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It stinks to lose back-to-back games in which you had leads of 6 and 5 runs, respectively. When the offense finally puts something on the board, it would be nice if the pitching staff got the job done. Now the Nats need another strong effort from Luis Atilano to avoid a sweep at Camden Yards. The only sweep in the series - dating back to 2006 - was by the Nats in Baltimore in June 2007. They'd rather not return the favor.
Interesting to see the note from Ben Goessling regarding the Nats' potential interest in Arizona righthander Edwin Jackson. Jackson, who won't turn 27 until September, has already been traded three times in his big league career. He's only a .500 pitcher lifetime, but he's coming off an All-Star season with the Tigers. He first pitched in the big leagues with the Dodgers at age 19, so he's got a resume, but you have to wonder why he keeps getting included in deals. It reminds me of the old Groucho Marx line, "I wouldn't want to be a member of any club that would have me as a member.." Everybody wants him until they actually have him.
Who could potentially be going to Arizona in a deal, if indeed one is in the works? One has to believe it would another pitcher - or two - headed west. With the looming comebacks of Jordan Zimmerman, Ross Detwiler, Chien-Ming Wang, and Jason Marquis, there may be some extra arms available.
Jackson's 149-pitch, 8-walk no hitter in his last start will likely be the subject of debate if he flames out early in his next outing. He's already stated he wouldn't mind being skipped in the rotation in his next start. D-Backs' skipper A.J. Hinch hasn't yet indicated if he's thinking along those lines. If the Nats - or anyone - are really interested in Jackson, they'll keep tabs on that situation.
In the meantime, lefty John Lannan won his only start in Harrisburg so far, throwing 7 strong innings against Reading Friday night. He allowed a single earned run on 4 hits, and got a 3-to-1 groundball to flyball ratio. He could be back pretty quick, unless they decide they want to see him do it again.
