Unsatisfying

What an unsatisfying DC sports day.

Normally, coming back from an 0-2 halftime deficit to earn a tie would be satisfying, but not yesterday.  If there's been one theme this summer it's been bad calls, from Jim Joyce to Joe West to the referee who called a phantom red card against host South Africa to the Malian referee in yesterday's game.  The knee jerk American reaction is 'instant replay' but for me the solution is simply more professionalism from referees and umps, something that seems to be lacking in every sport.

Of course, the silver lining for the US is that Algeria managed a tie versus group rival England.  If we defeat Algeria, certainly doable, or a tie against the north African nation coupled with a Slovenia win over England sends the US to the knock out round.  

But we deserved to win that game yesterday, which stinks.

Speaking of ties, the best the Nats could manage against the lowly White Sox was a 1-1 tie after 9 innings, including seven stellar ones from Steven Strasburg.  The White Sox were lucky to score one, but that lone run was enough to stymie the inept Nationals offense on the way to an eventual 1-2 Nationals loss in 11 innings. 

Strasburg had at least 3 pitches working at a magnificent level.  All his pitches - but especially his change up - had a tremendous amount of late movement, and President Obama's favorite team swung at numerous pitches in the dirt on their way to 10 strikeout versus Strasburg.

I've blogged this before, but the Nats need to find some hitters to get on base in front of Zimmerman, Dunn and Willingham.  Guzman has always been an 8th placed hitter masquerading as a top of the order guy.  He never walks, and needs to bat 8th in games he starts (though I'd also like to see Adam Kennedy get more starts, too).

And Nyjer Morgan has reminded us why the lowly Pirates gave up on him last summer.  His defense has suffered this season, and he's never been good at getting on base.   Though speedy Morgan never seems to bunt for a base hit and also fails to walk much.  And to put the cherry on top of this mal-tasting sundae, he gets caught stealing as often as he's successful.  So other than being a mediocre fielder, bad hitter, and lackluster base stealer, he's having a great season.

Manager Jim Riggleman needs to give folks like Roger Bernandina, Ian Desmond or Kennedy a chance to hit at the top of the order, an idea that is picking up momentum on the blogosphere (at least).