Alex Call Walk Off Now

 All right boys and girls it is time again to reach into the semi-recent Topps Now cards to show off one from this season from a few weeks back. This month's post is about a game from 04 May 2023 at home vs The Chicago Cubs. Bottom the ninth game is tied 3-3 Lead off batter Alex Call on the first pitch hits his first career walk-off homer. Home Team Good Guys Nats win 4-3 and take the series 3-1.

Alex Call 1st Career Walk-Off Homer

The card:

2023 Topps Now Baseball - 234 Alex Call Washington Nationals

Topps has been disappointing me with these Topps Now cards that just have a picture on the back and give no details about the game or event celebrated on the card. I still like them but jeez give us more info Topps, it is Topps NOW not Topps Whenever. The card makes no mention of who the Nats were playing. Alex and the other players in the home whites tell it was a home game and the walk off indicates they were either tied or behind at the start of the bottom of the ninth. I had to double check to see which batter and pitch it was, turns out he was the lead-off and it was on the first pitch. Makes it that much more exciting for us fans.

2017 NLDS vs Chicago Cubs Final Results

2017 NLDS

vs Chicago Cubs
Cubs Won Series 3-2

In much the same way Snoopy imagines himself to be the World Famous World War I Flying Ace, I have been the World Famous Postseason Playoffs Professional Procrastinator when it comes time to post about the Nats Post-Season events and this post.  Sadly no cards will be shown in this post. I need to just get this post out there. This was the fourth time the Nats made the Post Season in six years and this is only my second end of the series results post things. Last year I made a quite detailed post with a game-by-game analysis. 

So the players aka Teams in this drama, were the 97-67 Nats, their second best season record and the 92-70 Cubs (who just happen to be the defending World Series Champs) . Once again the Nationals had home field advantage which usually doesn't matter all that much or at all.

Kyle Hendricks, Stephen Strasburg - Getty Image patch.com

Game 1: Friday 06 October Nationals Park, Washington, DC - Loss 0-3
Sleep overwhelmed me so I didn't actually see any of this tragic game. Apparently the first five innings were just a pitching duel between Kyle Hendricks and Stephen Strasburg no biggie. Top of the 6th the damage began. Kris Bryant singled to bring in Javier Baez to break the scorelessness 1-0. Next batter Anthony Rizzo singles Bryant home making the score 2-0 Cubs favor. Top of the 8th Rizzo doubles to bring in Jon Jay beating the Nats 3-0.

Game 2: Saturday 07 October Nationals Park, Washington, DC - Win 6-3
It is at this point in the draft for this post that it has been so long since this series has played I don't recall how much of the remaining games I actually watched. So I must rely on what the Internet has to say about the details of the games. Good things started happening for the Nats right from the bottom of the first. Anthony Rendon knocks a solo homer in 1-0 Nats. Top of the second, not so good for the Nats right off the bat literally, the Cubs answer back with a homer from first batter Willson Contreras to make things 1-1. Top of the 4th things get a bit worse for the homie Nats. The Cubs Anthony, Anthony Rizzo knocks a two run homer making it 3-1 in favor of the Cubs. After loading the bases at the bottom of the 5th and not doing diddly a few innings later in the bottom of the 8th good things for the Nats started happening again. Adam Lind leads off with a pinch-hit single then Bryce Harper homers bringing Lind in and tying things up 3-3. Then Anthony Rendon is walked, Daniel Murphy singles and Ryan Zimmerman knocks in a 3 run Homer putting the Nats on top 6-3. Closer Sean Doolittle then shuts the door on the Cubs. Nats win 6-3. Series tied 1-1.

