Local girl gets into fight with countless other fans over backpack

A young local girl started a fight over a Danny Espinosa jersey backpack, claiming she deserved it more. Reports of her eyes turning into red balls of fire and claws extending from her nails. All fans in attendance are currently being hospitalized. Several are in critical condition. Local girl placed in mental rehab center. Local girl currently unconscious, but occasionally murmurs "Dan-ny..." in a soft, innocent voice. Despite her condition, she has been known to clutch her heart fervently. Girl's parents have requested a visit from Espinosa, who accepted hesitantly. Rumor has it girl awoke from her coma immediately after being touched on the hand by the ball player. Sources are now saying the girl had to be sedated shortly after awakening after furiously trying to make out with Espinosa. We're told Espinosa has decided against a restraining order, as the girl was heavily medicated and delirious. Shortly after accepting the parents' apology, Epsinosa proceeded on a hot streak and was immediately called up by Washington. It is said the girl has a golden touch. Thousands of players are requesting to hold her hand. Parents accepted each request for a price, though they turned away Freddie Freeman when he requested. Freeman was, quote, 'Too much of a butter face' to hold the holy hand. Freeman,disappointed, proceeded to go 2-25 over the next few games, furthering the beliefs of the girl's powers. Alex Rodriguez spotted outside girl's hospital room - reports of his number written on a ball and a visit from Chris Hansen. Knowledge of the girl's mysterious powers spread far and wide, soon attracting the attention of world leaders. Little is known about how the girl's power will progress. More information will be added as this story develops.

A strange article made up by a Twitter friend and I.

Kicked Puppies

Sports fans are like kicked puppies. Our masters are our favorite teams, and no matter how hard we get kicked, we come back, hoping to recieve love back, and when we don't, we still come whimpering home. Game 5 was a particularly painful kick in the tail, yet, I've been to several more games this year. So what gives? Why are we so emotionally captivated by sports teams? I don't know. No one does. What I do know is that we are all addicts and we have a common drug: baseball. 

I personally have invested so much emotion into this game and this team. I love baseball but it's just not fun to watch when the team you love is playing poorly. All I can do is put my tail between my legs and go home. But maybe, just maybe, the Nationals can turn it around and still have a winning record. There's always hope, right?

"Give the ball to a kid!" Yeah, no.

Call me stingy or rude. But if I catch a ball, I'm keeping it. If there isn't a child around who was actively pursuing the ball, I will not just give up the ball I snagged. 

I cannot stand when people say "Give it to a child!" to any person who gets a ball. Sure, if they wrestle it away or jump in front of a kid to get a ball, they should be booed for it. But if a person gets the ball and isn't around a kid who was after it, or didn't snatch it away from one, he should keep it. That ball is now rightfully his. The kids can understand "Hey, that man caught the ball, and I didn't. Guess I'll try again." BECAUSE KIDS DON'T CARE THAT MUCH. I have never missed a foul ball and been so upset about it that it warrants forcing someone to give it to me. I have always understood that if you get the ball, you can keep it. 

Where did this "give it to a kid" thing start? Suppose the person who catches it has a child at home who would like a ball? Why do we have to harass people into giving the ball away? It's such a wonderful souvenir, don't take that from them!

Please. Don't boo the foul ball catchers into giving away a ball. Let them have it. But by all means, boo the ones who push children out of the way to get the ball. Those people suck.

Danny's Gone

I would try to be serious on this post but for now I'll try to express myself in the most exact terms:

NNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

There, I'm okay. Sort of.

Danny Espinosa has been sent to AAA Syracuse, which is not a bad move at all. He's just gotta figure out his swing, get more comfortable, and he'll turn back into the Espinosa that caught my attention in 2010. 

I will always support Espinosa, no matter what happens.

But hear this.

If he is ever traded, you might want to put me on suicide watch.

Uncharted Territory/Nats Win

I had been traveling in these woods for so long. Occassionally the crack of a bat startled me, or a baseball came flying at my head, and I would be distracted. Disappointment was often felt, and I left the thicket thirsty for something better.

Then came the day. The day I'd finally escape that terrible wood, and enter the world of happiness and freedom. A territory known as Winning. Previously uncharted, no one knew exactly what was there.

