Liván Hernández grows nostalgic after encounter with his old club Washington Nationals - MLB
Seeing Liván Hernández playing against Washington Nationals, a team he just recently revoked a contract with joining Houston Astros and hoodwinking hitherto his own team-mates with his typical curveball was nothing short of fascinating.
In a 3-1 loss for the Nationals, Livan assumed position on the mound from the Astros’ side and was scoreless for two innings. By sending the ball down past the Nationals and tricking them on various occasions, somehow he will be thinking of revenge after
he may have thought he was slightly mistreated last year by Nationals’ management.
When Nationals’ manager Davey Johnson falsely consoled him of extending his contract and giving him role in the club either as a reliever or as a mentor, Livan knew his departure from Nationals was destined. For the same reason, he immediately signed with
the Astros.
“I know that is not what was going to happen,” Hernandez said today. “I prepared for that. I go home and told my girlfriend: ‘I don’t think I have a chance to come back to Washington next year.’ But I know that. Everybody, a couple people said: ‘I want you
back.’ But inside, I say, ‘Yeah, right. It’s not gonna happen.”
Despite being estranged cheaply, Livan believes he had a great time there saying after the already packed rotation with the coming of Gio Gonzalez and Edwin Jackson in Nationals as it was only a matter of time for him to leave the organisation.
Loyalty to the club is still alive in Livan as he has expressed an urge to serve Nationals after his days of playing baseball ends. Experience with the Nationals and familiarity with the players he passed a long time with, he maintains can give him a place
as a mentor to polish young talent there.
Known for throwing pitches in abundance quantity without showing signs of tiresome, Livan’s career is an example for youngsters.
Two-time all-star and committing only fifteen errors throughout his career, Hernandez’s record of leading 2004 and 2005 Major League with 3927 and 4009 pitches can be laid down as reasons behind his potential mentoring role for the Nationals.
As for his present role for the Astros, by showing consistency in his performance he can earn an important role for the club in the season.
Livan hailing from a poor Cuban family is one of those players who defected to USA aiming to make the most of their talent and earning substantial money. After playing for plethora of teams including Miami Marlins, San Francisco Giants, Montreal Expos and
various others, he signed with the Nationals in 2009.
As he developed affiliation with the club, he wanted to stay with the Nationals and because of this he even agreed on a Minor League contract. Finding his role as a pitcher with the Astros, he is now busy spending Spring Training with his new club.
Tags: