The Red Tent Returns!!!

This picture was taken leaving NatsFest...Clearly, the Big Red F-ing Tent is coming back...

Super Bowl Ads Here!

Sip & Savor has some of the Super Bowl ads up now - see them here.

Get a FREE Game-Used Baseball (with the purchase of an outfield seat).

The Nationals this week announced that fans will have the opportunity to go home with a FREE baseball with the purchase of an outfield ticket.

According to Nationals marketing personnel with knowledge of the proposal, opposing batters are actually lining up to participate in this new program. Information received exclusively by Half Street Blues indicates, that the promotion will usually begin in the 6th inning of every home game and continue through the 9th, but it could begin earlier in some games.

"This is an exciting time to be a Nationals fan - especially if you're sitting in the outfield seats," the source said. "At any time during the game, the new free ball promotion could begin and fans could be virtually showered with baseballs coming in to the stands. I know a lot of fans dream of catching a ball at a game and, believe me, Disney has nothing on our franchise when it comes to making dreams come true."

More information on the free ball promotion can be found here.

Wrestlemania 25 - No Rourke

Despite the smack talk on the Larry King Show there won't be a smack down between Mickey Rourke and Chris Jericho at Wrestlemania.

The Rebuttal...

After the President's State of the Union Address there is always a rebuttal. So, it's only fitting that after President Kasten's State of the Franchise Address there be a rebuttal. This is not intended to dissect the President's speech, if it was we would have to take a close look at some of Mr. Kasten's statements such as:

The other additions we've made -- Scott Olsen, Daniel Cabrera -- you can think of us as having replaced Tim Redding and Odalis Perez with Scott Olsen and Daniel Cabrera.

Huh? Is he telling us that's an improvement?? Because it kinda reminds me of Mr. Rogers trading in his yellow sweater for his red sweater...










But I digress...

Mr. President, Mr. Acta, the Nationals team, my fellow Nationals fans:

Four months ago today we closed the book on a terrible Nationals season with a loss to the eventual World Champions. That game ended an epic drama and often disappointing display of mediocre sports-play.

There is little need to rehash the dissatisfaction that can only come by watching a team lose 102 games, including 12 games a row in the middle of the summer.

So, in this time of Change maybe we can find reason for Hope...

But Hope can only come when there is some evidence of something worth hoping for. A morsel of something that makes us think tomorrow will be better than today. A glimmer of something in the offing that will make our lives a little brighter.

I'm just not so sure there is.

Mr. Kasten's empty claims that the franchise had "a very productive offseason" and "even has an excess of talent at all...positions now" are simply non-believable. I've seen the winter signings of Scott Olsen and Daniel Cabrera and Josh Willingham and Corey Patterson. And I've seen the depth chart which shows the starting duo on the right side of the Nationals infield played in a total of 28 games in 2008. In fact, except for Willingham there is no material difference in the Nationals line-up from last season.

And although Mr. Kasten cleverly attempts to show that money can't buy happiness by making an example of the $100 million+ cellar-dwelling Detroit Tigers and Seattle Mariners (both teams were fighting for the playoffs the year before), he misses the point by saying that fans "really don't care" about the payroll.

That's not entirely true.

While we may want the team to spend money for spending's sake - we are interested in the amount of money the team is willing to spend. This is a legitimate concern.

The team lost out on it's #1 pick Aaron Crow over money, didn't get Mark Teixeira because of money, and refused to re-sign fan favorite (and perennial all-star) Alfonso Soriano...why? money...

Mr. Kasten, you're right that fans don't need to know a number, but we do deserve to know that there is money that can (and will) be spent to make the team better. So far, the evidence has been, overwhelmingly, to the contrary.

And while I support making the fan experience at the stadium better. In fact, I hope we'll see more competent vendors - preferably ones who don't need to swear like they have Tourette Syndrome. I believe that more effort and concern should be paid to the product on the field, and maybe a little less on all-you-can-eat night and making the Red Porch larger.

