Livan

Hernandez

Because of the doubleheader this week, the Expos are without a starter for Sunday. Manager Frank Robinson said ''I’m not crazy about calling pitchers up for one game,’' and a bullpen start doesn’t seem likely.

Considering that the Giants were willing to pick up all that salary, it’s surprising that couldn’t get more in exchange for Livan. Then again, we don’t yet know the identity of the player to be named. The Expos will be responsible for Livan’s $6 million option for 2004. It vests automatically if Hernandez pitches 217 innings this year, so the Expos are sure to keep him under that figure.

Hernandez’s recent behavior can’t be great for team chemistry. Still, the Nats can’t fault his performance. Even in his worst start since April, he managed to keep the team in the game.

He gave up 10 hits, walked four, and struck out five. Hernandez went 3-for-3 with his second homer of the season at the plate tonight, but it wasn’t enough as the Nationals lost 7-6. Unfortunately, the two earned runs were Hernandez’s own fault as he threw away a Chris Burke bunt. He’ll pitch at Philadelphia in his next outing.

The guy who walked away with it is reportedly asking for Nationals season tickets next year and playoff tickets this year in addition to $18,000 cash. ''He can have it,’' Hernandez said. ''He thinks it’s my lucky glove, but I’m not superstitious.’' Hernandez had offered an autographed jersey and a brand-new glove.

He bounced back well after a pair of down outings. Hernandez only has one complete game this season, but this is the 10th time he’s pitched at least eight innings. The win was his second in eight starts.

Hernandez dodged Barry Bonds once again and turned in a fourth straight quality start. He’s helped his trade value with his performance lately, and it’s still quite possible that he’ll be moved.

It’s unknown whether the Nationals will cover any of the $7 million that Hernandez will earn next year. Nationals GM Jim Bowden probably blew it when he failed to trade Alfonso Soriano before the deadline, but the deals he has made have been good ones. Mock has middle-of-the-rotation potential, and Chico, a left-hander, could turn out to be a pretty good reliever. Hernandez will likely push Enrique Gonzalez out of Arizona’s rotation, assuming that Brandon Webb is healthy enough to pitch this week.

New Nationals assistant GM Mike Rizzo picks up a couple of the pitchers he originally drafted for Arizona. We’re guessing this one will work out better for the Nats. Hernandez has pitched a lot better lately, but the ballpark switch, combined with his development into a flyball pitcher, could prevent him from bringing down his ERA any further. Also, this isn’t the kind of move likely to push the Diamondbacks into the playoffs, and they may be getting more of a No. 4 starter than a No. 2 starter in 2007. The addition of Hernandez will likely cost Enrique Gonzalez his rotation spot.

It was his first loss since June 20, but the Diamondbacks can’t complain about his performance. This is actually the first time all year that he’s gone eight innings. Considering that he was only at 95 pitches, he probably could have gone the distance.