So, is there gonna be a rumble in Washington, or what?

By Craig CalcaterraMay 4, 2012, 1:00 PM EST
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I’ve had a little back and forth with Nats fans on Twitter today over “Natitude” a the whole “Take Back the Park” thing for this weekend’s series against the Phillies.

Now, I don’t need to prove to anyone what I think about a certain brand of Phillies fan, so believe me, when I say this, it’s not because I think it’s just peachy that Phillies fans have made Nats Park their new home.  But that’s beside the point.  My view — and I realize not everyone shares it — is that the Nats should have just laid low about it all and not make a big deal over Phillies fans taking over the park.  I think that the whole initiative reeks of insecurity and may actually have the opposite effect, encouraging Phillies fans.

Check out the scene in Philly — from the Philadelphia Daily News — as people board buses for DC:

source:

Now, tell me: when they get to Nats Park today, are they gonna have a great photo op under the banner pictured on this post over at DC Sports Bog?

I dunno. I just think that you win games, ignore idiots and eventually you have your park filled with loyal, local fans.  Like any bully, you just encourage these guys with such a major reaction.

Ian Kinsler signs a two-year deal with the Padres

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By Craig CalcaterraDec 14, 2018, 3:29 PM EST
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Ken Rosenthal reports that Ian Kinsler is signing with the San Diego Padres on a two-year, $8 million deal.

A surprising multi-year deal for Kinsler, who will turn 37 next season, but it’s a pretty low financial outlay for the Padres. An understandably low one following a year in which Kinsler hit just .240/.301/.380 with 14 home runs and 16 stolen bases for the Angels and Red Sox. He can still pick it at the keystone, however, taking home Gold Glove honors there last season. He’ll turn 37 next June.

Kinsler will likely bump Luis Urias from second to short until top prospect Fernando Tatis, Jr. is called up to San Diego, at which point one presumes Urias will then, in turn, bump Kinsler off of second base into a bench role, at least if Urias performs. Given that Kinsler will not make much money on this deal, it’s not something the Padres are likely to sweat.