Nieves, who must've still been pissed off after being hit by Chris Volstad earlier in the game. Maybe Nieves should have showboated a little bit as he made his trip around the bases -- or better yet, dropped his bat and charged the mound after depositing that ball into the upper deck?
Anyway, the Nationals' clubhouse reaction after last night's "events", captured by Mark Zuckerman at Nats Insider, makes for an interesting read. Miami Herald has reaction from the Marlins.
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Hello, Danny Espinosa. Goodbye, Scott Olsen?
Scott Olsen - Washington Nationals - Mike Rizzo - Nyjer Morgan - General manager
Washington Nationals And Florida Marlins Brawl After Nyjer Morgan Charges Mound, Fish Win, 16-10.
More photos » Wilfredo Lee - AP
1 day ago: Players from the Washington Nationals and the Florida Marlins brawl during the sixth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2010, in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Tonight's Top 5:
5. The Big Nothing: Half of the DC fanbase seemed convinced that Nyjer Morgan would get hit for what he did to Marlins' catcher Brett Hayes last night in another controversial play at the plate involving the Nats' increasingly volatile center fielder. Morgan was back at the top of the order after having been dropped to eighth by Skipper Jim Riggleman in the last few games. Morgan's there to be hit if the Fish chose to do so, but they don't in his first at bat of the night. Instead, Chris Volstad strikes Morgan out, lowering his AVG a little bit to .257 on the season rather than putting him on base.
4. 1.2 IP: In an August 11th start against Florida in Washington, D.C., the former Marlins' starter Scott Olsen got hammered by the team that drafted him with the 172nd pick in the 6th Round of the '02 MLB First-Year Player Draft. Olsen wouldn't get out of the second that night, surrendering five hits and 4 runs in the first and a solo HR and RBI single in the second before he's lifted for Miguel Batista after just 1.2 IP in which he surrenders 8 hits, 2 walks and 7 ER, the final run scoring on an RBI single after Olsen's exited. Tonight in Florida, it's the first time Olsen's faced the Fish since then, and it happens again. The 26-year-old left-hander gives up a walk, two singles and three doubles for 5 runs total on 5 hits in the first and then gives up a one-out double, walk and base-loading single before an RBI single Marlins' first baseman Gaby Sanchez, groundout by Donnie Murphy and two-out, two-run hit by Wes Helms chase Olsen from the game after just 1.2 IP in which he surrenders 8 hits, 8 ER and 2 BB. Make that 9 ER as Mike Stanton takes Olsen's replacement Craig Stammen deep to drive in the last of Olsen's 9 runs against...
• Chaos After The JUMP...
3. REVENGE!!: Top of the fourth, 14-3 Marlins in a blowout. After a called strike three on the opposing pitcher, Chris Volstad hits Nats' center fielder Nyjer Morgan in the numbers. Morgan's response? He steals second with Ian Desmond up in the next AB, sliding in headfirst and hard. Then in the same at bat, Morgan steals third. This is insane. Ian Desmond finally pops out to short center. Marlins' second baseman Donnie Murphy goes back for it, makes the grab and lands hard on his wrist. That didn't look good. Murphy leaves the field holding his wrist up. (Later diagnosed as a dislocated right wrist). That's two Marlins in two days who probably had their seasons ended on plays involving Morgan. The Fish don't like it. And because he didn't just take it but stole two bases and scored after getting hit, it probably isn't over...