Ryan Zimmerman and Daniel Murphy - Getty Image

Game 3: Monday 09 October Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL - Loss 1-2
The series moves to Chicago where our Ace Max Scherzer and the Cubs Jose Qunitana duel for 5 innings. The Nats strike first in the top of the 6th when Daniel Murphy turns a dropped fly ball to left that then gets kicked into a triple. Ryan Zimmerman doubles Murphy home putting the Nats up 1-0. Then it unraveled in the bottom of the 7th Scherzer allows the Cubs first hit a double to Ben Zorbrist. Scherzer is replaced by Sammy Solis who gives up a single RBI to Albert Almara tying the game 1-1. Moving to the bottom of the 8th Tommy La Stella gets a lead-off walk is then sac bunted to 2nd. Then The Wrong Anthony, Anthony Rizzo hits a bloop single to left center scoring pinch-runner Leonys Martin putting the Cubs ahead 2-1 for the win and 2-1 lead in the series.

Max Scherzer leaving mound game 3 - Washington Post John McDonnell

Game 4: Tuesday 10 October Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL - Postponed
                Wednesday 11 October Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL - Win 5-0
Things turned around for this game after being rained out the night before. Originally Tanner Roark was going to be the Nats pitcher, but a few hours before the game started they announced it would be Stephen Strasburg starting on the mound for Washington. The game was windy and a little rainy but the game went on and the scoring started at the top of the 3rd. With 2 on and 2 outs Ryan Zimmerman hits a grounder to the shortstop who has trouble with the ball allowing Trea Turner to score and Ryan to reach 1st safely. Nats up 1-0. Moving on to the top of the 8th. Daniel Murphy singles to right center, Anthony the good Anthony Rendon draws a walk. Matt Wieters walks to load the bases. Next batter Michael Taylor hits a ball that barely escapes out of right field for a Grand Slam the Nats increase their shut-out lead 5-0 and win with it. The series is now tied 2-2 and it moves back to DC. Can the Nats win and move on to the NLCS or will it be another "one and done" year?

Michael Taylor hitting Grand Slam - USA Today Dennis Wietzbicki

Game 5: Thursday 12 October Nationals Park, Washington, DC - Loss 8-9
The final game of the series, both teams face elimination or advancement to the NCLS to face LA. The starting pitchers are Kyle Hendricks for Da Cubbies and Gio Gonzalez for the Nats. The Cubs started things off in the top of the first whenThe Evil Anthony (Anthony Rizzo) scored Jon Jay with an RBI groundout. Seriously? First he scores in one game with a bloop single now he's scoring someone with a sac grounder? OK cubs lead 1-0. Now we go bottom of the 2nd. Good guy Daniel Murphy launches a first pitch homer to tie it up 1-1. Michael A. "Tator" Taylor smacks a 3 run homer to the left bringing in Anthony "The Good Anthony" Rendon and Matt Wieters home. This puts the Nats up top 4-1. Top of the 3rd we go Cubs load the bases and with one out Addison Russell grounds out to shortstop but Kris Bryant scores Nats lead now only 4-2. On next batter Jason Heyward, Gio throws a wild pitch that scores Wilson Contreras bringing the Cubs within one making it just 4-3. Top of the 5th Cubs do some damage. Addison Russell doubles to left Wilson Contreras and Ben Zobrist score putting Cubs on top 5-4. Jason Heyward is intentionally walked. Next batter Javier Baez strikes out but Wieters allows past ball get away, Wieters throws to first but the ball gets past Ryan Zimmerman AND Daniel Murphy allowing Addison Russell to score. Cubs up 6-4. Pinch hitter Tommy La Stella reaches base on catchers error loads the bases. Jon Jay gets hit by pitch forcing in a run score is now 7-4. Top of 6th Addison Russel doubles to left (again) and Ben Zobrist scores 8=4 Cubs. Bottom of 6th with 2 outs Jayson Werth walks, Bryce Harper doubles. Ryan Zimmerman at bat with full count a wild pitch sends Werth home and puts Ryan on base. Score now 8-5 in favor of Cubs. Next batter Daniel Murphy doubles bringing Harper home 8-6. Top of 7th Kris Bryant ground out sacs scoring Kyle Schwarber 9-6. Bottom of 7th Harper sac flies to center scoring Michael Taylor score now 9-7. Bottom 8th Michael Taylor singles to center scoring Daniel Murphy 9-8 and that would be the final score.