There were many bat cracks that day, balls flying everywhere. I did my best not to get hit, but the offense was alive. When the smoke had cleared, I emerged from my hiding place to see my forest had been opened. I was free.

Because today, the Nationals won, 7-0. 

Enjoy your half off pizza.

Don't Be That Guy at the Ballpark

There are many annoyances at sporting events that everyone complains about. If you don't want to be one of the complaints, don't do any of these things. Side note: This applies to everyone. Even those who aren't repeat offenders.

• Don't be that guy who...screams every time a ball goes foul, particularly if it goes way foul. That's not necessary, unless it hits you on the head. Relax, we all know the ball was hit, there's no reason why you should start bellowing about it.
• Don't be that guy who...talks excessively about their personal problems or anything else not related to the game that no one could care less about. Pay attention to the game. No one wants to hear about your personal life.
• Don't be that guy who...is constantly standing up to cheer or complain about calls. This doesn't mean you can't stand for home runs or impressive plays, certainly not; but when nothing very important is happening or you disagree with an umpire's call, there's no reason to stand up and scream about it. The umpire isn't going to hear you, and if he did, he wouldn't overturn the call, so why does it matter?
• Don't be that guy who...curses loudly during the entire game, regardless of the people in the seats surrounding him or the repeated warnings before the game not to use expletives. Foul language is absolutely not needed, particularly at a public place where children are typically all around. Besides, cursing is rude. Save it for Twitter.
• Don't be that guy who...pretends to know everything about the team, the sport, a player, etc., because it's not impressing anyone. You just look like a know-it-all.
• Don't be that guy who...heckles the players rudely and loudly. We get it. You don't like him. Sit down, keep it to yourself, and let everyone else enjoy the game.
• Don't be that guy who...says "Stay-men". It's Stammen. Two m's. No "ayyyyy". Got that?
• Don't be that guy who...touches the ball while it's still in play. Let the ball girl/boy get the ball so that you're sure it's actually foul. You wouldn't want everyone to hate you for messing up a play, would you?

Now, take my guidelines and don't do any of those things, lest you risk looking like a doofus.

No Lead is Safe (Don't Go Easy)

It's the bottom of the eighth inning. The home team is up 9-0. Home coach decides to let up on their opponnent, figuring they would win anyway. He tells the batters not to try anymore and the inning ends quickly. In the top of the ninth, the closer gives up two singles and a walk, then a home run. He's pulled, and the next pitcher allows more runs, making it a tie ballgame. Desperate, the coach uses a new pitcher, who blows the lead. The bottom of the ninth proves fruitless.

No lead is safe, especially in the highly competitive NL East. The Nationals learned this the hard way during The Game Which Shall Not Be Named. Last year, they had a nine run lead over the Atlanta Braves, and blew it in ten innings. In a series against the Chicago Cubs, the two teams engaged in fights over the fact that they were still playing aggressive ball.

I don't understand why people get so angry when a team keeps bringing their A-game when they're leading by so much. That is how the game is played, collecting hits and runs. In school you don't purposely stop getting good grades just because someone else isn't getting any. You keep working for something better, the next level.

Please. Stop complaining about this and enjoy the game of baseball.

Game 5 Through My Eyes

Game 5 is a painful subject for most Nationals fans. I myself was raw from the loss for a week or so, until I forced myself to be over it. Now I still flinch when I think of the image of Drew Storen, sitting alone in the locker room, contemplating the loss.

This post will be a re-living of my Game 5 experience.

Despite the horrible loss, I truly enjoyed going to the game. It was my first playoff game of any sport, and I was extremely excited. I had bundled up for the chilly night and purchased a new sweatshirt. As soon as we got in (we being my father and younger brother and I), we watched BP from both teams and hoped for some home runs. Nothing came our way, so we instead went to our seats (section 412, 12 or so rows back). Being so far up, we were freezing. The wind whipped through my three jackets and thick shirts like a knife through water.

It seemed like an eternity passed before the game finally started. We swung the Natitude towels in the air delightedly, the energy and buzz of the postseason crowd charging in my veins, warming me and getting me pumped for the game. The beginning of the game was the part I'll always remember the most - all the home runs and singing "Take On Me" with the crowd, right into a single as we hit the high note. Those are the memories of Game 5 I carry with me.

