So far this season has brought bitter fruit from the big boys in Natstown. Last year's bullpen strength is this year's Chad Guadinesque mirage. The loss of Willingham and Dunn has so far yielded a chasm of LaMorse FAIL. But I think Rizzo's moves have made this year as much about asset management and player development. So my attention remains heavily focused on the minors. Our minors have made a great leap forward from terrible to respectable. We have solid, age appropriate prospects at all level of the minors who can contribute to DC. We have solid MLB experienced depth in Syracuse seeking to be led to victory and inspired by The Shark and his uber-Fans from DC. Nats minor leagues kicks off with the following matchups on Thursday after the jump.

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Trying one of these again, this time as a Fanpost. Want to talk smack about your team or your opposition in one of the three Fantasy leagues? Come in the room, you're welcome. You're especially welcome if you are a passionate fan of Albert Pujols (future HOF Nat in 2012!), Andrew McCutchen (future Nat once the Pirates can't afford him!), Pedro Alvarez, Jeremy Hellickson (souldrummer's pick for AL ROY and waiver wire gift from the gods) or are closely following this game right here.

 Following any games while the Nats are going on like Mets vs. Phillies? Let's see whether the Phillies rotation falls off of a cliff once Blanton gets to the mound. Or whether the Braves will fall back to earth. Or will Mr. X from Scotland Yard throw a no-hitter or perfect game as he escapes the authorities. Or you just need a friend while you're watching MLB tonight or the Athletes Marauding as Analysts on ESPN. Do whatever you got to do.

I usually hang around Sickels minorleagueball.com or some of the other SBNation sites when I'm not following Natstown. Today, I thought it might be worthwhile to see if we've got enough critical mass to gather as a Natstown/Federal Baseball fam and toss it around the infield while waiting for the next Nats pitcher to take the hill.

Greetings and salutations, ladies and gents! It's been awhile (like maybe last season) since I did a Fanpost. In part this is due to busier times, but in larger part it's due to my having nothing vital to say that couldn't be said in the comments. As we head into Opening Day, now is probably a good time for anybody who is interested to share something about themselves that they are comfortable with. We can herd some introductions into this thread so that people will have at least a little bit of an idea of who they are dealing with. Hopefully, this will be a good place for some of the newbs to feel a little bit more welcome and get some of the inside jokes. Also, I'm always interested in drawing the lurkers outside of their caves, even if it's just for one comment. Please rec this if you think it's worthy of long term value. 

A few questions to spark your minds and a couple of thoughts on Federal Baseball after the jump:

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Per request, I've decided to collect the iconz that I use in one place so that when I'm out at the park people can try to link back and post the iconz in gamethreads or use them elsewhere on the interwebs for their own maniacal purposes. A disclaimer: I'm going to start only putting the iconz that I've collected. Miss B has some more elaborate iconz that I hope she'll post in the comments or come up with her own "gallery" of favorite graphic designs and iconz. Rikki Tikki Tavi, The Cookie Monster, Bubble Gum Kong, The Stammen Apples, and the Super Strasburgs are all worthy of their own tribute. I'll put the iconz and what the connection is after the jump.

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Last night, I had the chance to finally attend my second P-Nats game of the year. The Potomac Nationals were tied 1-1 in their best of five Mills Cup Championship with the Winston-Salem Dash, and I wanted to see how they responded in the swing game of the series. Initially, I was nervous based on a rain delayed 7:30 start that threatened to cancel the game or make for an extremely uncomfortable loss. I was extremely interested to see how top prospects Derek Norris and Tyler Moore fared. Unfortunately, Sean Rooney caught the game and Norris DHed so I couldn't see how Norris' defense has improved. Norris did show his trademark patience and power, going 1-4 with a double and a walk. Tyler Moore's main contribution was a willingness to take one for the team. He was hit by two pitches and leaned into the second one to leadoff an inning and eventually score during his 0-3 night. All three of his outs stranded men on base, but I did get to see a flash of his power with a long pulled foul ball that landed deep in the trees beyond left field. I was also glad to see AJ Morris pitch a 1-2-3 scoreless inning in relief. The fourth round 2009 pick has struggled with durability as a starter and inconsistency as a relievee, but on this night he was effective in a low leverage ninth inning appearance. 

Gamer on the P-Nats 10-2 win, links, and key performances after the jump. The P-Nats will try to clinch their second Mills Cup championship since Nats moved to DC in tonight's game four at 7:05. Game 5 (if necessary) will be in Potomac Saturday at 6:35.