But in the end - and probably to our detriment - we're still fans of the game and of our Boys of Summer. So with just 16 Days and 10 Hours and 30 Minutes until pitchers and catchers report, Mr. President, "hope springs eternal". So I'll be there on Day 1 and on Day 162...wishing every night for another Curly W (and with any luck a few more than last year).

So good night and may God bless Nationals Nation.

NatsFest...A SUCCESS!!

According to the Nationals press staff (and mlb.com) NatsFest was "a success". Unfortunately, Half Street's experience was a little less enjoyable...

Let's compare our experience with the reports:

"Though Kasten didn't have an attendance figure, thousands of fans were seen getting autographs..."

Well...Half Street did see a LONG line for Zim - the more memorable line for us was this one taken at 1:10 p.m. - before the gates opened (15 minutes late).





But that excitement was just beginning as, "attendees were able to take a tour of the clubhouse and take batting practice in the indoor cages near the clubhouse. "

That's true...HSB did get to tour the clubhouse. And we were surprised to see the optimism of the Nationals clubhouse personnel....



In case you can't read the name, that's Dmitri Young's locker. You'll notice it's empty - good thing - it's probably best that he has his diabetes medicine with him in Onondaga County.

And speaking of starry-eyed optimism, some fan said that NatsFest was "an opportunity to meet the players and the front-office people. "

Well, maybe Mr. Fan got to meet the front-office staff, but Half Street Blues couldn't even get in to George Will. This is as close as we got:



Yep, like so many other times in our lives, HSB was on the outside looking in...

But there were some clever Nats fans who wouldn't be shut out - they decided to listen to Mr. Will on the stadium's sound system...



Kasten is looking forward to next year, "We certainly want to do it again, and we want it to be bigger."

Great.

UPDATE: Our friend Dave over at Nationals News Network had a better experience than us - not surprising - it's much cheerier than us...but this was interesting:

But the primary objective for most of the fans were the autographs and pictures, and the lines were just ridiculous. There were many suggestions that they should have separated the players instead of having just one autograph stage.

But the idea that the "face of the franchise" was contractually prohibited from signing was a HUGE problem. Try telling an eight-year old that Ryan Zimmerman couldn't sign his glove. It ended in tears.

Who's the Worst Franchise in Baseball? Not Us!

Keith Law from ESPN announced his 2009 organizational farm system rankings (ESPN Insider password required) this week, and the minor league system of your Washington Nationals ranked 29th out of 30 MLB franchises, ahead of the Houston Astros. This is awesome! What a coup for the Nats.

So what does this 29th place ranking mean? A number of things, actually:

#1) "The Plan" is working

A lot of people were down on Stan Kasten and Jim Bowden for the so-called "Plan" to allow the major league team to stink for a few years while the franchise focused on replenshing its stable of minor league prospects. Those people are wiping egg off their faces today. When the Nationals first came to Washington DC, their farm system was widely viewed as the worst in baseball. Today -- a mere four years later -- it's now the second-worst in baseball. Deal with that, haters.

#2) We didn't really need Aaron Crow after all

Nationals critics were angry last summer when the team failed to sign their #1 draft pick Aaron Crow. The Nats were the only team not to sign their first round pick. Is it possible that Jim Bowden knew something that all you idiots didn't? Sure looks that way now! Bowden knew he was sitting on a 29th place farm system, and thus didn't need to cave in to the ridiculous demands of the top-ranked right-handed pitcher in last year's draft. Who caves in to demands like that? Teams with a last place farm system, that's who. Next year, when Aaron Crow winds up drafted by the Houston Astros he's going to be crying, "Boo hoo! Why am I in such a bad farm system!", and Nats fans everywhere are going to be like, "Because you didn't sign with a 29th ranked farm system when you had the chance, loser!"

