Favorite player of the night: Nieves
Uh, who is this kid? Well, apparantly, he was called up after about 12 years in AAA for his first game as a Nat tonight. (Update: I’m not sure the 12 years were consecutive…he was obviously a Yankee at some point.) Anyone notice how into the game he was? All through extra innings, I’m looking forward watching the guy catch and bat because he…wait for it…cares! Not to mention that awesome throw to second to catch the steal in the 11th…possibly the best throw by a catcher this season.
Nieves’ enthusasim stands in stark contrast to what I saw from many other team members the whole night–apathy. Guzman’s lack of interest, Belliard’s phoned-in performance, and Harris’ general strange demeanor during the entire night spoke of low morale and clubhouse apathy. Jim Leyland might’ve called clubhouse morale a “bullshit” concept, but it’s there, and it brings an entire team down.
And, it frustrates me, as a fan. I want to see these guys running, hustling, and getting plays turned around. I don’t even care if the plays aren’t that good, but don’t walk around in a city (DC, not NYC) where you have universal love and new ballpark with a pissed off look on your face. Guys like Nieves and Lannan deserve better than that.
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