Bryce Harper makes the final out in game 5 to end the Nats 2017 Season - Chicago Tribune

Series Results:

Game 1: 06 October 2017 - Loss 0-3

Game 2: 07 October 2017 - Win 6-3

Game 3: 09 October 2017 - Loss 1-2

Game 4: 11 October 2017 - Win 5-0

Game 5: 12 October 2017 - Loss 8-9
Cubs Win Series 3-2

Chicago Cubs pose for picture on field at Nationals Park after winning NLDS - Chicago Tribune

The Cubs moved on to the NLCS to once again battle the Dodgers who had eliminated the Diamondbacks in their NLDS (West). The winner will meet either the Astros or Yankees in the World Series. Last year's AL Champs the Cleveland Indians were eliminated by the Yankees this year's ALDS in 5 games. So the Cubs lost to the Dodgers. The Astros beat the Yankees and went on to win the World Series against the Dodgers in 7 grueling games.

The image at the top of this post is from the Series Preview at bleachernation.com

Nats Mentioned in this post:
Sean Doolittle
Gio Gonzalez
Bryce Harper
Adam Lind
Daniel Murphy
Anthony Rendon
Tanner Roark
Max Scherzer
Sammy Solis
Stephen Strasburg
Michael Taylor
Trea Turner
Jayson Werth
Matt Wieters
Ryan Zimmerman

New Skipper: Dave Martinez

Well here we go again. As of the World Series Dusty Baker is out as the Nats Skipper. In his place is Dave Martinez Fresh from the Cubs as their bench coach from 2015 to 2017. He was part of that goat curse breaking 2016 Championship team. As far as NatsPos connections he played for Montreal from 1988 to 1991. Martinez started his playing career with the Cubs before being traded to the Expos then played for the Reds, Giants, White Sox, Devil Rays. Then back to Cubs to Rangers to Blue Jays all in 2000 then finished in 2001 with the Braves. His coaching career began in 2008 with the now Rays (they dropped the Devil) til 2014 then went to the Cubs December of 2014.

Dave Martinez suiting up as Nats new skipper w/ GM Mike Rizzo

Photo from WTOP.com article Nationals introduce new manager Dave Martinez

I didn't think I had any of Dave's cards, but in checking The Trading Card DataBase I noticed his RC was this card (good old 1987 Topps Traded) which I have since I have all the 1980s Topps Traded Sets in/with their boxes. I might have some more of his cards from his playing days but I'm not sure. At this time I'm not going to check. I'm going to be lazy and use an online image of the card since it is a very common card. Not using a scan of "my" card may turn off some readers, but hey I like being honest. Oh interesting what looks like a huge sweat stain on his jersey is the shadow of his gloved arm.

1987 Topps Traded 73T - Dave Martinez RC
Images from Trading Card DataBase

2016 NLDS vs Los Angeles Dodgers Results

2016 NLDS

vs Los Angeles Dodgers

Dodgers Won Series 3-2

Back in 2012 when the Nats took their first trip to the National League Divisional Series, I was too excited and then too depressed to do any sort of review post. Then in 2014 I was again depressed by the results. Well this year, the third year in five that the Nats have made the postseason, I decided that win or lose I'd do a post about the series.

The NLDS is a best out of five games series, and much like the Wild Card "play-in" game it comes and goes too swiftly. 3 wins and you move on to the Championship Series (NLCS). Lose those 3 and your season is over. The Nationals for this series won "home field" advantage by having the better season record 95-67 to the Dodgers 91-71. In the long run home field gets the advantage of an extra game and the homie crowd for one more game.. 

Game 1: Friday 07 October 2016 Nationals Park, Washington DC - Loss 3-4

The first game of the series was a real uphill battle. Unfortunately the Nationals lost. The first inning was soiled with a solo homer by LA's Corey Seager apparently he is their golden child this season. The first pitch he saw he knocks it out. Good thing he was the second batter and the lead off man had struck out. Things would only get worse from there. The Dodgers would tack on 3 more runs in the top of the third making it a 4-0 game. The nationals were able to cut the lead in half with a two-run homer by Anthony Redon that scored Bryce Harper and Jason Werth. The Nationals would then get their third and final run in the bottom of the 4th with a sac fly by Trea Turner to send catcher Pedro Severino home. The Nats would make a few more attempts to score but no love there.

