"Everybody is calling us the worst offensive team in the league. We want to show we not only play hard, but play to win. We want to show we can hit, too." (Lastings Milledge, via AP, 3/31/2008)
Nats 11, Phillies 6: Hold on, I thought the bullpen was the one thing not to worry about?
"What? Over? Did you say over? Nothing is over until we decide it is. Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell No! And it ain't over now. Cuz when the going gets tough, the tough get goin! Who's with me? Let's Go! Come on!" (John 'Bluto' Blutarsky, via Animal House, 7/28/1978)
2008: just like 2007, over before it even started?
Hell no! Sort of. But that doesn't mean we won't be cheering 'em on all the way to September 28th.
2008 marks a new beginning for the Nats; a new ballpark, new faces, a rejuvenated farm system (ranked 9th in the latest rankings by Baseball America), etc. etc.: the organization seems to be headed in the right direction. But our gut tells us that in the end, the 2008 Nationals will end up looking strikingly similar to the 2007 model: not a historically bad team, just a hard working, but somewhat forgettable sub-.500 one. As a fan, I ask for one thing: just play hard.
Oh, and don't forget to check back HERE tomorrow for our exclusive 2008 MLB/Nats season predictions. Hell, everyone else is doing it, so why shouldn't we?
We're not really sure what the former Mayor of the District is talking about, but we won't be surprised to see him getting shoved around in the 3pm cattle call for the last 400 ($5) seats available on Sunday before the opener.
"Those are the little touches that, when you put them together, make the difference between a regular ballpark and a great ballpark. That comes from our mall background. We're always reviewing plans for stores. Everything that went into the stadium we reviewed so it fit the image we want.[So we have decided to turn Nationals Park into a Mall, and play baseball at RFK.]" (Mark Lerner, via Washington Post, 3/28/2008)
In stunning last minute decision by the Lerner family, with the blessing of the District, Nationals Park will be converted into a shopping mall, and the Nationals will continue to play baseball at RFK Stadium "for the foreseeable future". Stan Kasten unavailable for comment.
"This is it. I'm sticking with it. It's much better on my body, and it's better with my pitches. My pitches are a little more sharper and I guess a little better." (Matt Chico, via Washington Post, 3/26/2008)
OMG offers pre-season deep thoughts: "It’s done! The month long battle is over and Willie Harris strides over the corpse of Pete Orr’s major league career!"
Manny Acta: The Great Communicator (via Washington Times): "The X's and O's, I think, most of the people can deal with that. It's going through those 40-something players in camp that you have to send down and you have to release. How are you going to talk to these guys?”
"Once we figure out how the park plays, we can start fitting the team to the ballpark. I don't think you can do it in reverse. The team changes every year. The park won't change significantly, ever." (Stan Kasten, via Washington Post, 3/26/2008)
No room for fat guys:
Finally, Kasten explains why the Nats didn't bring back Livan Hernandez, despite Livo lobbying for a return to Washington: He wouldn't fit in Nationals Park. Literally. That's why Livo will be the Twins Opening Day starter and the Nats will trot out Odalis Perez Opening Night. Hopefully Da Meathook fits in the door.
No, we still haven't come to grips with Odalis Perez as #1. Need another few days, then that'll be the last time we'll mention good ol' Livo.
