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Mood Music: World Wide Suicide by Pearl Jam
After breaking a record he probably didn't want to hold, Bryce Harper wasn't exactly in a talking mood. The Nationals outfielder declined to speak with reporters in the clubhouse after an 0-7 game with five strikeouts. Based purely on reputation, it's probably a safe bet to say far too many words will be put to paper about this. Not here, though. I'm willing to give him a pass simply because this is probably the first time he's ever failed in such a big way. No use crucifying after something like that happens.
Harper's rough day got started with a trio of strikeouts against Yankees lefty Andy Pettitte. The two had obviously never faced each other before, but Pettitte was well prepared for their first meeting. Marc Carig of The Star-Ledger has the details of Pettitte's approach to going after Harper.
LoHud is your source for assorted quotes and injury updates following yesterday's 14-inning game.
Positive words about Russell Martin alert. The New York Times has a feature piece on Martin and the difficulties of being a major league catcher. Tim McCarver is involved. You have been warned.
A couple more Yankees draft picks are now under contract. Sixth-rounder Nick Goody and sixteenth-rounder Stefan Lopez are the latest to agree to terms with the team. River Ave Blues has the details and an updated tracker of the remaining unsigned picks.
The team keeps saying Manny Banuelos' injury isn't a long-term concern, but is it time to start worrying a little bit? An A-Blog For A-Rod poses the question and I can't say they're wrong to be worried. This is the point where Banuelos should be pitching on a regular basis and building up innings, but injuries keep holding him back. It isn't panic time yet, but it is getting a bit concerning.
Russell Branyan continues to do Russell Branyan things in Triple-A. The new Scranton Wilkes-Barre first baseman hit his sixth home run since returning to the field last night, this time an extra innings walk-off against the Syracuse Chiefs. Bad day for the Nationals in extras yesterday. You pretty much know what you're getting with Branyan, and his teammate Jack Cust, but Baseball Prospectus put their limited contact existence into perspective. Baseball Perspectus.