sports
THURSDAY | 08.21.2014 | EXPRESS | 13
THREE POINTERS
JONATHAN ERNST (GETTY IMAGES)
Don’t draft these guys
Nationals reliever Craig Stammen had pitched 9⅓ innings in August, entering Wednesday’s game.
Taxing time for bullpen With all the recent extra-inning games, Nationals relievers are getting a lot of work NATIONALS Winning extra-inning games is exhilarating, but it’s also taxing on a bullpen. Just ask Nationals manager Matt Williams. Prior to Wednesday’s series finale against Arizona, the Nationals were 10-2 in their past 12 games, with four of those wins coming in extra innings. While clutch victories can give a club great experience in pressure situations, Williams noted, they can also wear out relievers. “We want to make sure we’re mindful of everybody’s health and their load,” Williams said. “But we get in a situation to win a game, we have to try to do that too. It’s not easy, but it is baseball.”
Before Wednesday, setup man Tyler Clippard had already pitched 10 innings in August and middle reliever Craig Stammen had gone 91/3 innings — having appeared in extra innings twice. Drew Storen was called upon for five innings in that same stretch. And closer Rafael Soriano, who had three blown saves since the All-Star break, appeared in save situations in four games in five days from Aug. 13 to Aug. 17. Even though the bullpen has been maxed out lately, Stammen said the relievers have relished the challenge of pitching in crucial moments. “I don’t think it’s taking a toll,” said Stammen, who pitched out of a bases-loaded jam in the top
Not going the distance The Nationals entered Wednesday with a 3.18 starters ERA — tied for second-best in baseball. But the rotation has combined for just three complete games all year (three fewer than the Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw has himself), and they ranked 11th in starters innings pitched. (EXPRESS)
of the 11th in Monday’s 5-4 win over Arizona. “We like pitching in close games. All seven of us would love to pitch in the ninth inning with the game on the line. That’s what we’re built for, that’s how we got here. I think we’re excited to take the ball
whenever we can.” The Nationals held a six-game lead over the Braves and had a bullpen ERA of 2.81 — fourthbest in the majors — entering Wednesday. While Williams acknowledged the need for more blowout wins, such as Tuesday’s 8-1 victory over Arizona, he won’t be reluctant to turn to his bullpen in tight situations, even if fatigue is a concern. “It’s just part of the game. It happens sometimes,” Williams said. “You never want it by any means. But if you’re given the situation as presented to you, you’re given one choice. You can give up or you can fight. These guys fight.” JASON BUTT (FOR EXPRESS)
It would be easy to be lured in by the fantasy football potential of these players, but the risk is just too high. Stay away from these three at draft time. JEFFREY TOMIK (EXPRESS)
3 Rob Gronkowski Patriots tight end
He’s played 18 games the past two years and tore his ACL last season. He’d be worth the risk late, but he’s the third-ranked tight end.
2 Michael Crabtree 49ers wide receiver
The 49ers have plenty of receiving options and a runfirst offense. Crabtree has averaged more than 60 yards a game one year in his career.
1 C.J. Spiller Bills running back
The speedster is talented but underused. In four NFL seasons, he has 12 rushing touchdowns. Fred Jackson had nine last year.
verbatim
“The league respectfully honored my request not to officiate Washington. It happened sometime after I refereed their playoff game in 2006, I think.” FORMER NFL REFEREE MIKE CAREY telling The Washington Post that he requested not to officiate
Redskins games because of the team’s controversial name
Kent State starting center Jason Bitsko dies at 21 from an undetermined medical issue, school says
Ex-MLB pitcher Curt Schilling blames his mouth cancer on chewing tobacco