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Nationals top minor league prospect Derek Norris had a rough opening game against the Winston-Salem Dash. On Monday night, Stephen Sauer silenced the P-Nats in a 4-0 Dash Victory over Potomac with eight shutout innings. Norris was most conspicuous among the missing and accounted for three of Sauer's six strikeouts and one of closer Tyson Corley's two strikeouts for the dreaded Golden Sombrero (four Ks).

Last night, Norris bounced back to lead the Potomac charge. It started out early with Norris gunning down would be basestealer Brandon Short in the first inning to stifle a Dash rally in the first. Questions remain about Norris' defense but his arm is not one of them. According to last night's broadcaster he's thrown out over 50% of would be basestealers. After showing off his arm, he then brought out the bat. Down 1-0 entering the top of the 4th, Norris revived the offense with a leadoff double in front of Jamar Walton's two run homer to give Potomac a 2-1 lead. Down 3-2 and six outs a way from having to sweep three games in Potomac to win the series, Potomac had men on first and third with one out, a situation where Potomac simply had to score to stay in the series. Norris delivered with a game tying single. A Bill Rhinehart sacrifice fly and a Tyler Moore RBI single gave Potomac the 5-3 victory over the Dash that they needed to tie the series up at 1-1.

2009 third round draft pick Trevor Holder earns kudos for keeping Potomac in the game by scattering eight hits to allow two runs in 5 2/3. Zach Dials gave up one run in 1 2/3 to earn the win, and Pat McCoy was the pitching star by pitching two scoreless, uneventful innings to seal the game with his first save of the playoffs.

For those looking to catch some ball while the DC Nats are on the road, the P-Nats return home Thursday (7:05), Friday (7:05), and Saturday (6:35 if necessary) as they continue their quest for the Mills Cup. Player performances and a couple links after the jump:

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I must admit that Rafael Nadal booted the baseball off the radio for me a bit early last night. Both my P-Nats and Nats took a beating and I bailed early. The Derek Norris golden sombrero didn't help my mood either. But baseball's everyday! MLB pennant race? Bah! It's all about the Mills Cup Finals! Not many teams left, but here's a spot to proclaim the greatness of "clutch" in the minor league playoffs.

Can't wait until AFL starts. Can't wait until AFL starts. Can't wait until AFL starts. Can't wait until AFL starts. Can't wait until AFL starts. Can't wait until AFL starts. Can't wait until AFL starts. Can't wait until AFL starts. Can't wait until AFL starts.Can't wait until AFL starts.Can't wait until AFL starts.Can't wait until AFL starts.

In short postseason series, you never know who will respond well to challenges. For Harrisburg so far, staff ace Tom Milone has answered the call, rebounding well after a rough first inning in Game 1. But we're as interested in progress and process as much as results in the extra games. Steve Lombardozzi has been consistent all year. He's risen to the challenge, hitting 4-13 with six walks so far. But the biggest position player prospects on Harrisburg are Michael Burgess in right field and the oft debated Chris Marrero at first base. So far, both have struggled. Chris Marrero is hitting .250 right now. Of greater concern he has shown no power against the top talent of the Eastern League and has no extra base hits. Michael Burgess questions are about can he have consistent contact. So far, he's 0-10, with 3BB and 4 stikeouts. 

In Potomac, top position prospect Derek Norris and Carolina League MVP (and probably Nats minor league Player of the Year) Tyler Moore came up big. Norris went 1-4 with a double, a walk, a run scored, and an RBI. Much like he has all season, Derek Norris leads the Carolina League playoffs with five walks. More than any other of our position player prospects, including those serving as DC callups, Norris has the "walk tool". Moore busted out the big stick, hitting a solo homer as part of 2-4 day.

Late season addition from Harrisburg Bill Rhinehart was the hitting star, going 2-3 with a three run homer for Potomac. Potomac won 7-1 over Frederick behind a dominant 5 2/3 from Jimmy Barthmaier (W, 1-0), who gave up no runs and struck out seven batters. Solid relief work from AJ Morris, who allowed just one run in two innings and Pat McCoy, who finished the game pitching a scoreless 1 1/3 sealed the deal. Potomac is now up 2-1 in the series with games at 6:35 tonight and 1:05 tomorrow as they try to finish Frederick in front of their home frames.

