Financial papers

With the current round of financial leaks from Major League Baseball clubs providing some sorely needed transparency in the sports world, I wonder what insurance the Nationals might have to cover Stephen Strasburg's elbow surgery. I hope for the sake of the organization that it covers a lot more than just the medical costs - ticket sales next year may well be catastrophic. Unless they rush Bryce Harper into the starting lineup for opening day...

Quote of the season

When asked how megastar rookie pitcher Stephen Strasburg responds to adversity, Washington's pitching coach Steve McCatty replied:

I haven’t seen him have any adversity.

Good point, Steve.

Sending for reinforcements

Manny Acta is no more at the Washington Nationals. Apparently, balking in a run during an intentional walk is enough to get your manager fired. But you can't win a whole lot of games with two decent hitters and... well, nothing much else.

Jim Riggleman is the poor sap who inherits this mess. First in war, first in peace, last in the National League East. Have fun.

Speaking of people called to rescue lost causes, Aaron Sorkin of Sports Night fame is now in charge of the Moneyball movie. Best of luck, Aaron, and stay off the juice this time, ok?

A tale of three cities

Let me get this straight. This game started in Washington, and was finished in Houston, while the winning pitcher was in Pittsburgh.

As Phil Rizzuto would say: holy cow.