Game 2: Sunday 09 October 2016 Nationals Park, Washington DC - Win 5-2
Game 2 of the series was rained out on its original Saturday game day 08 October then postponed for Sunday. This game started out much like the first Golden Boy Corey Seager knocked in a solo homer top of the first. Dodgers fans were wetting themselves with glee. The next scoring was again top of the 3rd this time just one run Josh Reddick singled and Justin Turner scored. That would be the final scoring by the Dodgers. The rest of the scoring would be ALL WASHINGTON starting bottom 4th with José Lobatón knocking a 3 run homer scoring the Brothers Dan Daniel Murphy and Danny Espinosa. Then next inning would be last year's wonder boy for the Mets Daniel Murphy hitting a single to get Trea Turner in. Then the bottom of the 7th Murphy would single again this time sending Jayson Werth home.

Game 3: Monday 10 October 2016 Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA - Win 8-3
For Game 3 the fun moved to the left coast. This time bottom of the 1st. Yep you guessed it Corey Seager bats, but not a solo homer but a deep double that scores LAs Mr. Turner (Justin). Move to the top of the 3rd it is Jayson Werth's turn to double and for Washington's Mr. Turner (Trea) to score. Game tied 1-1. Bryce Harper singles and Jayson Werth Scores. Anthony Rendón homers deep left center (412 ft.), Bryce Harper scores. 4-1 Washington. Bottom of 5th Carlos Ruiz homers deep left center Joc Paderson scores 4-3 Washington. Then all is quiet until the top of the 9th. Jayson Werth homers deep left center (5-3), Ryan Zimmerman doubles deep right sending both Daniel Murphy and Bryce Harper home (7-3) he advances to 3rd on throw. Chris Heisey hits a sac-fly to left scoring Ryan Zimmerman 8-3. Nats take lead in series 2 games to 1. And that Mrs. Lincoln is all she wrote.

Game 4: Tuesday 11 October 2016 Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA - Loss 5-6
Game 4 could have been a historic game for the Nationals. It SHOULD have been, but alas it was not. Top of the first Nats draw first blood Daniel Murphy singles to right Trea Turner scores (1-0). Bottom of the 1st Dodgers come back Adrian Gonzalez homers deep right also scoring Justin Turner. (1-2) Top of the 3rd Daniel Murphey does it again with a sac fly to center to plate Trea Turner (2-2). Bottom 3rd Justin Turner (Wrong Mr. Turner) singles to left center and Clayton Kershaw scores (2-3). WHAT? Their Pitcher? Oh yeah he did get on base Blah. Then with bases loaded Joc Pederson is hit by a pitch again Justin Turner scores (2-4). Bottom 5th Joc Pederson doubles to left scoring Josh Reddick (2-5). Top 7th bases loaded Jayson Werth hit by pitch Danny Espinosa scores Nationals turn for that fun trick (3-5). Daniel Murphy singles left center Trea Turner and Bryce Harper score tying the game 5-5. Bottom of the 8th Chase Utley (Huh? Haven't seen that troublemaker for some time) singles right center Andrew Toles scores go-ahead run (5-6). Big heavy sigh Dodgers tie series 2-2.