Links on hold since I'm heading to Nats Park in a little bit. Harrisburg summary and prospect performances after the jump:

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Aaron Thompson has been a frustrating pitcher to watch this season. Listening to his start tonight, I found him to be a guy who seemed to lack an out pitch and was inconsistent with command. Early on he pitched around walks and three ball counts. Altoona managed to only score after a leadoff double by third basemen Josh Harrison, followed by a long flyout and a groundout RBI to Marrero, who wisely made the safe play and decided to accept the sure out at first. By the fourth inning, however, Thompson had racked up a high pitch count and the walks hurt him. Two leadoff walks helped lead to two more earned fourth inning runs, and his high pitch count forced manager Randy Knorr to call to the bullpen after Thompson finished the fourth down 3-1.

Offensively, Harrisburg was fortunate that the Curve seemed embarrassed by their lead and decided to help get Thompson off the hook. The Senators took advantage of a misplayed Marrero double play grounder to score an unearned run in the first. After a Stephen Lombardozzi double to leadoff the fifth, Chris Marrero drove him in on a clutch two out bloop single. Michael Burgess' grounder to third should have ended the inning, but an error by Josh Harrison allowed Burgess to reach base and Marrero to advance to third. Marrero scored from third on starter Jeff Locke's wild pitch, and the game was tied 3-3 heading into the bottom of the fifth for Adrian Alaniz to try to win the game in relief.

Adrian Alaniz, a recent callup from Potomac who had started successfully down the stretch, was hit hard immediately. He gave up three runs, allowed a single, allowed two doubles, and hit a batter to give up three runs. Harrisburg could only score one run in the seventh off of a Josh Johnson leadoff triple and Jesus Valdez RBI groundout before a Senators 6-4 loss to Altoona.

Potomac summary and player performances after the jump:

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Don't know the matchups. Don't know all of the squads. Not much of interest happening in the Harrisburg/Altoona game I'm listening to and the Potomac/Frederick game that I'm following for folks. Hoping Derek Norris continues to make his case for Potomac. I'm sure the wise souls in the community will spread the knowledge.

Football hype fatigue. Football hype fatigue. Football hype fatigue. Football hype fatigue. Football hype fatigue. Football hype fatigue.Football hype fatigue.Football hype fatigue.Football hype fatigue.Football hype fatigue. Football hype fatigue. Football hype fatigue. Football hype fatigue. Football hype fatigue. Football hype fatigue.

That's got to be enough characters. Let's Play Ball!

Playoffs are awesome and I want our teams to win, but half of them winning is that it gets us more games for prospect development. More than any of the game results yesterday, the most important outcome was that catcher Derek Norris, who may be our best prospect currently in the minors and wants to build momentum for the Arizona Fall League, took advantage of the extended playing time in an impressive playoff debut. He went two for three, scored two runs, walked twice and hit a ninth inning home run. And just for the folks who have questions about his defense, he gunned down the one guy who dared to steal on him in the bottom of the eighth before his ninth inning dinger.

Harrisburg found itself down 3-0 after the first inning last night. Staff ace Tom Milone missed his location on an 0-2 pitch, and paid the price when that pitch was deposited in the seats for a two run homer. A Stephen Lombardozzi error turned into an unearned run, and it was time to start wondering whether the big stage of the playoffs was overwhelming the young prospects. Harrisburg bounced back immediately and in a big way. In the top of the second, a Burgess leadoff walk, a single from Ofilio Castro, and a Brad Coon double immediately brought Harrisburg back to a 3-2 manageable deficit. After a Tom Milone fielder's choice erased Coon at third, the Senators managed to take the lead in a big inning. Lombardozzi worked a walk, and  Josh Johnson singled on an 0-2 count to load the bases for Jesus Valdez with two outs. Valdez's clutch two-out single scored two more runs and a later passed ball scored Valdez to make it 5-3 Senators.

Given run support, Milone got back to business and showed why he's the ace of the staff. Milone struck out 7, including four of five batters at one point, and held the Curve scoreless the rest of the way before getting pulled with two outs and a man on first in the bottom of the 6th due to his pitch count. Lefty  Victor Garate, acquired in the Belliard trade last year, immediately shut the door with a strike out and was pinch hit for leading off the next inning. (What no Riggleman double switch? How will Knorr ever get to DC?) Two innings of shutout relief from Hassan Pena held the score at 5-3 heading into the top of the eighth. Three singles and a strikeout set up a bases loaded one out situation for Stephen Lombardozzi. Lombardozzi doubled down the line and the rout was on. Harrisburg scored a total of five runs in the 8th inning before the Senators held on to beat Altoona 10-5.

