BBTF.org/m/nationals : Nationals to Unveil New Racing President on Saturday

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

WaPo | Ryan Mattheus breaks throwing hand punching a locker, adds to bullpen disarray

(www.washingtonpost.com)

posted 4 days ago by Coot Veal and Cot Deal make $486 every day to dumbness, nationals | 15 comment(s)

The disarray in the Nationals’ bullpen reached a bizarre and self-inflicted new height Monday night. After the Nationals’ 8-0 loss to the Giants, Manager Davey Johnson revealed that set-up man Ryan Mattheus had broken his right hand Sunday when he punched his locker after a dreadful performance, landing him on the disabled list and leaving the Nationals scrambling for fresh arms.

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51. flournoy posted on January 24, 2013 at 09:34 PM # hit 0 | hit 0

They should definitely start doing presidents races with Ben Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, and Thomas Edison.

52. GregD posted on January 24, 2013 at 09:44 PM # hit 0 | hit 0

They should definitely start doing presidents races with Ben Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, and Thomas Edison.

and Martin Sheen

Grant would be an awesome Civil War anniversary pick.

53. NattyBoh posted on January 24, 2013 at 09:45 PM # hit 0 | hit 0

To recognize our LGBT citizens they could choose James Buchanan.
To honor philanderers, Grover Cleveland.
To mourn the murdered, Warren Harding.
To give truth to the phrase behind every successful man stands a woman, Woodrow Wilson.

I'm waiting with baited breath.

54. Pat Rapper's Delight posted on January 24, 2013 at 09:57 PM # hit 0 | hit 0

This whole thread is awesome. Thanks to all of you for playing!

55. BourbonSamurai, vassal of the Harpsburg Empire posted on January 24, 2013 at 09:59 PM # hit 0 | hit 0

BTW is anyone going to Natsfest on saturday? I have never been to such a thing and am considering it.

and Martin Sheen

and Bill Pullman.

56. asinwreck posted on January 24, 2013 at 10:01 PM # hit 0 | hit 0

Probably won't be Wilson post-stroke.

57. GregD posted on January 24, 2013 at 10:05 PM # hit 0 | hit 0

Probably won't be Wilson post-stroke.

58. jdennis posted on January 24, 2013 at 10:09 PM # hit 0 | hit 0

need to think in terms of marketing:

who is the most well known?
who is the most funny looking?
who has a connection to baseball and/or the city/team itself?
what are the marketing tie-ins?

my guesses are taft or fdr

59. jobu posted on January 24, 2013 at 10:12 PM # hit 0 | hit 0

They'll never pick Nixon, but he would offer the most entertainment value. Clinton would be awesome as well.

How about Jefferson Davis? Or David Rice Atchison.

60. Gonfalon Bubble posted on January 24, 2013 at 10:12 PM # hit 0 | hit 0

I foresee a giant Al Gore head poised on the starting line, when a giant Antonin Scalia head says "Just where do you think YOU'RE going?"

61. Jolly Old St. Nick Done Jumped The Ship

posted on January 24, 2013 at 10:16 PM # hit 0 | hit 0

A very special episode of the racing presidents would be awesome...Wilson in a bed wheeled by wife, FDR in the chair, Eisenhower with his cane and Nixon chasing behind him, Reagan on his operating room bed, Coolidge with a microphone

And for Ladies' Night they could stage a giant jello wrestling event featuring Sally Hemmings, Kay Summersby, Nan Britton, Lucy Mercer, Marilyn Monroe, Paula Jones and Monica Lewinsky.

62. Random Transaction Generator posted on January 24, 2013 at 10:16 PM # hit 0 | hit 0

Maybe a giant Alexander Haig tries to join everyone at the starting line?

63. GregD posted on January 24, 2013 at 10:18 PM # hit 0 | hit 0

Andrew Jackson gets a gun? Sponsored by the NRA and by the Coalition against Gun Violence in a joint production?