Game 5: Thursday 13 October 2016 Nationals Park, Washington DC - Loss 3-4
Game 5 the one that decided the whole enchilada. This was perhaps the biggest dramatic game of the series along with game 4. For the first 7 innings it was super, then the hour and a half long 7th inning turned sour. There was some hope near the end but it was quickly extinguished. The scoring got started in the bottom of the 2nd with the Brothers Dan. Danny Espinosa singled to right sending Daniel Murphy home 1-0. The score would stay that way for most of the game until the 7th inning. It didn't help matters that the bottom of the 6th ended with Jayson Werth trying to squeeze home. He was sent by 3rd base coach as the ball, hit by Zimmerman who doubled left, was about even with 3rd base. In the top 7th Joc Pederson knocks a solo homer deep left center 1-1. Carlos Ruiz singles shallow left scoring Ausin Barnes 1-2 with just one out. Then Justin Turner triples to deep center scoring Howie Kendrick and Carlos Ruiz 1-4. The top of the 7th alone ran for about 45 minutes and the Nats break a sad NLDS record of using 6 pitchers in just one inning. Bottom 7th Chris Heisey knocks in a 2 run homer deep left plating Danny Espinosa and bringing the game to within one run 3-4 with no outs. Sadly that would be the final scoring of the game. The Dodgers move on to the NLCS against the Cubs.

Series Results: Dodgers Win Series 3-2

Game 1: 07 October 2016 - Loss 3-4

Game 2: 09 October 2016 - Win 5-2

Game 3: 10 October 2016 - Win 8-3

Game 4: 11 October 2016 - Loss 5-6
Game 5: 13 October 2016 - Loss 3-4

Alyssa is Happy

Extras:
Parody of Taylor Swift's Shake It Off by Keith Elgin (Video) 2016 Nats Playoff Theme It isn't great but it is a fun fan-made parody. He debuted the song LIVE at a restaurant Ben's Chili Bowl a DC area landmark. He also sang it live on local radio (WRQX "Mix 107.3") on the Jack Diamond Morning Show

To conclude this semi-sweet post. Thank you Nationals for an exciting season with an excellent run. Plus an exciting NLDS especially the drama of games 4 and 5. I wish this Post Season was not a repeat of the last two even year seasons (2012 and 2014). Sadly the Nationals post season record is much like the Capitals Post Seasons. Get to the first round then lose.

Frankly Friday: Dual Autos UD Reflections Style

2005 Upper Deck Dual Signatures Reflections

I think the first card I'm showing in this post was one of the first "dual autograph/signature" cards I ever got, or maybe not. It may have even been the first time I got an "on-sticker" auto card. I don't recall. It was almost certainly one of the first Frank Howard autograph cards I ever got. Anyway at the time I got the first one a few years back the National player featured was one of my top five Nats players, since then there have been a few more players who have come and gone so my top five looks much different and probably has more current players on it. 

So in 2005 one of the zillions of Upper Deck sets was called Reflections and an insert set consisted of dual autograph cards and some parallels of those dual auto cards. As with many autograph cards they are "on sticker" not on the card itself, I of course prefer the on card. Many of the pairs don't make sense to me anyway, but this pair is a pair of Washington Sluggers. Frank Howard and Nick Johnson. There are a few other combinations with both these players one is Frank with Dave Kingman of the Cubs and another combo is another Nats combo of Nick with Chad Cordero. I plan on getting those someday. 

The base card of this pairing I think I might have actually gotten from a group break, I don't really recall. The second card the Blue Parallel I got from Ebay for a decent price $10 or less. I don't have the patience to look up how much I got if for exactly even though it was only earlier this year or maybe late last year. So without further adieu here are the two cards.

2005 Upper Deck Dual Signature Reflections FHNJ

Frank Howard Senators and Nick Johnson Nationals

(Front and Back)

2005 Upper Deck Dual Signature Reflections FHNJ

Frank Howard Senators and Nick Johnson Nationals

Blue Parallel serial numbered 14/35 (Front and Back)

 

Franks, Senators and Nationals mentioned in this post:

Chad Cordero

Frank Howard

Nick Johnson

Update Edit: OK so I did look a little to see how much I paid for the Blue Parallel only $8.00 + $2.50 shipping (technically a little more than $10 that is because I had to outbid someone to win LOL). Oh and it was received 25 May this year.

Suzuki Shock Shift

Thursday 22 August 2013: Chicago: Kurt Suzuki and Drew Storen celebrate 5-4 win vs Cubs after 13 innings in what would be Kurt's final game as a National.

