Forgive the fanboy in me coming out, but head over to Byron Kerr and MASNSports.com for “Wilkie Closer to Nats Call“
They didn’t want him to go too long because the Chiefs value him as a reliever in several situations. They use him as a long reliever that can give them multiple innings, so when they need a spot starter, Josh can fit the bill.
I’ve been to Nationals Park for the MLB debut of Stephen Strasburg and the home debut of Drew Storen. But I just may be most anxious to see the MLB debut of Josh Wilkie.
Just for fun …
#1 by Sue Dinem - June 17th, 2010 at 10:07
Fanboy.
But seriously, I can relate. There’s so much more satisfaction in picking a guy that’s under the radar, not on the charts, etc. and seeing him succeed than a Strasburg or Storen.
#2 by TimDz - June 17th, 2010 at 11:15
I posted this at WAPO Nationals Journal, but figured I could get a response here from a more seasoned baseball mind (no disrespect intended to those that post on Nats Journal:
How is the interleague schedule devised? I know that the AL/NL divisions compete on a rotating basis, but (if memory serves) we don’t play Minnesota or Texas this year.
I know we play Baltimore twice (home and away) each year as a geographical rival, but I am not sure how it is determined which teams within the AL division we play.
Any insights will be appreciated.
#3 by cass - June 17th, 2010 at 11:36
You need to bring that as a big poster when he gets called up to the bigs. :-)
I still remember screaming out “Guzmania!!!!!” at the home opener last year when Guz went 5/5. Naturally, the Nats still lost.
#4 by Sue Dinem - June 17th, 2010 at 12:01
@TimDz – Since interleague play abandoned its “play the opposing division” format, it’s been a hodgepodge. As you noted, the most successful “natural rivalries” have been kept while others (Boston-Atlanta) have been scrapped. The quick&dirty answer: The schedule is influenced by travel concerns and perceived “draws.”
#5 by monarch540 - June 17th, 2010 at 12:14
I love Josh as well but Severino should get promoted before Wilkie.
#6 by monarch540 - June 17th, 2010 at 12:17
Brian – I noticed that my comment was held pending review – is this something new for all who post here?
#7 by Brian Oliver - June 17th, 2010 at 12:19
No, not a new thing. The spam filter gets a bit wonky from time to time.
I have got into the habit of scanning the spam folder a couple of times a day until I can figure out what’s happening
#8 by TimDz - June 17th, 2010 at 13:13
Thanks for the knowledge, Sue…I knew I would get answers here.
#9 by Ric - June 17th, 2010 at 13:16
I doubt Wilkie gets a call before September, unless there is an injury or trade. But will be great to see him.
#10 by Jake - June 17th, 2010 at 13:54
Brian – Where is Jaun Jaime? It shows the 7-Day DL but he hasnt thrown a pitch all year…When do you think Dan Rosenbaum becomes a P-Nat?
#11 by Brian Oliver - June 17th, 2010 at 14:01
Jake – Tommy John surgery for Jaime. After the All Star Break at earliest for Rosenbaum
#12 by VladiHondo - June 17th, 2010 at 15:15
Your spam filter IS wonky, it let this comment get through. ;)
#13 by Ric - June 17th, 2010 at 17:31
In general, the interleague schedule is supposed to be home and home with the “rival” (in the Nats’ case, the Orioles) and two home and two road series with an opposite league division. This year, the AL central; last year the AL East, and in 2008, the AL West. It doesn’t work perfectly because the NL has 16 teams and the AL has 14, so that’s where the mix-and-match that Sue Dinem referenced comes into play. (For example, in 2008, Nats had Texas, LA Angels and Seattle, but Minnesota rather than Oakland. This year, they get Chicago, Detroit, KC and Cleveland but not Minnesota.)
#14 by BinM - June 17th, 2010 at 18:06
Brian: Hilarious, and SueDinem is right – You’re a hopeless fanboy. It’s ok though – He’s seems like a good kid, and we all have our favorites (My personal faves are Lombardozzi & Milone).
#15 by Dick - June 17th, 2010 at 18:22
Where is Meyers? Or, rather, why is he on the DL?
#16 by Souldrummer - June 17th, 2010 at 20:06
@Dick Meyers had a foot injury last I heard, but I”m not sure how long he’s scheduled to be on the DL.
#17 by BinM - June 17th, 2010 at 21:19
The one problem standing between Wilkie & the Big club right now is that he’s not on the 40-man roster. If he gets a promotion, who does he replace – Batista on the direct route, or does he bump another minor-leaguer like Balester or Mattheus first?
#18 by Rich - June 17th, 2010 at 21:49
Take Balester off the 40 man. Seriously, who would claim him?
#19 by Sean - June 17th, 2010 at 22:39
My interview with undrafted FA Mike Gallo: http://ffodc.com/articles/washington-nationals/meeting-mike-gallo.html
#20 by Ric - June 18th, 2010 at 09:46
BinM – not an issue because the Nats are at 39/40.
#21 by Robin - June 18th, 2010 at 12:10
Brian, I agree with you about Josh Wilkie so let’s hope we see him soon at Nats Park.