Then Davey put in Edwin Jackson. My dad and I looked at each other, shaking our heads. We both believed, now and to this day, that putting Jackson in was a big mistake. But nothing could compare to The Inning.

Drew came on to pitch. I fist bumped my dad and brother and said, "We got this in the bag. Drew is so lights out." It was true, though. Two strikes. There was only one necessary to advance. One. One is the loneliest number. Only one pitcher felt responsible for the loss, as Pete Kozma nailed the coffin down and the rest of them threw the dirt over us. A lasting image was Drew walking slowly and despairingly off the field after the tragedy occurred.

The bottom of the inning hurt almost as much as the top. Watching the Cardinals run out and dogpile each other only drove another stake through my heart. It was like salt in a wound, watching them rejoice over what was rightfully ours. The bottom of the ninth was over too fast, but perhaps that was good. Less time to dwell on what had happened, so I could process it on the way home. When the final out was recorded, I was barely holding back the tears. Perhaps it was just being there, amongst the excitement, and the overwhelming feeling of my first postseason game. Or maybe I had really invested a lot of emotion and interest in this team. I think it was both, combined with the shock of it all.

My brother and father went to the men's room, so I waited outside, using the opportunity to shield my face and let myself cry. I was too upset to care who saw the big fat things roll off my cheeks. I stood there for ten minutes, leaning on a big support pole, silently sobbing over the sports team I had watched since I was twelve back in 2009, had hoped to do well. I wept in the car on the way home, too, and in my bed at 2 am. I'm not sure if it was all fueled by shock, disappointment, or the thought that the season was over and I'd have to wait until February and March to see them again.

I enjoyed Game 5, excepting the loss. I tried to console myself by saying "They'll get there again" or "Now they have the experience". But, I know that Game 5 is like a wound, similar to the loss of Michael Morse (another hole in the heart that can't be filled).

This is my Game 5 experience. I am happy to share it with all of you.

Nationals Complete Sweep of Miami; Start the Season with a Bang

As I watched Jayson Werth's no-doubter soar over the left field wall and into the bullpen, I said to myself, "World Series or bust". Surely no team deserves to be there more than the Nationals, who after a remarkable 2012 regular season, experienced a crushing blow called 'Game five', two words that still make most Nationals fans flinch (not to mention 'two strikes' or 'Pete Kozma').

Sweeping the Marlins may not seem like much of a feat (they finished in fifth place in 2012 with a record of 79-82), but it proves that the Nationals have the drive, energy, and talent to go far in 2013. With the additions of Haren and Span, and a healthy Ramos, Werth, and Strasburg, the Washington team can be expected to do big things this year. 

Certainly a main talking point of the NL, the Nationals start the season at 3-0 in first place. No one can know how long their first place position will hold, but if this team stays healthy, they will be dominant all year.

Opening series was a great show that made me realize just how awesome it feels to be back in the swing of things again (pun absolutely intended) and enjoying my daily routine of school, baseball, sleep, repeat. Of course, now I have to talk about the performances of Bryce Harper, Stephen Strasburg, and Gio Gonzalez. Bryce Harper hit two home runs in consecutive plate appearances on Opening Day, propelling the Nationals to their first win of the 2013 season. Stephen Strasburg managed to shut them out on a three-hitter, retiring 19 batters in a row, and showing everyone just how ready he was. Gio Gonzalez proved just how strong he is, putting the allegations of PED use behind him and even pushing through some head pain. Besides pitching a fantastic game, Gio went yard for the second time in his career.

Despite getting only one hit in the series, Ian Desmond has impressed. His defense has been amazing. The offense will come in time. The same goes for Danny Espinosa, Adam LaRoche, and Denard Span. They may not be showing us much now, but when you go back and look at how they performed in Spring Training, they were great. Danny Espinosa and Adam LaRoche tore up offensively, and Denard Span impressed with his patience at the plate and his ability to spot a good pitch and take it. They'll come around, you'll see.

This team is going somewhere, and I know exactly where: the World Series. See you there.

