Monday, July 13, 2009

YES


It is over! Manny Acta's reign as Washington Nationals manager has come to a close as he was fired early this morning. Jim Riggleman will replace Manny Acta as manager.

Manny Acta was a good guy, but something had to change for this franchise. Here's to what will hopefully be a new beginning for the Nationals franchise.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

We're Back!

After a layoff of over a month, we are back here at Has Manny Acta Been Fired Yet? As Manny Acta's presumably final days wind down, we will be here so you always will know if Manny Acta has indeed been fired yet.

June 18, 2008 Nationals (17-46) 3 Yankees 2

NO

Commentary: The Nationals had a great outing from John Lannan and were able to pull out a huge win at Yankee Stadium tonight. The bullpen actually held strong for once as Mike McDougal came on to get Robinson Cano to ground into a double play. The Nationals got just enough from the offense and were able to win a huge game and set up a rubber match tomorrow afternoon.

Saturday, May 9, 2009

May 8, 2009 Nationals (9-18) 5 Diamondbacks 4

NO

Commentary: The Nationals were able to drive in runs when they need to and the bullpen held tough as they beat the Diamondbacks. Ryan Zimmerman hit in his first AB of the game to extend his hit streak to 26 and the Nationals surging offense provided the needed runs to win the game.

Friday, May 8, 2009

May 7, 2009 Nationals (8-18) 11 Dodgers 9

NO

Commentary: After the first inning, it looked like it was going to be just another one of those days, with Jordan Zimmermann giving up 6 runs. However, Zimmermann was outstanding in his next five innings, allowing no more runs, and time for his team to come back, which they did. Unlike last night, the clutch hitting was there from just about everyone as they took the lead in the 8th. The bullpen tried to give the game away again, but the Dodgers fell short and the Nats ended the Dodgers home winning streak. Ryan Zimmerman extended his hit streak to 25.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

May 6, 2009 Nationals (7-18) 3 Dodgers 10

NO

Commentary: Sloppy play all around, the Nationals were lucky to be in this game as long as they were with another pretty terrible performance by Daniel Cabrera. To his credit, he was able to hang in there for a little while, only to have the bullpen make it even worse. The Nationals had a chance to make a statement that they were ready to play in the first inning with the bases loaded, but they couldn't get a run across. Clutch hitting seems to be a major problem with this team.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

May 5, 2009 Nationals (7-17) 10 Astros 10 - Game Suspended

NO

Commentary: In the battle of the terrible bullpens, the only result that would be truly fitting, a suspended game, occurred. The Nationals again came up with big hits when they needed them, but the bullpen refused to cooperate. Ryan Zimmerman extneded his hit streak to 23 in this game. All of the Nationals hits came from 4 players, but they got multiple RBIs from walks from Houston pitchers. The blame for this tie, which should be a win, goes squarely on the bullpen once again.

Monday, May 4, 2009

May 4, 2009 Nationals (7-17) 9 Astros 4

NO

Commentary: Two well-played games in a row. Sure there were some mistakes out there, but the Nationals came through with a huge 6th inning and came back from a 4-0 deficit to give John Lannan his first win of the season. Lannan pitched well except for the fifth inning when he got into some trouble. It looked like the Nats were gonna be their typical selves and not come through with any hits in the clutch. But in innings five through seven, they came up with plenty of them as they scored 9. Ryan Zimmerman had a great day again going 4-4 and extending his hit streak to 22.

Saturday, May 2, 2009

May 2, 2009 Nationals (6-17) 6 Cardinals 1

NO

Commentary: Basically nothing to complain about today. Another fantastic outing my Martis, a complete game, which was huge in that it didn't allow anyone from the bullpen to mess things up. Ryan Zimmerman extended his hit streak to 21. The Nationals finally had a break go their way as Chris Duncan dropped a foul pop up by Zimmerman with 2 outs. Zimmerman ended up reaching base and was driven home on a 3 run home run by Adam Dunn. Very good all-around effort today.

May 1, 2009 Nationals (5-17) 2 Cardinals 6

NO

Commentary: Well at least this one wasn't really embarassing, just another loss. Not the best of outings from Zimmermann, but thats to be allowed, he had two good outings, he's allowed a not so good one. Elijah Dukes is really killing this team on the basepaths as he got thrown out at third today after getting picked off first the last couple games. One bright spot: Ryan Zimmerman extended his hit streak to 20. So that is one good thing to take away from this team before Manny Acta gets his pink slip.

Thursday, April 30, 2009

April 30, 2009 Nationals (5-16) 4 Cardinals 9

NO

Commentary: As much as I want to lay all the blame on Manny for the miserableness of this team, it just isn't all his fault. Once again, we see sloppy fielding by "major" league ballplayers and once again the bullpen just can't keep the door shut. This could have been a win to build on if they pulled it out, but the bullpen just wouldn't allow it. The hittin wasn't really great either. Zimmerman is the only consistent player on this team right now. Everyone else either has a great game or they strikeout at least twice. But once again, the fault of this loss, is all on the bullpen.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

April 29, 2009 Nationals (5-15) 4 Phillies 1

NO

Commentary: While Scott Olsen got into some trouble, I'll give him some credit for battling out of it, and I'll give Ryan Zimmerman credit for a very nice play at 3rd to end that bases loaded threat. Garrett Mock also came in and provided good relief, and Kip Wells battled through an inning. Julian Tavarez came in and got the save. Anderson Hernandez and Elijah Dukes came up big in the clutch. For once, the Nats did what they were supposed to and came through with a win.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

April 28, 2009 Nationals (4-15) 1 Phillies 7

NO

Commentary: If it isn't the pitching it's the hitting or the fielding. Wait, it's always the fielding. If Lannan get's out of that 3rd inning only giving up the one homer, this game is completely different. Instead, Alberto Gonzalez gets his 6th error of the season, and Lannan gives up a home run. Clutch hitting wasn't there once again. You just can't rely on home runs every game. Christian Guzman, get healthy please, Manny needs you.

Monday, April 27, 2009

April 27, 2009 (4-14) Nationals 11 Phillies 13

NO

Commentary: What can I say. Another game that by no means should have been lost. Great hitting all-around. This loss falls solely on the shoulders of the pitching staff once again. Martis had a good outing prior to the 1st grand slam. If Joel Hanrahan isn't sent down to the minors after tonight, you can expect a sister blog in the morning. Kip Wells was pitching well, he should have stayed in for the 8th. (Ed: Kip Wells was removed for a pinch hitter in the 8th. I rescind the final sentence.)

Sunday, April 26, 2009

April 26, 2009 Nationals (4-13) 8 Mets 1

NO

Commentary: Great performance today. Great start by Zimmermann, and great hitting.

Saturday, April 25, 2009

April 25, 2009 Nationals (3-13) 2 Mets 8

NO

Commentary: All around pathetic game. Dropped ball by Dukes (Put your glasses down!). Terrible pitching performance by Cabrera. Poor hitting in the clutch once again. Way too many double plays.