Potomac summary, links, and player performances after the jump:

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I realize that most of the minors prospects are over and one with. I also realize that many here may or may not care who wins which minor league playoffs. There are still prospects playing of interest. There are still guys who will be prospects next year or who have just passed prospect status who folks care about. I'm focusing on the Nats two series, Eastern League semis (Nats vs. Pirates Tom Milone, who'll be on prospect lists next year vs. Rudy Owen, preseason Pirates no. 9 C+) and Carolina League Semis (Nats  vs. Orioles) three systems of interest to folks. Plus rehabs and other stuff are happening like Andy Pettite pitching for the Trenton Thunder.

So if you're interested post the lines you like and comment on 'em here. Enjoy!

AA Harrisburg clinched their first playoff berth since 2002 in exhilarating fashion. Bowie lost before the finish of the Senators game, but Harrisburg managed a triumphant comeback to earn their way into the postseason. Tanner Roark battled through 5 2/3 innings, yielding four runs, only two of which were earned. After Cole Kimball gave up a solo HR in the bottom of the 8th, Harrisburg found themselves down 5-3, in the playoffs but wanting to end their season with an exclamation point. In the top of the ninth, Sunday's hero Brad Coon doubled to lead things off and with one out Stephen Lombardozzi walked. Josh Johnson then hit a three run homer to provided the decisive blow in a 6-5 Senators victory over Binghamton. The Senators finish their season with a 77-65 record.

Potomac's game didn't matter in the standings since they've already clinched a berth in the Mills Cup. But like Justin Maxwell's walkoff grand slam to end the Nationals 2009 season in DC, the kids showed that they would fight to the end regardless. After Marcos Frias pitched six innings of eight strikeout shutout ball to conclude his season in outstanding fashion, AJ Morris failed to close out the lead in the ninth. He had help. A throwing error from Sean Nicol helped lead to three of his five runs allowed being unearned. But down 6-5 with two outs in the ninth inning, Robert Jacobsen hit a two out two run single to send the P-Nats Faithful home happy in a 7-6 Potomac win over Kingston. After a day off to rest and recuperate, the P-Nats will start the playoffs on Wednesday against hated Orioles' affiliate in the bandbox of Frederick.

Syracuse summary, Hagerstown summary, links and prospect performances after the jump:

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Shairon Martis' final start for Syracuse was enough to keep the Chiefs in the game, but not enough for him to earn the win in a 5-4 Syracuse win over Rochester. Atahualpa Severino earned the win, yielding one run in two innings. Adam Carr (S, 10) was tremendous. He got out of no out bases loaded jam Severino left him with and only allowed one of the three inherited runners to score. He then sealed the game with an efficient two innings and two strikeouts to earn his tenth save. Carr will be part of the Nationals Arizona Fall League contingent. Chase Lambin had one of his better games in a rough second half with a homer and two runs scored. Jamie Burke (remember him?) went 2-4 with a double, a run scored and an RBI.

The Senators needed some clutch performances to help keep their playoff hopes alive. Ryan Tatusko (W, 3-1) provided the pitching they needed with seven innings of one run ball. Finally, the Senators offense awoke to reward a solid starting pitching effort with an abundance of run support. Harrisburg scored eight runs and sent twelve men to the plate in an eight run third inning. Brad Coon went 5-5 on the day and had a solo HR for the first run in that third inning to rattle Binghamton starter Scott Shaw. Shaw immediately walked Tatusko after the HR and seven more Senators would score. Michael Burgess had a key two out RBI double off the wall to make the score 5-0 in the third as well. The rout was on as the Senators would go on to defeat Binghamton 13-3. With the win and a 1-0 Bowie loss to Richmond, the Senators will advance to the playoffs with either a Bowie loss or a Senators win tomorrow. The Senators play at 1:05 tomorrow in Binghamton and Bowie plays as 12:05 in Richmond.

Potomac summary, Hagerstown summary and key performances after the jump. Links on hold so I can get up early in time to see JZim pitch at the ballpark.

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Congratulations are in order for Potomac after a 2-0 P-Nats win over Kinston! Behind six dominant shutout innings from Trevor Holder (W, 3-3), the P-Nats won the second half Northern Division crown of the Carolina League. Fittingly, second half offensive stars Tyler Moore and Derek Norris were responsible for an RBI each in the victory. In game 2, Potomac rested their starters in a 7-5 loss. Potomac will now do battle with Orioles' affiliate Frederick in the Carolina League Battle of the Beltways in round one of the Mills Cup Championship. Games 1 and 2 are Wednesday and Thursday in Frederick. Game 3 is Friday night in Potomac, and games 4 and 5 (if necessary) will be in Potomac as well.