Nationals Spring Training Review

I visited four Washington Nationals spring training games this year, all in Viera. While there I recieved Ian Desmond's autograph twice, Danny Espinosa's, and various minor leagers. Because I enjoyed the games so much, I've decided to write a review, of sorts, or the four that I visited.

The games were all great (including the loss against the Cardinals I watched). I was especially impressed by Danny Espinosa (I may be biased), Chris Marrero, Anthony Rendon, and Zach Walters. Viera is absolutely beautiful and I met some nice folks while waiting for autographs. The crowd was fired up and excitement was buzzing in the air. I was happier than I had ever been, and I wish I was still in Viera!

A word of advice to anyone considering a spring training trip - definitely do it! It's so much fun and absolutely memorable. Also, get there early for autographs! Spring training is the best place for autographs, especially if the Nats are away. If you go to an away game, you're more likely to get autographs.

I had a good time and I recommend Viera to all of you.

Why Gio's Name Was On the List

Since Tuesday I have contemplated the story about Gio, wondering why exactly his name was on the list. I have stayed up all night, working out complex theories and scenarios, mapping it all out on my wall, and calculating it all very carefully.

Okay, no, I haven't. But I did come up with the following ideas.

• The owner of the clinic hates Gio and his family and wants to ruin his reputation forever.
• Gio once bumped into Anthony Bosch (the owner of the clinic) and told him his shoes were nice. Tony didn't believe him.
• Tony's favorite team is the Phillies.
• Bosch is actually a member of a gang called Destroy All-Star Pitchers' Careers.
• Bosch used to pitch and is extremely jealous of Gio because he was overshadowed by Gio's greatness.

Solid theories, right?

follow me @NatsGirl19 for more humor, information, and my opinions on almost anything. seriously, anything.

Gio Gonzalez Is Not On PEDs

Hey there, Nationals fans. Today's post will be more opinionated/personal than most of my posts on Nationals Faithful. Why, you ask? Because today's post involves a strange story including my favorite pitcher, Gio Gonzalez.

Early Tuesday morning a story broke from a Miami newspaper, claiming that several superstar players had purchased performance enhancing drugs (PEDs) from a now shut-down clinic in the city, run by one "Tony Bosch." On that list were several names commonly associated with drugs, such as Alex Rodriguez and Melky Cabrera. But another name was mentioned - Gio Gonzalez. I was extremely shocked at first and I didn't believe Gio was guilty, nor do i now.

According to several sources on Twitter, the items Gio supposedly bought are legal and are not even classified as PEDs. He allegedly purchased zinc, MIC, and Aminorip. At this time I do not know what MIC is, but I do know what Aminorip is. Aminorip is a protien supplement-type drink used post-workout to help repair muscle damaged during exercise. It is not a banned substance, and neither are zinc or MIC at this time.

If Gio did purchase these items, he is still innocent, because none of them are on the list of banned products.

On Tuesday Gio tweeted: "I've never used performance enhancing drugs of any kind and I never will, I've never met or spoken with Tony Bosch or used any substance provided by him. Anything said to the contrary is a lie."

Strong words. And I believe them. Maybe I'm biased - but I just don't see Gio doing such a thing and abusing his body in that manner. If Gio says he did not buy drugs, I believe him.

Rumors have circled through the Web - was the list forged? Does Tony Bosch really exist? Is the Miami New Times inventing stories for publicity? Fans are thinking up every excuse to save the reputations of their beloved Gio. All I know is that once this is over, poor Gio will have that cloud hanging over his head, and people will always wonder if he is juicing.

Gio, I don't think you're guilty. But that's just me - a teenage girl who just loves you to death. Even if you were on steroids, I would support you 100%, and I will always be your biggest fan.

Around The League | Braves trade Martin Prado for Justin Upton

ATLANTA--- The Atlanta Braves have aquired Justin Upton from the Diamondbacks for Martin Prado and several top prospects. This trade will unite the recently-signed BJ Upton with his younger brother, creating a power duo in the outfield. J. Upton is a powerhouse, and it can be expected that he and his brother will cut down the opposition easily. Justin Upton was a valuable asset to the Diamondbacks and will undoubtedly be the same (or better) for Atlanta. The Braves' outfield is now absolutely stacked, with the Upton brothers and Jason Heyward.