#3) The Nationals are going to be climbing out of the cellar real soon

Many people were upset by the Nationals losing 102 games last year and finishing with the worst record in baseball. That's right, we were 30th out of 30. But not for long! If these prospects all pan out, the Nationals are just a few years away from being the 29th best team in the major leagues. How is that going to feel? Awesome! And then all those people who dropped their season tickets this year are going to be so angry that they gave up on this team. What a bunch of fair weather fans.

#4) We don't need to cave in to the salary demands of Adam Dunn or anyone else

Tom Boswell of the Washington Post says the Nationals will have to pay extra for free agent talent like Adam Dunn, because "the worst teams always pay a premium". Well, maybe the Nationals would have fallen into that category five years ago, but not anymore. If Mr. Dunn wants a few million dollars extra to play for a bad team, then he can go talk to the Astros. If he wants to play for a team that is only two or three years away from surrounding him with middling Major League talent, then he can gladly accept market rate to come to Washington. Otherwise, who needs him? Not the Nats. Not when Mr. Nick Johnson is only a few weeks away from being able to hit off a tee.

#5) It was a mistake for Major League Baseball to put a team in Houston

It's hard to admit this, because we all thought Houston was going to be a great baseball town, but MLB owners never should have put a franchise in Houston. The Astros have been given every opportunity including a new stadium, and they respond with a 30th ranked farm system? That's an insult to their own fans and to baseball fans everywhere. Hopefully, before the Astros are contracted, they can learn a few lessons from the Nationals management about how to put a franchise on a strong and long-term path to success.

#6) It's time to celebrate

Sure, we may be a couple more years away from reaping the ample bounty of our 29th ranked farm system, but Nats fans should go ahead and celebrate. All together now!

Seven Nationals Make the Team(s)

The Nationals have seven players in World Baseball Classic.

Nationals Payroll

Thanks to Cot's Baseball here's a outline of the payroll so far...

Some of the big ones...

Guzman - $8 million
Kearns - $8 million
Johnson - $5 million
Dmitri - $5 million (now with the AAA Syracuse SkyChiefs)
Pena - $5 million
Cabrera - $2.6 million
Belliard - $1.9 million
Harris - $1.5 million
Zimmerman - made $465k last year, is in arbitration

Nationals Ticket Prices Are Level

The talent is the same, the ticket prices are (essentially) the same...

According to MLB.com:

Individual-ticket prices range from $5 to $325 -- $5 tickets are only available day of game at the Nationals Park Box Office -- and will be available beginning in early March.

Read all about it here.

Other things we're learning while watching the Red Sox/Rockies World Series

Emilio Bonafacio to Florida
Aaron Boone to Houston

I liked those guys...

Guess I missed this...Patterson comes to Washington -

I missed that the Nationals signed Corey Patterson. I saw it on the new MLB Network - probably the only station not swept up in Obamamania.

The career .250 hitter has never been the slugger folks had hoped. In 2003 he batter .297 with a (baker's) dozen HRs. It would be nice to see him do something this year, but I'm thinking that this is just a waste...

Also - MLB Network (and wrigleyville) is reporting that the Cubs are sending Felix Pie to the Orioles for LHP Garrett Olson and Minor League RHP Henry Williamson.

I don't know who Eric Barton is, but if he can walk he's better than Nick Johnson...

Over at Nationals News Network their talking about some trade rumors affecting Nick Johnson for some guy named Eric Barton. Oh...actually his name is Daric Barton...don't know him either.

But I think it would be a great! deal for the Nationals...

OK - here is some info on Barton.

Hopefully the A's don't read Rob Neyer's blog...

What I don't understand is the A's interest in Nick Johnson. Sure, Johnson's more talented than Barton, and will be for at least the next couple of years. But talent doesn't necessarily translate into value, and in Johnson's case we're talking about a guy who's managed to play in 100 games just twice in the past six seasons.

SHUT UP ROB!!

Go to Jail, go directly to Jail (or pay $40,643.18)

The Prophet and HSB favorite, Elijah Dukes, has a week to pay $40 grand to his estranged wife in back alimony and child support, for their three children. He hasnt' been doing too well paying the $6,500 a month he's supposed to. Considering he only makes $400,000/year, I can see why that check is so hard to write.