Brad Peacock has great stuff but the question is whether he can trust that stuff enough to throw strikes. Despite a fastball topping out around 96MPH, he could not command the strike zone in a 3-2 Senators loss to Binghamton. While he struck out seven Mets, he walked four batters and gave up three runs in 4 2/3 innings. Shutout relief from Cory VanAllen and Hassan Pena kept the Senators in the game, but the offense fell short in key situations. Burgess struckout looking with the bases loaded and two outs in the top of the 6th. Marvin Lowrance struck out with a runner on third and one out after a Binghamton wild pitch in the 7th. In the 8th, Josh Johnson was caught stealing after a leadoff single. Harrisburg remains tied in the standings with Bowie after Bowie's loss to Richmond, but they must discover consistent offense if they are to cap off an exciting season featuring Strasburg, attendance records, and a pennant race with a deep playoff run.

Syracuse summary, Hagerstown summary, links and key performances after the jump:

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Just trying to put up a thread for folks following along. Baseball > College football blowouts. Baseball > College football blowouts. Baseball > College football blowouts. Baseball > College football blowouts. Baseball > College football blowouts. Baseball > College football blowouts. Baseball > College football blowouts. Baseball > College football blowouts. Baseball > College football blowouts. Baseball > College football blowouts. Baseball > College football blowouts. Baseball > College football blowouts. Baseball > College football blowouts. Baseball > College football blowouts. Baseball > College football blowouts. Baseball > College football blowouts. Baseball > College football blowouts. Baseball > College football blowouts. Baseball > College football blowouts. Baseball > College football blowouts.

Hope that's enough characters. Let's rumble!

Garrett Mock made his own case for getting back into the DC rotation mix last night. After a rocky first inning where he gave up a run, he settled down nicely. Mock pitched six strong innings of one run ball in his first win for Syracuse, a 4-1 Chiefs victory of Rochester. His line: 6IP, 4H, 1ER, 2BB, 3K, 2WP. It's still hard for me to see him pitching many innings beyond AAA next year. His strikeout to walk ratio still raises concerns about control, and last night he was the kind of fly ball pitcher (4 groundouts, 9 flyouts) that Rizzo often shies away from. Nice to see him have his best rehab start, and hopefully he'll continue to pitch well enough to pitch in the majors next year. Second basemen Seth Bynum was the offensive star for Syracuse with a solo HR and two runs scored.

Harrisburg started the day 1/2 game behind Bowie in the pennant race and desperately needed some offense and clutch pitching in a doubleheader. Tom Milone and Adrian Alaniz provided the clutch pitching. Milone pitched a complete game, allowing just one run in seven innings in a 9-1 Harrisburg rout over Mets' affiliate Binghamton. Alaniz, a spot starter from Potomac, was the true hero. He gave up no earned runs in five desperately needed innings and earned his first AA win in a 3-1 Senators victory over Binghamton. Michael Burgess provided the thump with two home runs in game one another homer in game two. Chris Marrero showed up with a clutch performance hitting a home run in the opener and going 5-7 combined in the two games.

Gamers for a Potomac vic, a Harrisburg loss plus links and key performances after the jump:

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Syracuse's season is all but over but they managed a strong performance with their depleted roster last night. Ross Detwiler made a successful rehab start to earn his first win in a Syracuse 7-3 victory over Rochester. Detwiler's line: 5IP, 5H, 3R, 1ER, 1BB, 2K. Outside of one outfield assist from Brian Bixler to get him out of trouble in the fifth inning, all of Detwiler's nonstrikeouts were ground ball outs; he induced two double plays to help keep his pitch count at a low 56. He did run into trouble in the fifth inning, loading up the bases with nobody out. Still, he would have been able to minimize the damage with just one run if not for an error by Michael Martinez.

Harrisburg's offense was a major disappointment in a devastating Senators 3-2 loss to New Hampshire. They managed two solo homers from Lombardozzi and Burgess before Kyle Drabek was pulled in the third (probably to rest him for the playoffs) by New Hampshire. After a leadoff double to start the fourth, the Senators were no-hit the rest of the game. Aaron Thompson offered a solid but unspectacular 5.2 innings before Victor Garate (acquired in the Ronnie Belliard trade last year) took the loss with a run in the 8th. Six walks by Senators pitching were big factors in the loss. Since Bowie won last night, Harrisburg is now 1/2 game behind Bowie for a playoff spot but still controls its own destiny. Staff ace Tom Milone has a crucial start in game 1 of a doubleheader starting at 5:35 tonight against New Britain. Selfishly, I might be rooting for a tie in the standings. If it ends up tied, Harrisburg travels to Bowie for a one game playoff to determine who gets the final Eastern League playoff spot for a big time Battle of the Beltways AA style.

