Nats stymied by Sanchez, Marlins

07/19/2006
MIAMI -- Ramon Ortiz had one word to describe his reaction to what had transpired in his latest outing on Wednesday afternoon.
"It's unbelievable," Ortiz said. "It was a crazy game. Unbelievable."
'Unbelievable' seems to be an apt word to describe an outing in which Ortiz allowed just one run on six hits over seven innings and ended up taking the loss, as the Nationals fell, 1-0, to the Marlins on Wednesday.
"This might be his best outing, period," Nationals manager Frank Robinson said. "He had a very good ballgame and we just let it get away."
The only major blemish on Ortiz's outing was a solo home run he gave up to Cody Ross in the second inning.
With the loss, the Marlins took the series and the Nationals lost for the seventh time in their past nine games.
The Nationals' only hits were a pair of singles by Austin Kearns and Alex Escobar in the third and ninth innings, respectively. Anibal Sanchez (3-0) shut out the Nationals over seven-plus innings with five strikeouts and four walks to get the win. Relievers Taylor Tankersley and Joe Borowski picked up where Sanchez left off in the final two innings to seal the victory.
"The results weren't there. [There were] opportunities you've got to take advantage of," Robinson said.
With the loss, Ortiz has now dropped five of his last six starts despite tying for his longest outing of the season on Wednesday.
Ortiz felt good afterwards about his performance on the mound, but it was an empty feeling as it wasn't backed up with a victory.
"I threw good, but I'd feel good with a win," Ortiz said. "Doesn't matter how good I throw, I don't feel good."
Ortiz, unfortunately, ran into one of the hottest young pitchers in the league on Wednesday. Sanchez, who was coming off a win against Roger Clemens and the Astros in his last outing, was making just his fifth career start, but the young righty was extremely effective on the mound.
"[Ortiz] got ahead of guys and was real aggressive," Brian Schneider said. "[But Sanchez] did a good job, too. He was tough today."
Kearns said the most difficult thing was being able to get a read on the pitches Sanchez was throwing.
"I just thought he was a little deceptive with his delivery," Kearns said. "That was the biggest thing from my point of view."
Despite only tallying two hits, the Nationals had several opportunities to put runs on the board. Kearns opened the third inning with a single to center field. Then, following groundouts by Schneider and Ortiz, Kearns advanced to third with two outs. Sanchez got out of the jam, though, when Alfonso Soriano flew out to left field.
Sanchez then opened the fifth with a back-to-back walks to Marlon Anderson and Kearns, but he came away unscathed when Schneider grounded into a double play and Ortiz went down swinging.
In the ninth, with Marlins closer Joe Borowski on the mound, Ryan Zimmerman flew out to center field, snapping a 17-game hitting streak. With one out, Borowski then walked Nick Johnson and gave up a single to Escobar, putting runners on the corners.
The Nationals were unable to come through as Anderson struck out and Kearns flew out to center field for the final two outs.
"[It's] unacceptable, Major League hitters [that] can't get people in from third base," Robinson said. "That situation, you don't try to do nothing but get a good pitch and put a good swing on it. We just don't do what the situation calls for."
Robinson's frustration was clearly mirrored after the game by the Nationals hitters who can't seem to find their groove, though they're remaining optimistic.
"It's always frustrating when you're not playing well, [but] it's a long season and you just try to be as consistent as possible," Kearns said.

