Mark Lerner throws a tantrum, rips media...

 

(Photo by Getty Images. Mark Lerner, left, hanging out with Satan, right, at Nationals Park this summer after the Strasburg signing.)

"Look, when you lose 103 games it would be foolish to get upset about criticism. There is plenty to go around. I don't mind constructive criticism, particularly from informed sources or genuine fans of the game. ...
As a fan, and as an owner, no one hates to lose more than I do, but I like to base my opinions and my emotions on fact, not on cocktail party suppositions. That's the difference between a mature fan or pundit, and a childish tantrum."
(Mark Lerner, via Nationals dot com, 10/21/2009)

Wah! Wah! Wah! Boo hoo!

(We've always had a soft spot for those cocktail party suppositions.)

Nationals principle owner Mark Lerner talked to Nationals dot com's Bill Ladson about a variety of topics, including: finishing with the worst record two years in a row, progress, Strasburg, Riggleman, Zimmerman, Rizzo, and the unfair coverage of the team by the immature, temper-tantrum-throwing media,  etc. etc.

Judging from the content of the Q&A, Mark seems to be more in tune with reality than in the past. Remember this little nugget from '08, RE: Johan Santana?

"Nobody wants - you don't want to be in the situation where you wake up one morning and Johan Santana has won eight games all season and you owe him $150 million. That's the thing. You see a lot of guys for $150 million, but we're going to stick with what we're doing. We're going to take a lot of heat from you and everybody else, but I think you're starting to see it."
(Mark Lerner, via Nationals Journal, 7/13/2008)

So where would Mark Lerner say the team is at right now, after "sticking with what they're doing"?

"While the overall season was very disappointing for us, we are pleased and optimistic that some of our important pieces for the long term really fell into place.  ...
I cannot wait for Spring Training. We will have strong or emerging players competing for [almost] every position, and we're in better shape to make key trades or acquisitions than ever before. ...We've signed and grown talent without breaking the bank on frivolous short-term signings. Last year, we would have loved to have signed Mark Teixeira, but he wanted to go to an established winner. I think we are positioning to be the same kind of consistent winner, and will be a place where free agents will be eager to call home. Let me tell you: We are building this thing right."
(Mark Lerner, via Nationals dot com, 10/21/2009)

Sounds good! Okay, Mark, we'll finally let you off the hook for the Santana comment. Mostly because of the "we're in better shape to make key trades or acquisitions than ever before" part. Let's spend some money, Mark!

What else? Oh, Nats fans can expect upgrades at Nationals Park in 2010. If you can afford it:

"The only thing we can say right now is that we expect to add even more amenities and upgrades to our PNC Diamond Club..." (Mark Lerner, via Nationals dot com, 10/21/2009)

But what about the cheap seats?

Finally, here's Mark's take on the Nats' ongoing search for a manager:

"I expect we will make a decision after the World Series is completed."
(Mark Lerner, via Nationals dot com, 10/21/2009)

From this morning's Washington Post, Stan Kasten indicates it could happen sooner:

"...And that's only if there are people Mike [Rizzo] wants to talk to that are in the World Series. But it could be any day."
(Stan Kasten, via Washington Post, 10/22/2009)

Meanwhile...

Strasburg makes his second AFL start today. But will he perform any miracles?

Befriend The Nationals Enquirer on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter. 

 

 

Comments

[Phil Savage]

I'm looking for a team to coach, my guys went 51-9 last summer and were the collegiate summer league champions.

[RLF]

I don't get it. It sounds like you're saying the Mets contract with Santana worked out well for the Mets. Mega millions for hardly anything in '09. Lerner was right! Right?

[harper]

The cut off the full quote...

"I like to base my opinions and my emotions on fact, not on cocktail party suppositions, idle chatter from the help, or deep discussions held while floating in your personal money bins"

[The Nationals Enquirer]

@RLF: Wrong! Lerner was wrong!! I don't care about '09!