2. The BRAWL: As predicted earlier, It's not over...Justin Maxwell doubles down the third base line to start the Nats' sixth and that leaves first base open for Nyjer Morgan. Volstad throws at him again, behind him. And it's on. Nyjer Morgan charges the mound and throws a left cross at Volstad's head. First baseman Gaby Sanchez clotheslines Morgan, knocking him off his feet. Volstad pounces on Morgan as the Marlins pile on the Nats' outfielder. Nats' third base coach Pat Listach jumps into the mix. What is he thinking? And the benches clear!!! A full-out brawl on the field. It's madness. Nyjer Morgan's getting pummeled. Nats' Skipper Jim Riggleman and Marlins' Skipper Edwin Rodriguez separate their players and then almost come to blows. Morgan's pulled out of the scrum, and he starts in on the fans, gesturing toward the furious crowd and pounding his chest, profanities are flying, Morgan's lost it. The Nats' center fielder has to be held down and guided off the field by the Nats' bullpen catcher. Morgan's done. He's officially lost it. Riggleman and Rodriguez are still jawing. Looks like no one got hurt but there are going to be a lot of ejections, fines and suspensions.....(ed. note - "Top of the seventh, two down. Gaby Sanchez is called to account for his clothesline on Morgan. Doug Slaten hits him. Slaten's gone. Jim Riggleman's gone. This is going to cause some bad, bad blood between these two teams. 16-10 in the seventh, and that's how it ends...")
1. Danny Espinosa Debuts: Danny Espinosa, the Nats' '08 3rd Round pick out of Long Beach State University takes over at second in the bottom of the fifth with the Washington Nationals down 15-5. Adam Dunn's out of the game, Adam Kennedy to first, and Ian Desmond and Espinosa get their first chance to show Nats fans their middle infield of the future. Espinosa's first at bat comes with one out and Ian Desmond on second in the sixth, after the dust has settled. Espinosa sends a chopper to second on a 1-1 fastball from Marlins' right-hander Burke Badenhop and it takes a high hop over Emilio Bonifacio's head. RBI if it's not an E. It's not, and the first RBI double of Danny Espinosa's Major League career makes it 15-8 Marlins. Espinosa grounds out to second in his second MLB AB, and ends the night 1 for 2 with a double and an RBI.
• Miss The Game? The DC Faithful Were Watching...
Num Name - Comments 1 Jorgath - 126 2 Princess Jazzy - 79 3 plebescite - 63 4 RobBobS - 60 5 HarmonK - 39 6 Nationalpastime9 - 34 7 souldrummer - 24 8 d_c_guy - 22 9 MissB - 19 10 Osley Sallent - 18
• Doghouse's Post Game WPA Graph: "Game 134: Madness?! THIS! IS! NAAAATSTOWWWWWNNN!!
- One run not enough tonight: Mike Morse (+9.4%) hits an RBI single for the early lead (+8.5%).
- When does Maya get here? Scott Olsen (-53.8%) loses control on the game quickly, giving up 9 ER in 1.2 IP with 2 BBs and 1K.
- Not helping: Craig Stammen (-7.3%) finishes nailing the coffin shut with another 6 ER in 3.1 innings of relief.
- Punches do not count in WPA totals: Nyjer Morgan (-3.8%) is 0-1 with a HBP, 2 SB, and a run scored. He also got ejected for some reason.
- Promising: Ian Desmond (+9.2%) is 3-4 with 2 RBI and 2 runs scored.
• Final Score: Marlins 16, Nats 10.
Nationals now 57-77.
With The Intent
Radio Broadcaster Dave Jageler best described Nyjer Morgan's rush to the mound this evening in South Florida. Our Washington Nationals centerfielder did not head out to the mound to "dance" with The Florida Marlins Chris Volstad in the top of the 6th inning. D.C.'s leadoff hitter did not get in The Fish's starting pitcher's face to jaw with him.
Dave realized and stated Nyjer Morgan charged the mound tonight at "Whatever You Want To Call It" Stadium WITH THE INTENT of taking a shot at Chris Volstad after a pitch came flying behind his head.
What did Nyjer really expect?
In the last 24 hours, Morgan had barreled over Florida's Catcher Brett Hayes during a close play at the plate. An eventual out that separated Hayes' shoulder--putting Brett out for the remainder of the season.
Does Nyjer really think The Marlins weren't going to retaliate?
