Yankees (and Girardi) – fine, professional group that on the weaknesses of our young team. (Nats got swept but all three games were close, and I think our boys learned a lot). Funniest part was three outfielders not understanding a double-switch.
Showalter – also fine, the O’s are like a sibling rivalry to us (except for the hated Angelos). We played them before anyone thought they would be contending, but the Nats lost the season series. It was fun.
Toronto – a blur of injured pitchers (two in our series, Morrow and Draybek). The only opponents for whom I actually felt pity. Nats were going through a lot of injuries at the time, but theirs were worse. Nothing funny.
Maddon – seriously weird guy and the Nats outplayed the Ray on fundamentals. Couldn’t understand what the big deal was about Madden when he and his team made a bunch of stupid mistakes. Easily outmanaged by Davey. Funniest part was Peralta and the pine-tar and then Strasburg holding out his glove and saying, “I don’t cheat.” Maddon also claimed that no player would ever want to play for Davey and the Nats after that. Um, right.
Valentine – unimpressive and a whiner. Complained endlessly about the umpires, left a bad taste. It was clear Valentine was offended by losing to the Nats. He also was easily outmanaged by Davey.