Say What? The day after beating the Cubs 5-4 in a 13 inning game the last of a four game series that Nats took 3-1, The Nats Trade catcher Kurt Suzuki BACK to the Oakland Athletics, the team they got him from last year. I am shocked. Kurt helped the Nats with his hitting and excellent catching last year for their fantastic season that got them a small taste of what the Playoffs are like. I know that super Suzuki fan and blogger Fuji of The Chronicles of Fuji is overjoyed with the trade. The Nats get some minor league right handed pitcher I have NEVER heard of Dakota Bacus. The way he's been pitching lately I would rather that the Nats had traded their closer Rafael Soriano than Kurt. Soriano has been lazy of late, he seems to not really care about the game(s) at all. He has a tendency to loose a large lead blowing the save and often walking the winning runs. I am not pleased with this deal.

2012 Topps Baseball Opening Day 132 Kurt Suzuki Athletics

Nationals mentioned in this post:

Dakota Bacus (Minor League)

Rafael Soriano

Drew Storen

Kurt Suzuki

Opening Day 2012 (The Home Edition)

On Saturday 08 April 2012 from a sportlots auction order I got the 2012 Topps Opening Day Base set of 220 cards (Now to find the Mascot set.) I got the set for 25¢ + 17.00 shipping. It only cost the seller $5.10 to send in a thin white bubble mailer envelope. The envelope got torn in my apt mailbox (which is the one the delivery person opens up the whole bank of boxes from) the set itself was safe in a small 400ct card box.

So to help celebrate the Home Opener (I missed the road Opening Day that was in Chicago 05 April) for the Nats Here are the Nationals cards that are represented in the set. From the top pic you can see the simple design they used with the player's name in the "surfboard" (as one blogger has dubbed this set) which actually looks similar to the graphic that MASN uses when showing the batter's name on the screen.

 Screen Capture from Video highight on MASN Sports Network 09 April 2012

Ryan Zimmerman on 2nd after first double of the 2012 season vs Mets in 4-3 loss

The colors used in the design use the teams dominant color matched with black and the players name in light gray. I don't have any of the regular issue cards yet, but from the blogs I've seen they swap out the gray with silver leaf which makes reading the players name more difficult on the regular issue.

The backs use the same color combination without the players name in white matching the card stock color.

OK so now onto the cards there are 8 Nationals represented in the set 4 of them pitchers including the official Opening Day Starter Stephen Strasburg who went 7 innings on Opening Day in the 2-1 Curly W Win vs The Cubs. He allowed 5 hits, 1 run and 1 walk plus 5 strike outs 82 pitches and a 1.29 ERA, however it was Tyler Clippard relieving in the 8th and throwing 14 pitches who was credited with the win and Brad Lidge with the save. Clippard and Lidge are not represented here, but Home Opening Starter Gio Gonzalez (I'm not impressed with him so far) is along with Drew Storen and Jordan Zimmermann.

First up shortstop Ian Desmond. One of the position players that makes some mighty spectacular plays. One of which seems to be shown in his card here, WOW what a picture.

 2012 Topps Opening Day 146 Ian Desmond Nationals

(Front and Back)

Next we have the starting pitcher for the Home Opener Gio Gonzalez.  So far from what I've seen of him I am not that impressed. I would have rather seen John Lannan in the rotation than Gonzalez. I don't know maybe he will work out I hope so.

2012 Topps Opening Day 76 Gio Gonzalez Nationals

(Front and Back)

Here is a big asset to the Nationals Micheal Morse at First Base. He is currently in rehab recovering from a right lat strain and is expected to return 10 April. I like action photos for cards in this one you can see his bat falling behind him it looks like a little wooden missile about to hit his rear, or a large wooden WWII German hand grenade.

