THE BELTWAY BOYS: An Open Letter To Livan Hernandez

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An Open Letter To Livan Hernandez

Livan Hernandez's Rookie Card

Dear Mr. Hernandez:

Wow, you've sure come a long way in 10 years. Who could remember that you played in Florida, and were part of that Championship Marlin's team in 1997. You were then off to San Francisco and helped them win division titles too. Then you were traded to Montreal, and even there, in the hinterlands of major league baseball, you won many games as part of basically a minor league team. Each stop along the way, you were a stopper, the stopper. Now, you're part of the Nationals, Washington's team.

Whispers are beginning that perhaps, the Nationals are not as good as we'd hoped, and perhaps are more like that bunch who wore those funky "M's" on their caps last season. One more loss and we're below .500. This early in the season, that means nothing. But to the psyche of the National's fans, it means everything.

Mr. Hernandez, are you or are you not this team's stopper? You were in Florida, you were in San Francisco, and you were in Montreal. Washington needs you. We need to know that when the going gets rough, Livan will be there to stop the bleeding. So far, and I'm sorry to say this, you have been the cause of much of the bleeding so far this season.

If ever there was a pivotal game this year for the Nats, this is it. We can go home above .500, or below it. Fans can let out a sigh of relief, or they can stay away from RFK when the sky looks like rain. I know it's a lot to ask of you, Mr. Hernandez, but your shoulders are broad and able to withstand the weight of our request.

All of Washington will be watching. Don't let us down.

# posted by Farid Rushdi @ 9:07 AM

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Rasner Rocks For Yanks

What was it that Jim Bowden said when he lost Darrell Rasner to the Yankees through waivers last winter? Wasn't it something like, "C'mon, it wasn't like he was going to make an impact at the major league level?" Well Jimbo, it seems like some of your "minor" transactions are coming back to haunt you.

Rasner, a 6'3" righty from Carson City, Nevada, was waived February 11th by the Nationals, just a couple of weeks before the start of spring training. He was picked up and assigned to 'AAA' Columbus. He had some injuries this year, but it didn't effect his pitching. In 58 innings for the Clippers, Rasner went 4-0, 2.76. But wait. There's more.

Pitching on Sunday against the Twins, Rasner pitched 6 strong innings, allowing just 1 run on 6 hits. In two starts, he's now 1-0, 1.17.

What do you always like to say, Jim, something about "You can never have enough pitching?" Let's see, you waived Rasner, and he's starting for the Yankees. You waived Claudio Vargas, and he's starting for the Diamondbacks. You waived Byung Young Kim, and he's starting for the Rockies. You traded Tomo Ohka for a guy no longer in the major leagues, and he's starting for the Brewers.

Jim, if I were you, I'd stay away from the waiver wire. Seems like you haven't figured it that it's supposed to help the team, not hurt it.

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I am a 49 year old father of six. Born in Beirut Lebanon, I have lived in dozens of countries world-wide and ten states here in America. Although I was born in the Middle East, I consider Washington, D.C. my home town. I have lived in Pocatello Idaho since 1991. Although D.C. is a great place to enjoy life, Idaho is a great place to raise your children. My kids have benefited from the safe surroundings and quality education we have here.

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Big Changes, Little Names

Big happenings? Nah. Just happenings. Zach Day was designated for assignment by the Colorado Rockies and Capitol Punishment is reporting that the Nats have claimed him off the waiver wire. So we ended up getting Preston Wilson for nothing. That's nice. Billy Traber, he of the tight leash, was sent down to New Orleans and replaced by Mike O'Connor.

That's all well and good, but don't look to any of these moves making a difference in the play of the team. But hey, it's something to talk about. Right?