64. Steve Sparks Flying Everywhere posted on January 24, 2013 at 10:32 PM # hit 0 | hit 0

I vote for Dwayne Elizondo Mountain Dew Herbert Camacho

65. jobu posted on January 24, 2013 at 10:39 PM # hit 0 | hit 0

President David Palmer, in a Cleveland Indians uniform.

66. Walt Davis posted on January 25, 2013 at 03:21 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

Madison -- with "Madison Blues" as his walk-up music

67. Toby posted on January 25, 2013 at 06:45 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

great ideas - but in all seriousness, my guess would be Eisenhower, I think the marketing potential there could be pretty huge -- assuming the Nats or MLB are able to safely sell buttons and shirts with "I Like Ike" without violating anyone else's intellectual property rights. Every Nats fan would want one. The promotional campaign writes itself, and is almost guaranteed to rake in money. It also allows you a built-in excuse for the Nats to put out an alternative military-camouflage jersey and other military-style products.

68. Bitter Mouse is a genre addict posted on January 25, 2013 at 09:58 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

Maybe an all military presidents race? Washington, Ike, Grant, and Jackson (Maybe Taylor also and I am sure others I am forgetting).

69. ThisElevatorIsDrivingMeUpTheWall posted on January 25, 2013 at 10:00 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

FDR could work if they picked a fan every game to push him in the race.

70. McCoy Wilfong for Money posted on January 25, 2013 at 10:05 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

Maybe an all military presidents race? Washington, Ike, Grant, and Jackson (Maybe Taylor also and I am sure others I am forgetting).

Yep, like almost all of them.

71. Tom Nawrocki posted on January 25, 2013 at 10:14 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

A very special episode of the racing presidents would be awesome...Wilson in a bed wheeled by wife, FDR in the chair, Eisenhower with his cane and Nixon chasing behind him, Reagan on his operating room bed, Coolidge with a microphone

They could have a Zachary Taylor who was forced to spend the entire top of the seventh eating cherries with warm milk.

72. Yeaarrgghhhh posted on January 25, 2013 at 10:21 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

I absolutely love the idea of a fake presidents race: Martin Sheen, Bill Pullman, Morgan Freeman, Michael Douglas, and Harrison Ford.

73. Gonfalon Bubble posted on January 25, 2013 at 10:21 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

I thought eating cherries and warm milk was more Bill Clinton's thing.

74. jobu posted on January 25, 2013 at 10:25 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

I absolutely love the idea of a fake presidents race: Martin Sheen, Bill Pullman, Morgan Freeman, Michael Douglas, and Harrison Ford.

Dennis Haysbert clearly must be included.

75. Yeaarrgghhhh posted on January 25, 2013 at 10:43 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

I knew there was some obvious guy I was missing.

76. Bitter Mouse is a genre addict posted on January 25, 2013 at 10:55 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

Yep, like almost all of them.

Hey I was restricting myself to Generals and those that made their name and ignoring the Carters and JFKs (yes he was famous for PT-109, but it wasn't his main claim to fame). SOrry for not being clear.

77. Tom T posted on January 25, 2013 at 11:29 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

Hey I was restricting myself to Generals and those that made their name and ignoring the Carters and JFKs (yes he was famous for PT-109, but it wasn't his main claim to fame). SOrry for not being clear.

Don't forget both Harrisons, then, even if they only achieved the rank of General in the militia/Volunteers.

78. zonk posted on January 25, 2013 at 11:32 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

Hey I was restricting myself to Generals and those that made their name and ignoring the Carters and JFKs (yes he was famous for PT-109, but it wasn't his main claim to fame). SOrry for not being clear.

Well, up until the 20th century -- most of them were... Setting aside a couple of the nerdier founders (TJ, Adams, and Madison) - I think every President until the 20th century except Lincoln had been at least a colonel... maybe Polk, my recollection is he just served in the militia too.

79. TomH posted on January 25, 2013 at 11:39 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

What we need here is Vegas-style odds board. There are only about 35 options, which ain't far off from MLB/NFL/NBA/NHL league.

I say Harrison is 200-1.

