April 5, 2008 [LINK / comment]
For the third game in a row, the Washington Nationals wasted multiple run-scoring opportunities and finished the game one run behind their opponent. Today and yesterday it was Cards 5, Nats 4. Well, they won two of their first three games by one run, so I guess that's expected. Baseball is a game of inches, and most games could go either way. An amazing defensive play in today's game by second-baseman Adam Kennedy put cold water on what would have been a big rally by the Nats. Ryan Zimmerman finally started getting hits (aside from his two game-winning homers) today, and Nick Johnson hit his first home run since he broke his leg in September 2006. Second-string catcher Jesus Flores hit a homer in the ninth inning, while first-stringer Paul Lo Duca has yet to live up to his reputation. Maybe his arm is still weak.
Even with three straight losses, the Nats somehow remain tied for first place in the NL East, but all five teams are bunched together. The AL East standings appear "upside down," meanwhile, with the "diabolical" Tampa Bay Rays at the top and the Yanks in last place. In the AL Central, Detroit has yet to win a game this season, after getting swept by Kansas City, to everyone's surprise. Acquiring high-priced stars Dontrelle Willis and Miguel Cabrera from the Marlins has not paid off yet, but the season has barely begun, so let's reserve judgment.
I've added four photos of "Progressive Field" (formerly known as "Jacobs Field") that were sent to me by Mike Hoecker. I really appreciate fans who submit photos.