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I've been searching for a way to pay tribute to Livan Hernandez, and I think I've finally found the right words. Unfortunately, they're not mine, they're Phil Wood's.
Let's see now, Livan Hernandez now has two complete games this season, which gives the Nationals a total of, drum roll, please - two complete games.
That's right, Livo stands alone in that category for the Washingtons, and I'm supposing not many of you, wait a minute, none of you, zip, zero, nada, predicted he'd lead the rotation in wins at this point. Personally, I thought he'd help out in the early going, but might not be with the club past the All-Star Break, but I was waaaaaaay off.
Now, let's be honest: there was nothing in his performance over the past couple of seasons to lead anyone to believe he'd be anywhere near this effective. A mid-80's fastball. A mid-60's curveball. Yet, it works, and it works because he knows how to pitch.
It really is that simple, and the results scream it.
That pretty much sums it up. The Nationals are not making the playoffs, and skepticism is pretty high, but I think everyone will eventually look back and remember just how improbable it is that Livan was this effective this late in his career. I wouldn't go so far as to say I'll be telling my grandkids about Livan Hernandez, but I certainly will be telling fellow Nationals fans about him in 10 years.
Today's must-reads from around the SB Nation network:
- Over at SBNation.com, I ranked the 30 NBA GMs on a qualitative scale that tries to account for the uneven playing field they all have. Ernie Grunfeld ranked 18th.
- Could Georgetown be better this year than they were last year, even without Greg Monroe? John Thompson III says yes.
- Which Redskins players are overpaid, besides Albert Haynesworth? Which ones are underpaid? Hogs Haven discusses.
- August 15, the day MLB teams have to sign their 2010 draft picks, is fast approaching. Federal Baseball discusses where the team is at with number one overall pick Bryce Harper.