To Florida's credit, they didn't plunk Morgan until the top of the 4th--with Washington down 14-3 and this game well out of hand. A hit-by-pitch that found Nyjer stealing second, stealing third, then scoring on a sacrifice fly on a pop out by Ian Desmond. D.C.'s fourth run that also found Marlins' second baseman Donnie Murphy dislocating his wrist making the catch on an awkward fall.
The Florida Marlins had every reason to be pissed off at Nyjer Morgan this evening and that's why they threw behind his head, AGAIN, two innings later in the top of the 6th. The final volley that erupted into the biggest scrum involving Our Washington Nationals in recent memory.
But it didn't have to be this way. Nyjer should have just taken it like a man.
Instead, Nyjer Morgan charged the mound and struck Chris Volstad. Home Plate Umpire Marvin Hudson had already ejected Volstad. Marlins' 1st Baseman Gabby Sanchez then took Morgan out with one of the greatest horse collar takedowns of all time. If Sanchez wants a career in the WWE, Vince McMahon might be willing to talk. Those fisticuffs sending every single player and coach for both teams out onto the field and into the middle of the fray. Few more involved than 3rd Base Coach Pat Listach--who jumped right on top of Volstad in protection of Nyjer. And Bench Coach John McLaren, who eventually found himself on the bottom of the scrum. Even Livan Hernandez was HOT!!
But what everyone will remember at the end of the day was Nyjer Morgan being taken off the field, jersey pulled completely out of his pants, marched to the dugout by Bullpen Catcher, Nilson Robledo. And seeing Nyjer Morgan raise both hands in triumph to the fans of The Florida Marlins.
Rocky this was not. Embarrassment was more like it.
The Nyjer Morgan quandary, which has played out all season, came to a head tonight.
Remember, there were the Inside-The-Park Home Run incidents in May against The New York Mets and The Baltimore Orioles. The second of which found Nyjer throwing his glove down in disgust on a ball he deflected off the top of the outfield wall at Nationals Park. A baseball hit by Adam Jones that stayed in the park, yet found Morgan throwing a tantrum, while Jones ran around the bases freely to score.
There has been his inconsistent play, not only in the field, but at the plate--and on the bases.
There was the incident in Philadelphia in August when Nyjer Morgan got into a verbal bout with Phillie Fans--eventually hitting one with a baseball and suspended by Major League Baseball (though still under appeal).
There was the near collision with The St.Louis Cardinals Catcher Bryan Anderson last week at Nationals Park.
And there was the Brett Hayes injury suffered last night at Sun Life Stadium.
Nyjer Morgan seems to be playing with anger in his heart. And that's not the type of play The African Queen and I can not support.
Playing hard is fine. striking people with the intent to injure--is not.
Anytime. Anywhere.
Nyjer Morgan is going to be suspended again by Major League Baseball after tonight's brawl. And you have to wonder whether MLB's final decision will come WITH THE INTENT of keeping Nyjer Morgan off the field for the remainder of 2010. It's hard to minimize the damage Washington's centerfielder did tonight.
And Nyjer Morgan is going to be severely punished for it.
PS: Final Score in The Worst Game Of The Season--The Florida Marlins 16 and Our Washington Nationals 10.
Tonight's InGame Photos--Wilfredo Lee (AP)
Nyjer Morgan's long week and thoughts on the brawl
Major League Baseball - Philadelphia - Washington Nationals - Bryan Anderson - Sport
Fire Nyjer Morgan
(Nyjer Morgan incited a brawl and got his butt kicked by the Marlins - and his life saved by Pat Listach -- but still celebrated as he walked off the field on Wednesday night. Screengrabs of TV/MASN by Nationals Enquirer staff.)
"I'm a hard player. It's just going out there and playing the game. ... I'm just sticking up for myself - and defending my teammates. ...I'm a hard-nosed player. I'm grimy. ...I'm a hard-nosed player ...."
