While the team takes one, I’m planning on taking a few more. Perhaps Steph will be here to keep things up to date, perhaps not. But I need some time for myself. This season has taken a toll on all of us. I sat through every single one of those six losses this homestand. Combine that with the draft debacle and the trade of Luis Ayala, and I just really need some time before I can care about this team again.
Luis Ayala struggled this year, no doubt, but he’s been strong in seasons past. We try here to be unemotional and unbiased - to see the big picture. From a baseball perspective, I’m sure it makes sense. Check all the wonderful Nats blogs out there for reasons why. But I’m still a fan and as a fan, I still have favorites. For me, it’s really hard to see him go. He was the longest tenured player with the organization, and though he requested the trade and will probably prosper in a fresh environment, his exit interview was emotional. He’s a good guy - always laughing, smiling and teasing his teammates in the bullpen. We’re going to miss him, but we wish him the best in New York.
Entries (RSS)
August 18th, 2008 at 8:32 am
Have fun. You do a great job here.
August 18th, 2008 at 8:53 am
Good point about Ayala.
I’m gonna miss him. he is a legit set-up quality reliever, and he should have been given the closer’s role after the Rauch trade, even if he has struggled a little this year.
Vaya bien, Luis. Que suerte in NY.
August 18th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
I can understand needing a break sometimes. That said, hope to see you up and posting again at some point. I’ve appreciated the upbeat perspective here, and it’s also nice to see somebody representing the female fanbase.
I can relate to the feeling of loss concerning a favorite player. That’s a part of the business of baseball that I find difficult at times. Re. Ayala, hope that he’s able to pull it together with his new team. We are down to just a few original Expos now…
August 18th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
I’m reflecting too. It was such a frustrating homestand. They played with no heart. It looked like Lastings and Belliard were the only people who gave a crap this weekend. Manny has lost this team.
I was really hoping they would be competitive to end the season - but they are playing worse than ever. I’ve got people in my season ticket plan who will probably drop out.
On Ayala - he stunk. But I understand your affinity for him. I will say that he had a classy act on Thursday night (or Wednesday) - the kid who said, “play ball” from the top of the dug out was wearing an Ayala jersey. Luis went over and gave him a ball, said something, and pointed to his jersey.