80. Commissioner Bud Black Beltre Hillman posted on January 25, 2013 at 12:03 PM # hit 0 | hit 0

In recognition of the Expo legacy, Charles De Gaulle.

probably not recognizable enough. How about Napoleon?

81. jobu posted on January 25, 2013 at 12:14 PM # hit 0 | hit 0

probably not recognizable enough. How about Napoleon?

Pierre Trudeau. Guy Caballero.

My prediction: JFK, followed by some very unfortunate assassination miming from beer-addled fans (let's face it, there would be some fans who couldn't resist pretending to nail him coming around a turn), creating a PR disaster and causing a quick retirement of the costume. I consider this scenario in its entirety highly likely--something like 5:1 odds.

82. Bitter Mouse is a genre addict posted on January 25, 2013 at 12:28 PM # hit 0 | hit 0

I think JFK is fairly likely. I would not be surprised by Ike or Reagan. I think FDR is a dark (iron) horse. I csan't think of anyone else likely (Nixon would be funny, but no).

83. Rennie's Tenet posted on January 25, 2013 at 12:36 PM # hit 0 | hit 0

My prediction: JFK, followed by some very unfortunate assassination miming from beer-addled fans (let's face it, there would be some fans who couldn't resist pretending to nail him coming around a turn), creating a PR disaster and causing a quick retirement of the costume.

Lyndon Johnson, on the other hand, would grow and grow. Great face, and a genuinely man.

84. jobu posted on January 25, 2013 at 12:40 PM # hit 0 | hit 0

Lyndon Johnson, on the other hand, would grow and grow. Great face, and a genuinely man.

You'd have to have LBJ in a porta-potty (with 2 aides pushing him) vs. FDR in a wheelchair.

85. jack the seal clubber (on the sidelines of life) posted on January 25, 2013 at 12:42 PM # hit 0 | hit 0

I think it'll be Truman.

86. bunyon posted on January 25, 2013 at 12:45 PM # hit 0 | hit 0

Carter. And introduce a rabbit to chase him.

87. Crispix Attacks 2: Swag Airlines posted on January 25, 2013 at 12:45 PM # hit 0 | hit 0

Wheelchair? Come on, you guys. It's going to be FDR in a BULLPEN CAR. And instead of the roof being a giant replica baseball cap, it'll be a giant version of this.

88. YR Misses Reggie Bars posted on January 25, 2013 at 12:51 PM # hit 0 | hit 0

#86 is gold.

I'd vote for Reagan myself, just to see someone a bit more contemporary in the race. They could bring Oliver North in to start the first race.

89. jack the seal clubber (on the sidelines of life) posted on January 25, 2013 at 12:52 PM # hit 0 | hit 0

Can't see it being JFK because of all the assassination jokes, but if they did they could have the mystery gunman to knock him off right before the finish line, and fans could guess at the winner....it's Oswald! No, it's J. Edgar Hoover! It's Giancana! No, it's Castro! Sinatra! LBJ! John Foster Dulles! Prizes to the lucky winners.

90. Rennie's Tenet posted on January 25, 2013 at 12:57 PM # hit 0 | hit 0

Edit's not working for me: I meant to say that Johnson was a genuinely funny man at 83.

91. esseff posted on January 25, 2013 at 01:04 PM # hit 0 | hit 0

Can't see it being JFK because of all the assassination jokes, but if they did they could have the mystery gunman to knock him off right before the finish line, and fans could guess at the winner....it's Oswald! No, it's J. Edgar Hoover! It's Giancana! No, it's Castro! Sinatra! LBJ! John Foster Dulles! Prizes to the lucky winners.

And just to give pause to the guessers, they could roll turf over the pitcher's mound to make it a grassy knoll.

92. Random Transaction Generator posted on January 25, 2013 at 01:26 PM # hit 0 | hit 0

If I were to put money on it, I'd pick Taft. An hilariously round body with the giant head would be funny to watch, and would appeal to the overweight fans.

93. simon bedford posted on January 25, 2013 at 01:40 PM # hit 0 | hit 0

i vote for rutherford b hayes and his fantastic beard!