Source: http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/

Nationals unveil RFK changes

07/20/2006
WASHINGTON -- Trying to spread the word about the "Grand Re-opening" of Robert F. Kennedy Stadium, the Washington Nationals hosted roughly 30 members of the media as they offered a tour around their newly improved ballpark.
Nationals vice president of communications Chartese Burnett opened the tour standing on one of the changes that the Lerner Group has implemented in hopes of improving fan experience at the 45-year-old stadium. A freshly installed section of red carpet led up to the main gate and, Burnett says, along with other improvements, shows the importance the new owners place on the club's fans and their experience at RFK.
"This is the first step, right out of the gate," Burnett said. "Showing the commitment to Washington Nationals fans, and we're excited about it."
Burnett and Greg Costa, Aramark general manager at RFK, led the media group past the old food stands and through the concourse of the park, hitting the high points of what changes the Nationals hope will increase fan involvement and improve the fan experience at home games.
Starting Friday, there will be a new Red Hot and Blue stand, along with a Papa John's Pizza stand, on the 500 level. On the 200 level, a new Glatt Kosher stand will appear on the third-base side. That will open Sunday.
On the whole, 100 new concession points of sale will open for permanent use at RFK. But the largest single change is on the mezzanine level of the stadium, where the Terrace View Food Court will open. It will feature five new vendors from the D.C. area, including: Capital Q, ARs, Cluck University Chicken, Cantina Marina and Hard Times Cafe.
The five vendors were chosen from a pool of 25, and even with construction noise in the background as the tour was ongoing, Costa said they will be ready for Friday's game.
"It's a work in progress," Costa said. "There are still some TVs and things like that to go out here, but we'll be ready tomorrow."
Costa said that he had heard some criticism regarding the ballpark last year and believes that the Lerner Group and Aramark are headed in the right direction.
"I think the criticism has been reduced dramatically this year over last year," Costa said. "With that being said, there was a call for adding additional variety. Again we started the beginning of the year with Red Hot and Blue and Papa John's, and this is building upon that foundation."
Not all of the changes are designed to keep the fans well-fed. A new "Fan Zone" will open Friday on the 300 level, featuring a pitching area, a photo station, a virtual swing-away batting station and XBOX 2K6 station.
The fans will also be able to participate in giveaways, but not just those that were announced previously. Team president Stan Kasten had announced at an earlier press conference that red hats, t-shirts and rally towels would be given away for all three games, and Burnett said that the gestures to fans would expand over the three-game series with the Cubs.
"Starting this weekend, we're going to be giving away gifts to entire rows and sections as well as individuals," said Burnett, outlining what the Nationals are calling "Random Acts of Kindness."
But the changes aren't limited to those paying to get into the ballpark. Those who are paid for their time on the field are also seeing a few perks. The Nationals' clubhouse has also undergone a face-lift, with the comfort of the players in mind.
New, blue carpet has been installed and new furniture adorns the clubhouse, which is now revolving around a recently purchased 42-inch plasma screen TV.
"We want the players to be comfortable," Burnett said. "And that improves everything."
The players, as well as the Lerner group, will meet the fans face-to-face this weekend. They will greet fans entering RFK before all three games in an effort to bring the players closer to the fans and the community.
As for the red carpet outside the stadium, it will only last through the weekend before being removed. But Burnett and the rest of the organization hopes the fans that come this weekend will become fixtures at the ballpark, even if they aren't baseball fanatics.
"We want to reach moms, we want to reach women," Burnett said. "We want to reach people that aren't sitting in their seats watching the game with a scorecard."

Source: http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/

Q&A with Stan Kasten

07/20/2006
The Nationals have a slogan for the three-game series against the Cubs this weekend: "Painting the Town Red." It's the Nationals' way of showing the new changes at Robert F. Kennedy Stadium, which includes improvements to the stadium's exterior landscaping, enhancing the cleanliness of the building and better food service.
One thing that hasn't changed is the play of the Nationals on the field. The are 40-56 and in fifth place in the National League East.
MLB.com caught up with incoming team president Stan Kasten recently to talk about the special weekend and how the fans should react to the team's play on the field.
MLB.com: You always wanted to give the fans more than just a baseball game. What brought this on?
Stan Kasten: When I worked at an old stadium before -- Fulton County Stadium -- there was nothing to do if you got to the game beforehand. People would just go to the game and go to their seats. They didn't have any reason to come early -- they would just be milling around. In our business, milling is bad and buying is good, because what we have learned in this business is that people don't mind spending money if you give them a good reason to. That's our job: to give them good things to be entertained by, give them good food alternatives, give them good merchandise alternatives. If you satisfy them that way, two things happen: No. 1, they are more satisfied; and you make more money. It's a win-win.
MLB.com: Before the 1990s, going to a baseball game was good enough. What changed?
Kasten: The economics of the sport changed and the need to drive greater and greater revenue. In the 1950s, you could get by on a million tickets a year. Nowadays, you can't pay the bills on a million tickets a year. You need 2 million or 2 1/2 million or 3 million. You need to bring in money from ancillary sources like food, merchandise and sponsorship -- all of the that.
MLB.com: Starting Friday, the Nationals will give the fans more than just a baseball game. What do you think they will like the most?
Kasten: I have to tell you, I just had lunch at our new food court, which was not good, not great, it was spectacular. Someone had a brisket sandwich from the Capital Q and immediately declared that you couldn't get a better brisket sandwich anywhere in the city. I don't know what was my favorite. The chili, which was outstanding, the fish and chips, the chicken wings, french fries. It was sensational, and everyone is going to love it.
MLB.com: Are we expecting to see any more surprises at RFK?
Kasten: We are still at RFK. We understand that we do have the physical limitations. I think you will see some things change. You will see that we have spent a lot of time and money on the food court. Clearly, that will be a new constructed element. Everything else just fits into the space that we have. The most important thing from this weekend is, this ownership really cares about [the fans'] experience. We really thought about making it better for them. I think if they come out with that message, they will start to adopt all of our programs, which includes the patience that you need for player development, getting on board early so you can get your seats at the new stadium. They should be convinced that when we get to a new ballpark, where we will really have room, it should be even better.
MLB.com: Although you are giving the fans something new, the team is struggling. Do you think the fans will understand what you are doing?
Kasten: I think some fans don't want to wait. I think some fans will. All we can do is continue to push our message -- always deliver what you say, what you are going to do. The day we took over this team, we have made a commitment about player development, fan experience and community relations. We have made real progress in all of these fronts -- and that's before we have taken over the team. That's what I hope the fans will come to appreciate about this ownership group. We will make lofty promises, and we'll deliver what we say we will deliver.
MLB.com: From 1987 to 1990, how did the Braves make the fans understand to be patient?
Kasten: The Braves were so bad for so long that it was much harder. We were stuck in an older stadium without the prospects of a new ballpark. So we didn't have the advantages that we have in Washington. So for the first three or four years, we struggled. It wasn't until we delivered [on the field that] the fans came.
I think it's a little different in Washington because we do have a new ballpark around the corner. We have been so upfront with our plan -- player development, fan experience, community relations. I think they will understand better than maybe the Braves fans in the middle '80s. The Braves fans were beaten up years because of substandard performances. I think we have a little bit more of a chance here to make a go of it right away.
MLB.com: There are some positives. You have Ryan Zimmerman and Nick Johnson. How much can those players bring in the fans?
Kasten: Even though it's a team sport, everyone likes to gravitate to those players who are likeable and they can adopt as their own. Those are some great names that you mentioned. Clearly, we love to have all of them here and they may be part of the future and they may all be here when our team is a winner, which I hope isn't too far off.
MLB.com: Alfonso Soriano has become a popular person in Washington. If he is traded, how can you convince the fans you are doing the best for the future?
Kasten: I'm going to have to pass on anything that has the word "if" in it, because if that ever happens, I'll have an answer for you then.
MLB.com: What do you like about the team right now?
Kasten: I like all the potential for the future. I really like that we do have a foundation that we can build both in terms of the team and in terms of the fan base that has already adopted this team. We love the turnout that we had last year, so we know that the interest in this club is here. We just have to take it and build on it.
MLB.com: What don't you like about the team?
Kasten: It's not a world champion yet, and that's my only goal. Until we get there, I will not be satisfied.

