Planetary Nats Blog

I am back in Anchorage after a weekend in Seattle. I went to Safeco Field for each of the three games, and here’s what I got:

• I got a nasty sunburn on Sunday. Aparently Alaskans are not designed for temperate latitude sun.
• I got to see the Nats sweep the Mariners. I came away from the first game thinking that it was mostly the luck of a poor pitcher, but my opinion has changed some. The Nats got some timely hitting in the second inning Friday night, and made the most of it… though I think the Nats don’t win that game without the DH (Pena singled in the second, pitcher would have bunted). Most of the moving parts worked well on Saturday and Sunday.
• I got an Adrian Beltre Bobblehead.
• I got Ryan Zimmerman’s autograph (and John Lannan, Tim Redding and Wil Nieves. Good thing I got Nieves, never know what is going to happen to him).
• I was convinced (yet again) that Jesus Flores is the real deal.
• I got to impress some Seattleites by predicting (at three different games) a Felipe Lopez groundout, 4-3, a Jose Vidro groundout, 4-3 and a Wily Mo Pena strikeout. How hard can any of those predictions be? In all three cases, they came up with runners on base.
• I got to enjoy Safeco Field. All the things that people say about the place are true. Plus, when you walk around wearing Nats gear, they treat you like a guest. One of the hosts gave me her secret route out from the ballpark, which worked like a charm. Lots of people asked where I was from, and if I had come from DC to watch the games. Everyone was friendly and courteous. Reminded me of 1/(Citizens Bank Park).
• I got to see JimBo on the field with his gal pal and another couple. He was wearing some ratty jeans, but his girlfriend looked nice. I didn’t say hello – I am not sure I want to be seen in public with him.

I couldn’t have asked for a better trip to Seattle. But I am still conflicted about our boys. But I am starting to think that when people get healthy things may start to change. A healthy Kearns spells the end for Wily Mo. Dukes (despite his run-allowing error today) has locked up an outfield spot, though I think that he might be a better centerfielder than Milledge. A healthy Zim spells the end for Lopez – and by the way, I would love to hear from the SABRmetricians out there about how much of a difference there is defensively between Zim and his replacements. My non-scientific answer is, a ton.

Know what else I got this weekend? Some reason to hope that things are going to get better.

I have been arriving at the games here in Seattle just as the gates open to let fans into the park. Yesterday the Mariners were honoring the anniversary of the creation of the US Army, and had the Army Band from Fort Lewis at the game. Just inside the main gate, the Army Band was set up, and as the gates opened to let fans into the park, the band struck up a tune: “The Washington Post March”.

Coincidence?

Just a couple notes, posted from my phone…

Wily Mo Pena can, apparently, still hit. He hit a BP fastball out of the park here at Safeco. In a game, probably, thats a grounder to short.

There are a few other Nats fans in attendance. We all look shell-shocked.

Safeco is a spectacular place to watch a game. The park reminds me a bit of Citizens Bank Park and Nationals Park, but with an imposing roof hanging over right field. I have great seats tonight, but I will sample the upper reaches of the park tomorrow and Sunday.

No lines at the concession stands…

More later…