A Potomac rout, Hagerstown summary, links, and key performances after the jump:

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Perhaps Yunesky Maya could hear the Nats cries for help all the way from South Florida? Maya made another large step towards a callup and September rotation spot. After celebrating his 29th birthday Saturday, the Cuban righthander pitched five scoreless innings over Rochester before yielding a run in the sixth. Maya's line: (W, 1-1) 5.2IP, 6H, 1ER, 2BB, 3K. Jason Botts' fifth inning grandslam provided all of the necessary offense in a 7-2 Chiefs win over Rochester.

I'm liking this Guzman for Roark and Tatusko trade more and more each day. Tanner Roark provided another shot in the arm for the Harrisburg rotation Wednesday night, yielding only one run in 6.1 innings. Shortstop Josh Johnson was the offensive star. He had two doubles and a walk on the night.  After his leadoff double in the 9th, he scored the winning run on an Edgardo Baez seeing eye single in a Harrisburg 2-1 win over New Hampshire. Harrisburg retains a 1/2 game lead over Bowie with the win.

Marcos Frias had one of his better starts of the year in a tough season. He allowed just one unearned run in a 4-2 Potomac win over the Salem Red Sox. Sean Rooney's two run homer in the fourth inning was the decisive blow for the P-Nats. Potomac's victory keeps them 1.5 games in front of Wilmington for the division lead.

Hagerstown won 9-1 in a laugher over the Lexington Legends. Big story in this one was the debut of 2010 second round pick Sammy Solis. Solis started the game and pitched two shutout innings, striking out one batter. Paul Applebee (W, 6-5) pitched the remaining seven innings for the win. JP Ramirez led the hit parade with two runs scored and two RBI.

Links and key performances after the jump:

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The most important news for Nats fans from Friday is that Yuneski Maya's Syracuse debut went much better than his Potomac debut. In 4.2 innings, he allowed only one unearned run and struck out six although he was charged with the loss (L, 0-1) in a Syracuse 4-2 defeat to Buffalo. Maya's line: 4.2IP, 2H, 1R, 0ER, 3BB, 6K, WP on 90 pitches. Just looking at the boxscores, it seems that the issues are more command and rust rather than whether he can be a competent major league pitcher. Good news given our increasing starting needs for next year. Collin Balester continued to flash signs of dominating stuff with 6 strikeouts in 3 relief innings of work while giving up one run. Chad Cordero struck out 2 in one inning of work for the Bison to lower his ERA for Buffalo to 2.19. Syracuse struggled offensively. The only strong night in the boxscore was first basemen Jason Botts' 3-4, one run performance.

The beat goes on for Harrisburg. Starter Tanner Roark battled in scattering eight hits while still managing a quality start and giving up three runs. Down 3-2 in the bottom of the 7th, solo homers by catcher Jhonotan Solano in the 7th and DH Marvin Lowrance in the 8th helped Harrisburg secure a clutch 4-3 win over Trenton. Cory Van Allen, Hassan Pena (W, 2-2) and Cole Kimball (S, 10) combined for 2.1IP of scoreless relief to hold off the Thunder long enough for the comeback. Danny Espinosa was also recognized as the shortstop for the end of season Eastern League all-star team.

Potomac summary, Harrisburg summary, and key performances after the jump:

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I started working on today's minor post last night when I was amped up from attending last night's game. I wasn't sure whether I should put it up today after all that's gone on and I knew I was going to be late getting it up. I consider this a personal discipline and an FB service, so I'm going to do my best. I continue to want to do my best to root for the name on the front of the jersey and not get too derailed or down about things Strasburg beyond rooting for a great kid to find a way to be positive and personally handle this situation. For me, one of the best parts of combing yesterday's boxscores was seeing the persistence of Chad Cordero and his successful outing against the Chiefs. Cordero never was a phenom. He's just a player who loves the game, gave every pitch he could to the Nats, and is doing everything to maximize his talent with less than phenom tools. Everybody has their own way of coping with dashed expectations. For me, it's trying to take some positives out of the little things even as you genuinely grieve for a player, a franchise, and a fanbase. For those trying to turn the page, Yunesky Maya is scheduled to make his debut start for the Syracuse Chiefs tonight.

