According to sources with no direct or indirect knowledge of the situation, Nationals scouts were so impressed by the performance of the Radio City Rockettes throwing out the first pitch on Monday night at Dolphin Stadium (and so disheartened by back-to-back stinkers by Mike Bacsik and Joel Hanrahan), that the team has extended invitations to spring training to the Rockettes. "Like they say, you can never have too much pitching," a reportedly beaming Jim Bowden may or may not have told an unnamed source. "And, come on, everyone knows that 2008 is gearing up to look very similar to 2007, give or take a few wins. We'll make a half-hearted run at Andruw Jones in the offseason. But on Opening Day in the new stadium our outfield will look just like what we throw out there tonight. In terms of pitching, it's all about stockpiling arms and trotting out whoever happens to be healthy." Stan Kasten unavailable for comment.
Meanwhile...
- Nobody seems to be getting misty eyed about the team's impending departure from RFK. Except maybe Thom Loverro, who asks what it means if the Nationals don't hit the 2 million fan mark this season. Is it "a short-term embarrassment for the club or an indication of bigger problems for baseball in Washington?"
- Don't take this the wrong way, we love Manny: But it might be almost impossible not to exceed expectations when yours is predicted to be one of the worst teams of all time.
- The last word on just how quiet it was at Wednesday's empty seat affair in Florida, courtesy of The Palm Beach Post:
Kim struck out trying to bunt in the fifth. Frustrated, he unleashed an expletive that could clearly be heard on the telecast from the near-silent stadium. The Marlins broadcasters apologized on the air.
- Svrluga says the Nationals are trying to convince MLB officials to let them open 2008 on ESPN, in prime time.
(AP Photo/J. Pat Carter)
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