His attitude? Or just the fact they've been sucking?
The Nationals Enquirer —
The headline on Nationals dot com seemed a bit surprising at first glance:
Lopez's attitude earns him two starts
Attitude? Just his attitude? But no. No! Read on: "We're struggling offensively and he's one of those guys who could get involved and maybe make things happen for us... He's kept a tremendous attitude and worked hard." (Manny Acta, via Nationals dot com, 4/18/2008) So there you have it. The formula is: 1 part team suckiness + 1 part tremendous attitude + 1 part hard work = two guaranteed starts AND batting leadoff. Hey, it's working out ok so far ...
Shake It Up, Baby!
We've Got Heart —
It was about time! We decided to skip watching or listening to the game all together (it’s been a rough two weeks) and instead drive south to watch the Potomac Nationals on this beautiful night in Virginia.
Manny decided to shake things up too by rewarding Felipe Lopez’s patience and good attitude with two consecutive starts and the lead-off spot. The move was an effort to jump start the offense — and it worked. Lopez led off the first inning with a double. Overall, he had a 3 for 5 night with 2 runs scored and a stolen base. I really like this move. If Felipe could keep this going, we could actually have a legitimate speedy lead-off guy. Tonight was ...
Nationals vs Marlins: Game Report..."Empty Dolphin-Blue and Orange Seats."
Federal Baseball —
... Felipe Lopez earned the start at second (and short tomorrow), because, "...He's kept a tremendous attitude and worked hard," according to Manny Acta, who is quoted in MLB.com's Bill Ladson's article entitled, "Lopez's attitude earns him two starts", stating that Lopez's professional approach this season, especially after losing out at second and short to Cristian Guzman and Ronnie Belliard, is behind the decision, as he relays to Mr. Ladson: ...
