THE BELTWAY BOYS: Zimmerman Hits First Professional Home Run

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Zimmerman Hits First Professional Home Run

Ryan Zimmerman more than made up for his professional debut last night. Zimmerman, who went 0-4 with two strikeouts last night, stroked his first homerun of the year, a line shot over the rightfield wall to give Savannah a 1-0 lead over Charleston in South Atlantic League action Wednesday night. But offense wasn't the only reason that the Nationals made the University of Virginia star their number one pick in the recent MLB amateur draft.

Later in the game, with runners on first and second, a Charleston batter smoked a line shot towards third. Zimmerman lunged to his right, stabbed the ball, touched the 3rd base bag and threw the ball to first to complete the remarkable double play. Nationals GM Jim Bowden has repeatedly said that Zimmerman's defense is ready for the big leagues right now.

Zimmerman has been promised that he will only be at Savannah for two weeks. He will then be promoted to AA Harrisburg as promised. Don't be surprised if Zimmerman receives a "cup of coffee" with the big club this September, especially if Vinny Castilla continues to struggle throughout the summer.

# posted by Farid Rushdi @ 8:38 PM

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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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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?