(Nyjer Morgan, via MASN, 9/1/2010)
Forget firing Rob Dibble, who is was the color guy on TV/MASN, and certainly said some really dumb things in his time on air (both on and off the MASN payroll), but still didn't do anything on the surface to warrant a firing (unless those no-shows on Saturday and Sunday count):
If Mike Rizzo and Stan Kasten really care about character -- and that's kind of what has been suggested in the past when discussing the "aura" of certain players and inexplicably releasing Elijah Dukes during Spring Training, and shit-canning the former GM who will not be named here (yeah, yeah, yeah, he "resigned", *wink* *wink* we know) -- then Nyjer Morgan needs to be released immediately. Let him go. Make a statement.
Nyjer Morgan not only embarrassed the Nationals (again) tonight by charging the mound when the Marlins threw behind him, but he put his teammates -- many of whom, unlike Nyjer Morgan, will be important pieces on this team in the future -- in harms way. Nyjer took his medicine in the fourth inning, trotting down to first base after getting hit by a pitch - but then spit it back in the face of the Marlins by immediately stealing two bases down 14-3.
Fire Nyjer Morgan.
Here's the pitch that launched a thousand hits:
(Screengrab by Nationals Enquirer staff.)
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The Beatings Will Continue Until Morale Improves
Speaking of beatings, I can't understand why Nyjer Morgan seems determined to beat a path out of DC. Maybe the relationship was irrevocably damaged when the team put Morgan on the DL against his will. Maybe he can sense that he's not part of the team's long-term plans. Maybe all the losing is getting to him. We may never know for sure. What we do know is that for all the reasons FJB lays out, the time has come for Morgan to go.
Steven's also right that this reflects badly on all involved. GM Mike Rizzo brought Morgan in and shipped Lastings Milledge out to "change the tone" of the clubhouse. I sincerely doubt that this is what he had in mind. Time to get that aura reader recalibrated, Mike. I initially assumed that the incident in Philly was just an overreaction to a misunderstanding, but everything that has happened since has inclined me to believe that Nyjer Morgan probably did chuck a ball at a fan.
For his part, Manager Jim Riggleman seems to have no relationship with Nyjer, and no control over his activities on the field. Leaving aside the question of whether Riggleman hung Morgan out to dry in the press, (he did) if you can't convince your 170-lb centerfielder to stop impersonating a blocking fullback, major league baseball manager may not be your optimal gig. Even worse, the teammates who are forced to back Nyjer after these stunts come off looking like dopes.
And speaking of dopes... so long, farewell, auf wiedersehen and goodbye to Rob Dibble. Honestly, I could have forgiven the Strasburg he-man idiocy if Dibble wasn't just plain bad at his job. Being a shameless homer because you have a deep, visceral, almost disturbing connection to the team is one thing. (Hi, SBF!) Being a homer because the team signs you paycheck is just embarrassing. The late Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan said the everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts. Too often Dibble's version of reality was at odds with what was happening on the field (and in the strike zone.) I know there are fans who thought that Dibble's antics were the only thing keeping the Nats watchable. To them I say, you are bad fans.
To sum up: subtract Morgan and Dibble; add Wilson Ramos and Danny Espinosa? Who knows, maybe morale will improve in spite of the beatings
Game 134: Madness?! THIS! IS! NAAAATSTOWWWWWNNN!!
- One run not enough tonight: Mike Morse (+9.4%) hits an RBI single for the early lead (+8.5%).
- When does Maya get here? Scott Olsen (-53.8%) loses control on the game quickly, giving up 9 ER in 1.2 IP with 2 BBs and 1K.
- Not helping: Craig Stammen (-7.3%) finishes nailing the coffin shut with another 6 ER in 3.1 innings of relief.
- Punches do not count in WPA totals: Nyjer Morgan (-3.8%) is 0-1 with a HBP, 2 SB, and a run scored. He also got ejected for some reason.
- Promising: Ian Desmond (+9.2%) is 3-4 with 2 RBI and 2 runs scored.