 2012 Topps Opening Day 11 Michael Morse Nationals

(Front and Back)

OK now is the first round draft pick who is expected to be the wonder kid for the team for several years to come Opening Day Starter Stephen Strasburg. He did well Opening Day in Chicago vs. The Cubs as I mentioned above. If he stays healthy this will be his first full season following his Tommy John Surgery. The way he makes his delivery I always worry that he will blow out his elbow again which would most likely end his career.

 2012 Topps Opening Day 190 Stephen Strasburg Nationals

(Front and Back)

Now we have closer Drew Storen who will is out with an elbow injury and will miss the Opening Home Day.

 2012 Topps Opening Day 141 Drew Storen Nationals

(Front and Back)

Here we go with the only landscaped card of the Nats Team Set Right Fielder and Slugger Jayson Werth (I keep wanting to put an "A" in his last name). When Jayson was with the Phillies he was a big pain in the rear to the Nats, however since being with the Nats he really hasn't been that big a pain to other teams. It seems his best career years so far have been the ones with the Phillies. When we first got him I was really excited about his running/scoring ability and his decent fielding. He has been more of a let down, but he can still come through every once in a while. I just wish it happened more often. In the pic on his card it looks like he is trying to avoid a tag, but I don't see where the ball is. Maybe this was a scoring play? Or was it a "Hotbox" out?

 2012 Topps Opening Day 91 Jayson Werth Nationals

(Front and Back)

Now the face of the franchise for many years to come 3rd Baseman Ryan Zimmerman. Ryan makes many super spectacular plays that are difficult but he makes them look so easy. He also sometimes make really weird facial expressions, one of which is shown on this card. I don't think Ryan chews tobacco so maybe he's securing his bubble gum safely between his lower lip and gums.

 2012 Topps Opening day 217 Ryan Zimmerman Nationals

(Front and Back)

Ah and now the last card of this Team set starting Pitcher Jordan Zimmermann. Jordan was on the mound for the 2012 season's first loss to the Cubs. The team made a valiant effort and tried to come back in the 9th, but they were always behind this game. Oh well at least the Nats took the series before losing 4-3 on Sunday. Jordan went 7 innings (I'm glad our starters are going deep into the game now) allowed 2 runs on 6 hits and struck out 4 gives him a 1.29 ERA.

 2012 Topps Opening Day 8 Jordan Zimmermann Nationals

(Front and Back)

Now to get the regular edition team set, and possibly the entire 2012 regular flagship set.

Nationals Shown or Mentioned:

Tyler Clippard

Ian Desmond

Gio Gonzalez

Nick Johnson

John Lannan

Brad Lidge

Michael Morse

Stephen Strasburg

Drew Storen

Jayson Werth

Ryan Zimmerman

Jordan Zimmermann

Trade Rumor: John Lannan on Trade Block?

 John Lannon 05 March 2012 - Getty Images

Since last weeks news about Left-Handed Starter John Lannon being optioned down to the minors it looks like a few other teams are interested in him if the Nats put him up for trade: Detroit Tigers among six teams interested in Washington Nationals' John Lannan. The other teams that have shown an interest in John are: The Orioles, Cubs, Red Sox and Astros. I only count 5 teams there, the article and the connected quotes I've seen list the Tigers twice weird.

The Nationals have sent him down to the Minors and replaced him as the fifth man in the starting rotation with Ross Detwiler. Detwiler was the winning pitcher (and the first starter to get a win this season the previous wins were by the bullpen) in the 10 April game vs. The Mets. The Nats won 6-2 it was New York's first loss of the season.

Lannan's initial reaction was to request to be traded just one day after being sent down to the Minors. The Nats don't want to trade him just yet supposedly. Even though Lannan being traded is just rumor apparently the Nats are talking seriously with the teams that are interested in him.

Related articles:
John Lannan Drawing Interest from Chicago Cubs - The Cubbies would trade Marlon Byrd. Byrd was on the Nationals 2005-2006.
Cubs interested in Nationals lefty John Lannan - 
Washington Nationals' Ross Detwiler vs The Mets; John Lannan Trade Chatter - 

National Players Mentioned in this Post:
Marlon Byrd
Ross Detwiler
John Lannan