Source: http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/

Notes: Guillen placed on DL

07/20/2006
WASHINGTON -- The Nationals placed right fielder Jose Guillen on the 15-day disabled list with right elbow soreness Thursday, a problem he has had for several weeks. The move was made retroactive to July 18.
Guillen will have his right elbow examined by Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala. on Monday, and the team hopes he does not need elbow reconstruction. Guillen, who is likely the trade block, last played on Tuesday against the Marlins and left the game in the second inning after swelling occurred in the elbow.
Guillen, 30, was hitting .216 with nine home runs and 40 RBIs in 69 games with Washington this season.
It marks the second time Guillen has gone on the DL. He missed two weeks earlier because of a left hamstring strain.
The Nationals are expected to purchase the contract of utility infielder Melvin Dorta from Double-A Harrisburg. He was hitting .277 with four home runs and 24 RBIs.
The Nationals need a backup infielder after placing Damian Jackson on the DL because of esophageal spasms and with Jose Vidro suffering from a strained left hamstring.
Last weekend, manager Frank Robinson talked about how he couldn't make defensive switches because Jackson was not available. It became a worse situation after Vidro's injury.
Not as bad as they thought: Right-handed pitcher John Patterson had successful exploratory surgery on his right forearm Thursday. During the 75-minute procedure, Patterson's lacertus fibrosis was released and the median nerve was explored and decompressed. Several areas of constriction within the nerve were released, thus leaving the nerve healthy and free of compression.
Patterson, 28, will be in a splint for one week, at which time he will begin range-of-motion and strength exercises. He is expected to be out approximately four to six weeks.
General manager Jim Bowden was relieved to know that Patterson is not out for the season -- as was originally reported -- and that the injury is not as serious.
"He has a chance to come back," Bowden said. "The elbow was in good shape and the ligament was very strong. The decompression of the nerve helped him get the feeling back, and he can be what he was. For the long term, there's no reason why John Patterson can't become the 15- to 20-game winner he was supposed to be."
So long: The Nationals granted catcher/first baseman Matthew LeCroy his unconditional release. The club had designated LeCroy for assignment on Monday and had 10 days to trade, release or assign him to the Minor Leagues. But it decided to give LeCroy his walking papers earlier than expected because no other teams in the league were interested in him.
"There's no need to wait if there's no interest," Bowden said.
LeCroy, 30, batted .239 (16-for-77) with two home runs and nine RBIs in 39 games for the Nationals.
Stumbling block: According to The Washington Post, Major League Baseball sent city officials from The District of Columbia a letter stating they have not met several deadlines in the agreement for a new Nationals baseball stadium.
The Post obtained the letter, and MLB attorney Tom Ostertag said the city did meet certain provisions.
"[T]his letter constitutes formal written notice of the Commission's failure to specifically perform or comply with the enumerated provisions," Ostertag writes in the letter. "The team hereby demands that these failures be corrected."
The lease gives the city 30 days to respond to baseball's notice and resolve the issues, or MLB could pursue legal action.


Source: http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/