All gamers, a couple links, and key performances after the jump:

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The Chiefs got back on the winning track last night with a 5-0 Syracuse win over Phillies' affiliate Lehigh Valley. Former Washington National Sharion Martis pitched 7.1 shutout innings for the Chiefs and catcher Wilson Ramos hit his 3rd homer for the Chiefs (8th IL HR) while going 2-4. Danny Espinosa went 2-3 and scored as well. (Ed Note, 1:33PM: Tip of the cap to commenter Steve at Natsfarm: Boomer Whiting stole home again, too!) 

Brad Peacock helped Harrisburg continue their winning ways after Milone's strong start Tuesday night. He pitched 5.1 innings and only gave up just one unearned run in a Harrisburg 5-3 win over Red Sox affiliate Portland. Stephen Lombardozzi had an outstanding night, coming a single short of the cycle with 1RBI and 2 runs scored. Harrisburg now has a 1.5 lead over Bowie for a second place divisional playoff spot.

Bill Rhinehart's grand slam blast powered Potomac past Wilmington in a crucial 7-5 win. 2009 4th round pick AJ Morris pitched a scoreless 9th for his first career save. Top prospect Derek Norris helped the cause with an RBI double. The win helped avoid a sweep by Wilmington and pushed Potomac back into first place with a half game lead. Potomac resumes play Friday night with a three game series in Frederick.

Hagerstown summary, links, and key performances after the jump:

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Tom Milone continues to make his case for Minor League Pitcher of the Year in the Nats system. In a response to a question from Sue Dinem at minorleagueball.com yesterday Sickels wrote that Milone "is rather hittable, but the K/BB points to significant potential as a control artist." But Milone will continue to face an uphill battle with scouts at every level to prove that he is not just a AAA or AAAA pitcher. Tuesday night continued to make the case that he can silence the doubters. He pitched 6.1 strong innings and gave up three runs to earn his eleventh win of the season in a 6-3 Harrisburg win over Portland. Chris Marrero is breaking out of his slump and hit a home run while adding 2RBI. Jesus Valdez hit two doubles and delivered a clutch two out RBI. Since Bowie split a doubleheader tonight, Harrisburg now holds a half game lead over Bowie for second place in its division and a playoff spot.

Potomac, Syracuse, and Harrisburg gamers after the jump, along with links and key performances after the jump:

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There was not much good mojo in the system Monday night.  Aaron Thompson and his 4-13 record have been one of the largest disappointments in the system. Acquired for the discerning eye of Nick Johnson last year, he has struggled mightily since teasing many with a successful spring one early spot start for Syracuse. Last night, he was absolutely shelled and gave Harrisburg no chance to win. Thompson (L, 4-13) gave up five runs in the first two innings and eight runs overall in a 10-5 Harrisburg loss to Portland. Strong offensive performances for first basemen Chris Marrero (3-5, HR) and second basemen Stephen Lomardozzi (3-5, 2B) were wasted in a game in which Harrisburg had so far to battle back.

Potomac's game might have been even more heartbreaking. They entered the 9th inning with a 3-1 lead thanks to an outstanding six innings of one run ball from prospect Danny Rosenbaum. Upon entering to "close", Justin Philabaum blew that lead immediately without recording an out. Pat McCoy managed to keep Potomac in the game despite entering with men on first and second and nobody out by recording a strikeout and inducing a double play. The fans' reward? They had the privilege of sitting through rain soaked free baseball until Pat Lehman (L, 4-4) finally cracked in the 14th inning and gave up three runs in a 6-3 Potomac loss to Wilmington. Wilmington managed to at least slow down Tyler Moore. Despite an extra inning single that helped sustain a rally that fell short, he went 2-6 with the golden sombrero of four strikeouts.

Much fail all the way around. Still a few guys managed to be lights in the darkness. Links and key performances after the jump:

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Harrisburg vaulted themselves into the wildcard lead with a doubleheader sweep yesterday. In game 1, Tanner Roark and El Duque Hernandez combined for eight innings of one run ball in a win over Akron (7 + 1 extra inning). Roark gave up just one run in 5.2 innings and El Duque (1-1) retired all seven men he faced to earn his first AA win in a Game 1 Harrisburg 6-1 victory over Akron. Catcher Jhonotan Solano landed the decisive blow, a two run single in the extra 8th inning to plate Edgardo Baez and Ofilio Castro. Harrisburg patched together a Game 2 2-1 win with Jack Spradlin, Corey Van Allen, Rafael Martin (W, 5-2), and Cole Kimball combining for seven innings of one run ball.