The prospects Arizona recieved are pitchers Randall Delgado and Zeke Spruill, who was ranked at number 6 on the Braves' Top 20 prospects, utility man Martin Prado, and infielders Nick Ahmed and Brandon Drury.

source(s): MLB.com, Mark Bowman

Ex-Nationals News | Mark DeRosa Signs with Toronto

TORONTO -- Mark DeRosa, a former Nationals bench/utility player, has signed with the Toronto Blue Jays for 1yr/$750k with an option for 2014. DeRosa, 37, was injured for part of the 2012 season, but proved his abilities upon his return. His years of experience assisted the younger players and his personality added to the chemistry in the dugout. In June of 2012, DeRosa suggested to teammate Roger Bernadina that he use a lighter bat; afterwards, the speedy outfielder boosted his batting average and saw more at-bats.

DeRosa has been known to fill in at third base if Ryan Zimmerman needed a day off. He will no doubt be of assistance in Toronto as a utility player, able to play anywhere in the outfield in addition to third or first base. Despite his lack of productivity at the plate, DeRosa's shared wisdom and kindness was felt by the whole team and he will likely be missed.

sources- Gregor Chisholm, MLB.com 

Player Spotlight | Tyler Moore

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT

WEEK OF 1/19/2013 - 1/27/2013

Name: Tyler Michael Moore

Born: Jan. 30, 1987

Bats/Throws: R/R

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 215

Debut: April 29, 2012

Tyler Moore's first appearance with the Washington Nationals came on the 29th of April in 2012. Since then he has impressed fans with his hitting power. In the minor leagues in 2011, Moore hit 31 home runs with a .270 average. 

In his first season with the Nationals, Moore hit two home runs vs. the Toronto Blue Jays, his first two HRs and RBIs in the MLB.

Moore is a first baseman, but for the Nationals has primarily been stationed at left field. He adjusted well to his foreign position, filling in for Michael Morse when needed. 

With Michael Morse traded away now, it is to be expected that Moore will be of use at first base, as backup for Adam LaRoche. His talent at the plate (10 home runs in 2012) make him a valuable pinch hitter.

Welcome

Hello. If you're reading this blog, it's likely that you read my letter to Michael Morse. Perhaps you're a Twitter follower of mine, or even a random fan who stumbled across my blog. Wherever you found me, I'm glad you're reading.

Let me tell you a little about myself. I'm Sandra, and I live and breathe baseball. Sandra, are you just one of those annoying cleat chasing girls that only watches for Bryce Harper? No, rude italic text, I am not.  Instead, I'm one of the annoying fans that goes nuts over every play, getting way too involved in the game and stressing over mistakes. I like to think that I'm one of those fans who would never give up, even in the bottom of the ninth, down by one, bases loaded, two outs, and the pitcher up to bat. That's why my blog is called Nationals Faithful.

Now that I have told you about myself, I might as well explain my blog. On this blog I would like to do a few different things for you all.

• Player Spotlights - Every week I'll write a post highlighting a certain player and their stats last year. During the offseason this post will come on either Sunday or Monday. When the season begins I'll talk about their statistics for the week and what I think of their performances. This will be published on Saturday or Sunday during the season.
• Around the League - News from around the Major Leagues, including trade talk and my opinions on trades, contract signings, and more. During the season this post will include scores from Nationals' rivals and my notes on those games.
• Game Previews - Before games I will write statistics of the starting pitchers and my predictions for the game. Of course, I'll do it in an unbiased way and I definitely won't predict every game for the Nationals.
• Team Reviews - My comments on a team before, during, and after the season, as well as a 'halfway' review at the All-Star break.
• Girl Talk - Something for the ladies. I'll highlight one of those beautiful faces every so often, and talk about their stats and more.

If I can, I want to get interviews via Twitter direct message with players. However that would be very difficult to do. If you have any suggestions for what I should write, or you want to write a guest post, please email me at natsgirl19@dcbaseball.com.

Be sure to follow me on Twitter, @NatsGirl19, for sports tweets, updates on my blog, humor, and more. Thanks for reading this introduction. I promise the rest of my posts will be much more interesting. Suggest a player spotlight or other feature I can do.