Washington’s week one woes
Plenty of teams end disappointing seasons and say, “We’ll get ‘em next year!” The way the Washington Nationals have started 2007, they’re essentially telling the world, “We’ll get ‘em in a few years!”
It’s not only that the Nationals went 1-6 the first week. It’s how they did it: At no point this season when a pitch was thrown has Washington led a game.
Washington has been outscored 45-18, and the only time the Nationals were ahead came when the winning run crossed the plate in a three-run bottom of the ninth inning Wednesday for a 7-6 comeback victory over Florida.
Washington’s cobbled- together pitching rotation was expected to have problems and has – the starters are 0-6 with an N.L.-worst 7.15 ERA.
Home away from home
Hours after officials at Miller Park in Milwaukee agreed to let the snowed-out Cleveland Indians host the Los Angeles Angels at the Brewers’ home stadium, fan interest was “encouraging” and ticket sales outpaced tempered expectations.
Brewers spokesman Tyler Barnes said nearly 10,000 tickets total were sold for all three games of the series within the first four hours of availability. Tickets for all games and seats are $10 each.
Mays leads voting
Willie Mays led a nostalgia wave – and all vote-getters – in balloting to determine a 50th anniversary Gold Glove team.
One week into the season, more than 500,000 ballots had been cast for what sponsor Rawlings is calling a “summer of glove.” Voting to determine the top 50 defensive players in the last 50 years ends June 19. The team will be announced in mid-July.
Clearing the bases
The Houston Astros demoted closer Brad Lidge to a setup role. … Cardinals ace Chris Carpenter was placed on the 15-day disabled list with an elbow problem. … Atlanta starting pitcher Mike Hampton will have surgery on his left elbow today in New York and miss the entire season. … Marlins right-hander Ricky Nolasco was placed on the disabled list with elbow inflammation, and will be replaced by rookie Rick Vanden Hurk. … Jason Schmidt (right hamstring) and Matt Kemp (right shoulder) left the Dodgers’ home opener early due to injuries. … Pittsburgh left-hander John Grabow remains about three weeks away from returning to the team due to left elbow soreness.