The video lasts just 11 seconds — the full ovation probably goes on longer — but to Drew Storen, his reception at Natsfest on Saturday still probably feels like a lifetime of good will coming from Washington Nationals fans. In case you forgot, the last time Storen was surrounded by this many fans, pretty much everyone was in shock over the comeback made by the St. Louis Cardinals in the deciding moments of Game 5 of the NLDS. Pete Kozma and Daniel Descalso, you have no idea what you did!
Even though all wasn't forgotten at Natsfest — on the contrary — the mood was forgiving. Storen, who consistently has interacted with fans in a friendly manner since reaching the big leagues, seemed to appreciate their kindness. Via reporter James Wagner of the Washington Post:
“That’s the type of stuff that really makes you feel special,” Storen said. “The amount of support has been incredible.”
The Nats' epic collapse probably cost Storen his role as closer, with GM Mike Rizzo of course signing free agent Rafael Soriano two weeks ago. It's funny, though, as Nationals Enquirer points out, how Storen found out about the Soriano signing. The peculiar kind of funny: It was via Twitter:
Apparently Storen immediately called Tyler Clippard:
"I just saw it on Twitter and I called him and I said, 'have you seen this?’ We were like, ‘what?’" (Drew Storen, via Nats Insider, 1/26/2013)
Both Storen and Clippard said all the right things yesterday at NatsFest, but man...DREW STOREN FOUND OUT ABOUT THE SORIANO DEAL ON TWITTER. Tough business.
At least it wasn't Storen's own transaction. It's probably not reasonable to hold the Nats accountable for the when and how of Storen found out he wasn't going to get saves anymore. It would have ideal to hear from manager Davey Johnson, coach Steve McCatty, or Rizzo first. And even then, should Storen expect to know before, say, you do if the Nats make a trade or sign a player unless he is one of the players transacted?
Unless radical changes occur in how information gets out — either via leak or announcement — social networks are how a lot of players are going to find out stuff. Just like the rest of us.
Count down to spring training by following
@AnswerDave, @bigleaguestew, @KevinKaduk on Twitter,
along with the BLS Facebook page!
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