Friday's first pitch

Leading Off
Brett Myers finally got around to making that relief appearance. He gave up two hits, but no runs, in an inning of work.
The impressive part: He struck out the side.
Sounds like a relief ace to The Southpaw.
Myers, however, is toeing the company line.
Here's his quote from the Daily News about the possibility of closing:

"This being my first outing out there, no. [Brad] Lidge is the closer, he was perfect last year and I know he is having his troubles this year, but we all have struggles. We have to stick with him because he is the man and I hope to get back there to bridge the gap to him."

Regional Roundup

• Speaking of the Phillies' minor league system, Kyle Drabek looked impressive. The Phillies have their petal to the metal right now. Paul Hagen says they have to keep it that way. Jimmy Watch: 2-for-4, walk, run scored.


• Brian Roberts' grand slam gets the credit, but Felix Pie set it all up.


• On the field, the Nationals continue to struggle. Off it, is another story. Read about it below in The Closer.


• Who is going to be the Pirates' leader?

Best of Rest

• Michael Rosenberg says Ken Griffey Jr. is leaving us with his reputation in tact.


• Billy Wagner is back.


• The Red Sox head into the weekend with a sweep thanks to J.D. Drew.


• Speaking of the Red Sox, the Yankees could bury them this weekend.


• The New York press corps. has already begun its annual Derek Jeter-for-MVP campaign. Too bad he's not even the second-most-valuable player on his own team. The two players holding down those spots would be Mark Teixiera and Mariano Rivera.


• Russell Martin was a hero in L.A.


• The Cardinals also benefited from a grand salami.

Batter's Eye

• Evening Sun Sports Editor Chuck Curley passed this one along about unbeatable numbers. It's a good and fun analysis.

Today in history
1931 -- Babe Ruth hit his 600th home run as the Yankees beat the St. Louis Browns 11-7.

1947 -- The first Little League World Series was at Williamsport, Pa. The Maynard Midgets of Williamsport won the series.

1972 -- Steve Carlton of Philadelphia had his 15-game winning streak snapped when Phil Niekro and the Atlanta Braves beat the Phillies 2-1 in 11 innings.

1975 -- Pitching brothers Rick and Paul Reuschel of the Chicago Cubs combined to throw a 7-0 shutout against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Rick went 6 1-3 innings and Paul finished the shutout for the first ever by two brothers.

The Closer
For our three Nats fans out there - I'm talking to you Bertollo - let's reflect on the Mike Rizzo hiring.
Tom Boswell says this was the smart, and unexpected, move.
Hall of Famer Tracy Ringolsby says Rizzo is the Nats' savior - not Stephen Strasburg.
That's two high-quality baseball men telling you Washington has taken a major step forward.
So, while it's tough to imagine now, we think the Nats could contend in four or five years.