According to the Washington Post:
He has no assets -- he owns no house, no car -- and in 2008 spent more than his $394,000 salary should have allowed, sources said.

I'm wondering...how can he spend that much money and not have a car? That doesn't even make sense...

But I still like him - he's got some potential and is fun to watch and he's kept himself out of trouble (with the exception of this minor incident). But that might have something to do with he is "monitored by a full-time employee, an ex-cop named James Williams."






Maybe the Prophet will be at NatsFest with a tin can....











UPDATE: They're charging for autographs in Brewerville...

Restaurant Review #1: Founding Farmers

Went to Founding Farmers last night in downtown DC. It prides itself as being "owned by a collective of American family farmers." Its menu is a traditional collection of comfort food.

I wouldn't have chosen to write a review, however our waiter suggested going on Yelp.com to give a good review for him. Apparently management is upset that they are stuck at 3.5 stars...

After spending the evening and about $50/person, I would say that 3.5 stars is just about right.

The service was slightly better than average. I get confused when so many people wait on me. I don't know who to talk to. Or who to order from. Or where to look for my food. I like the personal attention of a single server - I mean, I don't mind if other folks hep out - but I want my server to be there...making sure I'm doing ok.

The food, again, was slightly better than average. I love meatloaf. It's my comfort food. Founding Farmers was prepared almost medium rare. Maybe that's how all the fancy people eat it...cool to the touch, but I thought it was odd - and frankly the gravy (or sauce) lacked flavor.

The salad was fine. The side greens were really bitter - which was probably by design, but didn't entice me to eat them.

The highlight was the dessert. I had a decadent S'mores pudding. Fantastic. A bowl of flavorful chocolate pudding topped with a layer of graham crackers and topped with melted and toasted marshmellow (probably some sort of Fluff).

Also tried, based on the elusive waiter's recommendation, The Constitution as a pre-dinner drink. It was good - fruity. Served in a cool glass with perfect ice cubes. Very retro.

The ambiance and decor are excellent. Nice layout - although it was a bit drafty where we were sitting - the bar level has a great view of the passers-by on Pennsylvania Ave. And the main dining area has real wood tables and lights decorated as birds and clouds.

Overal, the dining experience was fine. Nothing better. Nothing worse.

3.5 (out of 5) stars.

The Face in for arbitration...

After getting $465k last season, the Face goes into arbitration seeking to get more money than he's earned.

He's one of four Nationals to file...it seems like the team never wins arbitration...

Bowden in Mid-Season Form

So Tim Redding signs with the Mets for 2 million and change. We were willing to give a ton to Texeira and wouldn't sign the guy who was our number one starter for most of the year. Actually I don't mind that, but what about last year at the trade deadline when Redding's name was often mentioned as possible trade bait. Yes we wouldn't have gotten much because he was a free agent at the end of the year, but any trade would have returned something better than we got now...nothing. I don't think Bowden will be able to focus on anything until after Adam Dunn is signed, most likely by us.

Second Verse, Same as the First

The Nationals aren't getting any free agents....so we're back to where we started. According to MLB.com

It means that Nick Johnson will continue to be the everyday first baseman...

Or at least until he pulls his groin in May...that is, if he's ready by then...

Johnson said recently that he is expected to swing the bat sometime this month and be ready for Spring Training.

Patterson's Going Back to the Farm

And by farm, I mean Texas - where he's from - not the minor leagues.

Unfortunately, it all came to an end too soon for John Patterson, a member of my fantasy team for more than 18 months and the single ray of hope on a bleak Nationals pitching staff a couple years back.

In 2005, he had his best season - and even that was average. But he looked like he had the build and the tempermant to do great things. I remember sitting in the old stadium watching him throw and setting up batters with his good fastball and sometimes incredible bender.

Good stuff.

Good luck John.

Unfortunately, this may mean the last time Half Street Blues posts a picture of Mrs. Patterson...