Yunesky Maya (L, 0-1) struggled late in his first outing for Potomac. His line: 4IP, 7H, 6R, 3BB, 4K, 1HR. The P-Nats launched a furious comeback but Jose Lozada made the final out of the game trying to advance on a wild pitch in Potomac's 9-8 loss to Winston Salem. They still have a 1.5 game lead over Wilmington in their divsion.

Your Hagerstown summary , minors links, and key performances after the jump:

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Strasburg yesterday was a complete bummer for me, but we press on with the minors report. I'm as bummed about the lack of high quality close to the majors prospects to help pick up the slack after him as I am bummed about a potential injury. Interestingly, I read this on a minors thread for those looking for sunshine: "Felix [Hernandez, Seattle ace] strained his flexor in his rookie year."

The Tyler Moore Show is rocking the system right now; the other guys are just the supporting case. He had some video game numbers last night: 4-4, 3R, double, 2HR, 5RBI. Frankly, if this were the majors I'd expect there to be a one pitch or four pitch walk somewhere in there. He's got 28HR and 102 RBI in just 115 games with an .864 OPS overall.  Apparently, he didn't care for the Justin Bloxom as OPS leader in the system and decided to lap the field with that line last night. He'd have 39HR and 144 RBI projected out to 162 games. He's been ridiculous since the All-Star break. Over his last 50 games and 191 at bats he's hitting .356/.403/.764/1.167OPS after having just a .638 OPS before the break. That's otherworldly and might have earned a callup to a higher level if conditions were different. More highly rated (and far bigger signing bonus) Chris Marrero in Harrisburg is blocking him at 1B and Michael Burgess' promotion might be blocking him from an Arizona Fall League spot. Well done, Tyler Moore, and I hope this will get him some recognition on Nationals prospects lists going forward.

Your game summaries, minors links, and prospect performances after the jump:

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With all of the fail last night, it's somewhat bearable because Jordan Zimmermann was absolutely dominant in what we hope is final start for Syracuse. His line: 5IP, 0R, 1H, 1BB 5K. Sounds like the line even underestimates the dominance. He retired the final 13 batters he faced and only one of the those 13 Bats managed to get the ball out the infield. Inspired by their temporary stopper, Syracuse won 8-1. No matter what happened elsewhere, it's about the process and the future. Jordan Zimmermann is a big part of that future and he provided sunshine and hope last night. My suggestions on how to use this thread:

• Share your experience at Pfitzner!
  
• All questions asked minors thread. You got a question on the Nats minors, I'll try to answer it, research it, or ask someone who knows more than me after Sunday's meetup.
  
• Minors stat lines of interest from other posters who check the box scores. Michael Martinez fans, check the Syracuse box score here and spread his tasty utility skills to the people in the comments.
• Feedback on the minors posts to this point.
• Brainstorm an organized minors weekend field trip to the minors soon. Give the P-Nats another chance for their doubleheader on Saturday 9/4 maybe? (And demand our bobbleheads!)

I've got family commitments tomorrow so I will be out of town and unable to get the links and boxscores up today. Snapshot summaries of those who are less than Jordan Zimmermann after the jump.

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Probably the biggest news in the minors today is that Jordan Zimmermann is scheduled to make what could be his final start for Syracuse in the final game of the series against the Louisville Bats. It will be a matchup against Aaron Harang, who is also expected to contribute to the Reds playoff efforts down the stretch. I'm very curious to see how Zimmermann does against Cincinnati catching prospect Devin Mesoraco. Devin Morasco's hit grand slams against our pitchers in back to back games and victimized Syracuse starter Andrew Kohn (L, 1-4) in a Chiefs 6-2 loss to the Louisville Bats.

Jesus Valdez was the offensive bright spot in a 5-3 Harrisburg loss to Erie. He had a 2RBI and plated all 3RBI in the game. Garrett Mock's rehab start was spoiled by a three run home run in his final inning of work. Mock's line: 5IP, 4R, 6H, 4BB, 0K, 3R HR, HBP. Hagerstown played a doubleheader after last night's rain out. In Game 1, three 9th inning errors ruined a solid start by Paul Demny and an outstanding 2-3, 2RBI, 4 steal night for Eury Perez in a 4-3 Hagerstown loss to Delmarva. In game 2, they bounced back with 2RBI each from shortstop Rick Hague and catcher Adrian Nieto. Potomac was rained out.

Your links and prospect performances after the jump:

(Ed. Note: Links added 2:36PM)

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