
Photo used with the permission of Laurie S. Lemons
The Washington Nationals held a season ticket holder’s event today which was in a new format similar to the Winterfest. There were Q & A’s and side sessions and autograph sessions. There was a lot of information spread from the “seen & heard” category, and the most important tidbit to come out of today’s event came in from Bryce Harper‘s mouth:
“I am nearing the point where I can say I will definitely be playing in the post-season.”
That was the same point reiterated by Mike Rizzo in his session at a Q&A event, and again as Bryce Harper moved to other stations.
Rizzo was just asked what the chances are that bryce plays in the postseason. His answer was "very good"
— Erika (@UVAHooGirl) September 9, 2017
The good news is very welcome to hear while certainly there was news from Jayson Werth expressing that his shoulder was bothering him, and he would sit for a few more days.
We learned from TalkNats commentors that Dusty Baker was peppered with questions from the complimentary type, to the analytical, to the bizarre, and to some direct questions like was reported, “Dusty, why do you continue to play De Aza”.
Dusty Baker in his pre-game presser with the media answered one of the questions from a fan about how these players make so much money they should never be tired.
“You don’t eat money like Popeye eats spinach and get strength,” Dusty Baker said.
As for tonight, Raudy Read will catch the birthday guy — Edwin Jackson tonight, and the Phillies will start righty Mark Leiter. Dusty Baker said he will start “the kids” tomorrow which is probably code for players like Victor Robles, Adrian Sanchez, Andrew Stevenson, and Rafael Bautista. Dusty also said that Pedro Severino would catch Stephen Strasburg tomorrow.
Trea Turner will lead-off tonight and he has raised his OBP up to .333 and what you may have noticed recently is that Turner has walked several times since he came off of the DL. In fact he has already walked 78.6% more than last year.
Philadelphia Phillies vs. Washington Nationals
Stadium: Nationals Park
1st Pitch: 7:05 pm EDT
TV: MASN2, Comcast – Philadelphia, MLB.TV
Nats Radio: 106.7 FM The Fan; SiriusXM® Sirius 216 XM 183 (Internet 869)
Line-ups subject to change (without notice):
Looking to make it six in a row tonight. pic.twitter.com/jzim6gG36n
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) September 9, 2017