Still Hanging In There

Regardless of the outcome of this afternoon's game, the Potomac Nationals will come back to Woodbridge in first place. Considering that they've "cooled" to just playing .600 ball, that's pretty good. But better is that they've played toe-to-toe with their primary divisional foe, the Frederick Keys, and have held even.

Four weeks into the season, my opinion/assessment of this team as a contender has held up. They're second in the Carolina League in pitching in terms of ERA and also second in terms of runs scored. Zimmermann remains the team's true #1 pitcher while (Baseball) America's choice, Ross Detwiler, continues to struggle. This is also the case with Chris Marrero, whose saving grace is that he has remained somewhat patient with eight walks in 80+ plate appearances.

Detwiler, on the other hand, has been no mystery to the opposition. As previously reported, he seems to have no problem getting ahead, but just can't seem to put 'em away. Allegedly, Detwiler was pulled from his last start in the first inning after hitting a pitch count of 40, but I'd prefer to think that manager Randy Knorr was sending him a message. Some folks were carping about not letting him work though it, but I think it was the right call; it'd be one thing if it was the first time, but it's been every time so far this year.

Roster Moves
Leonard Davis has come off the DL with a vengeance, hitting .368 with 4 HR and 7 RBI in his first six games back. Movin' on up was Ofilio Castro, which not much of a surprise, given that he was promoted from Potomac last year and Davis finished the season at Potomac. At this pace though, the two may be switching places.