Not that the Nats are looking to make a move, but if they want a new look in the pen, Lehman is starting to thrive in Syracuse for the Chiefs. Three innings in July in three appearances yielding nothing.The Nats look like, in my book, ready for a bullpen "Freshening up."

I'd have disagreed with you about the Nats bullpen's "needs" until this afternoon, DM.  But today, both our setup man and our closer were lit up in consecutive innings.  But neither Davey Johnson nor Mike Rizzo is one to give up quickly on  proven perormers.  Still, if Pat continues to shine into, say, late August, he could well be in the early-September callups.  And if the current pen suddenly and inexplicably implodes, we could see him sooner than that.

Come on guys. If there is a need for freshening up on the Nats bullpen it's going to be Drew Storen.  Clippard and Burnett were due for a bump or two after their stupendous first half just as Henry Rodriguez' new-found control out of spring training was probably going to hit a few bumps... and obviously did after a month of reliable, if Don Stanhouse, closing. Nats pitching was unreal for the first few months but Stammen, Gorzelanny, Lidge, Rodriguez and everyone else started falling a little bit short of Mariano Rivera. Unfortunately, other than a spin in the Arizona Fall League, Pat Lehman never seemed to be considered anything more than an organizational depth guy for the Nats. Lehman does not throw the kind of heater that is the hallmark of what Mike Rizzo wants in his pitchers. Lots of teams could probably use Pat on the back end of their relief depth chart but it's not likely to be the Nats.

Clearly, I'm pulling for GW player on the squad. Sorry if I piss you off, Poog. Not meant. (just kidding). Do I think that our guys in the pen are that great? No. That's serious. I think that they are pitching well for what they have. I am guessing that the book on most of them, however, is push them deep in the count... make them give in. I think that they do. OF COURSE, that's what Nats batters do, so what is wrong with that?

 Nats have as strong a bullpen as any team in MLB. If they didn't, Lehman would have probay had the same opportunity as Mike Connors. I'd love to see GW with one of its own in the majors. I've just given up thinking it's going to be Lehman for the Nats.

Poog, the odds of them bringing him up are long, considering there are many more experienced arms at the triple-A level. I'm dreaming.

The tying and go ahead runs were both scored on wild pitches that were borderline passed balls that one of the 4 catchers ahead of Solano on the depth chart at the beginning of the year might have stopped.  Hardly an implosion.

I give up...

Pooh you sort of lost all credibility with your Henry Rodriguez argument. You simply must be joking. He throws the gas, but I would literally rather have any pitcher in there except for him. I have seen several position players forced to pitch this year with more control. Henry has single handedly lost us games on PAST BALLS ALONE. That is not a major leaguer. He needs a lot more time in the minors.

I am not saying that Pat deserves to be called up now... But on the way he is pitching alone, he deserves to be apart of the conversation. Please watch more games before discussing things you do not know. Also please don't talk about Storen as if he is apart of the minor league system, it is called a rehab assignment.

Hmm indeed. Storen is part of the Nats organization. Who said anything about minor league system? But he's as much of an addition (or freshening up as was originally referenced) to the roster down the stretch as anyone else not currently on the 25 man roster. As for Rodriguez, you're just plain wrong. And oh yeah, not exactly sure what a "past ball" is (is it one stitched by hand rather than by machine?) but a passed ball by definition is the responsibility of the catcher. No doubt H Rod had bouts of wildness but he's also had games (and the saves to prove it) that he showed lights out stuff. And he showed that control and consistency all spring, including the week I was down there in Viera watching the Nats.

I don't think Mr. Poog has any apologizing to do. And, further, he is right. The Nats pen will be "freshened up" by definition when Storen returns. Without a doubt it will happen and it will be good.

Say what?

 At least my man Rodriguez wasn't part of that debacle. Better yet, we got out of the rain after 6 1/2 so the pain was endured thru Charlie & Dave and then FP & Bob. 1st game today is HUGE. 

Poog, this is not a one or two game problem.

Poog, this is not a one or two game problem.

 This too shall pass. Starters need to go back to 6 solid in their starts. also need to take advantage of scoring opportunities

Hey herve. Someone's posting as me with some ferkachte love for H Rod. When does basketball start?