94. Joey B. has ignited his October #Natitude posted on January 25, 2013 at 03:12 PM # hit 0 | hit 0

Gerald Ford, and he starts off each race by falling down the stairs onto the field.

95. Slivers of Maranville (SdeB) posted on January 25, 2013 at 03:16 PM # hit 0 | hit 0

great ideas - but in all seriousness, my guess would be Eisenhower, I think the marketing potential there could be pretty huge -- assuming the Nats or MLB are able to safely sell buttons and shirts with "I Like Ike" without violating anyone else's intellectual property rights. Every Nats fan would want one. The promotional campaign writes itself, and is almost guaranteed to rake in money. It also allows you a built-in excuse for the Nats to put out an alternative military-camouflage jersey and other military-style products.

He tried to warn us about the memorabilia-industrial complex.

96. Grunthos posted on January 25, 2013 at 03:18 PM # hit 0 | hit 0

What we need here is Vegas-style odds board.

I'm going to disqualify all the guys who are still alive (Carter, Bush, Clinton, Bush, Obama), even though it's not inconceivable that Obama would be selected. I have no doubt they've considered Obama, but in the end it's too complicated to use the sitting president.

JFK: no line ... The assassination issue is a huge PR risk.
FDR: 2-1 ... Extremely prominent, long-serving, wheelchair-racing angle adds cachet.
Eisenhower: 5-1 ... Everybody still likes Ike.
Jackson: 20-1 ... Distinctive, important, very prominently featured on currency, but can't be favored over more recent options.
Ben Franklin: 25-1 ... Yeah, sure, it's the racing presidents, but the nation's founding uncle is too popular to ignore.
Nixon: 25-1 ... Unparalleled opportunities for entertainment and comedy, would be a massive longshot (as others have suggested) except that he could take over Teddy's role of never winning on a permanent basis.
LBJ: 50-1 ... Recent enough to be widely known, very entertaining caricature, but association with Vietnam weighs him down.
Reagan: 50-1 ... Would still be seen as a partisan statement... give it 10-20 more years.
Grant: 50-1 ... Known more as a war hero than a president.
Taft: 75-1 ... Unfortunately, the comedy angle is the only thing he has going for him.
Truman: 100-1 ... No compelling reason to choose him over FDR, Ike, or LBJ.
J Adams: 100-1 ... Well known, but they're not going to want another powdered wig guy.
Madison: 125-1 ... Ditto, but less famous.
JQ Adams: 250-1 ... Even more so.
Wilson: 250-1 ... Too stiff, distant.
Ford: 500-1 ... Other recent options are much more compelling.
Hoover: 500-1 ... Well known for all the wrong reasons.
Field (Monroe, Van Buren, Harrison, Polk, Tyler, Taylor, Fillmore, Pierce, Buchanan, A Johnson, Hays, Garfield, Arthur, Cleveland, Harrison, McKinley, Harding, Coolidge): 1000-1

97. JJ1986 posted on January 25, 2013 at 03:20 PM # hit 0 | hit 0

Taft: 75-1 ... Unfortunately, the comedy angle is the only thing he has going for him.

I would take those odds.

98. RoyalsRetro (AG#1F) posted on January 25, 2013 at 03:29 PM # hit 0 | hit 0

JFK: no line ... The assassination issue is a huge PR risk.

Yea, that would be unfortunate if the head fell off.

99. Rennie's Tenet posted on January 25, 2013 at 03:47 PM # hit 0 | hit 0

If I were to put money on it, I'd pick Taft. An hilariously round body with the giant head would be funny to watch, and would appeal to the overweight fans.

Taft's hook would be a huge body with a tiny head.

100. zonk posted on January 25, 2013 at 03:53 PM # hit 0 | hit 0

Let's move the line!

Gimme a sawbuck on Taft while I can still get it at 75-1!

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Tuesday, May 21, 2013

WaPo | Ryan Mattheus breaks throwing hand punching a locker, adds to bullpen disarray

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