We are a diverse nation the Raider Nation

He didn’t do any one thing particularly well, yet by the time he walked off the mound, he more often than not had his team in a position to win. But let’s look at his internal numbers and compare then with the aforementioned Lannan, the Nationals’ best starter: Hits per 9 inningsLannan: 9.2Martin: 9.9 Homers allowed per 9 innings:Lannan: 1.0Martin: 1.6 Walks per 9 innings:Lannan: 3.0Martin: 2.8 Strikeouts per 9 innings:Lannan: 3.9Martin: 4.3 Baserunners per 9 innings:Lannan: 1.35Martin: 1.42 In virtually every category of statistical significance, the two were nearly identical. It would seem that the Nationals have indeed found their second out-of-the-blue starting pitcher. But the news just gets better, just as Martin did as the season progressed. In his first four starts, Martin gave up 13 runs, 24 hits, and five walks in just 16 innings. So what’s the difference between team “ace” John Lannan and Martin About 55 career starts. Should Martin repeat his rookie effort in 2010, the Nationals will have two very solid though not spectacular young pitchers who should be the No. 3 and 4 starters for the team once Stephen Strasburg makes it to the big leagues and Jordan Zimmermann returns from injury. Most of us have scoffed at former general manager Jim Bowden’s penchant for signing minor league pitchers off the scrap heap. It just never seemed to work. This time, however, Bowden was right. J D. Martin might not be a sexy choice for the rotation in 2010, but he is a solid choice.

He outpitched the team ace for most of 2009; what else does he have to prove. ) There's something about the tail end of unnecessarily long road trips that just have a way of firing you up, isn't thereNo Well, maybe it's just me then, but after a busy week left me wondering if I could carve out time to write up another of my weekly masterpieces, I was given this burst of energy. An energy that I'd be proud to spend giving a little more publicity to some of the key match-ups that will be on display Saturday afternoon. The now officially top ten Miami team will have their hands full with a dynamic Clemson team, on both sides of the ball.1. The Line Needs To Step Up BigLast week against UCF, the Miami line let up six sacks. This week, Miami's offensive line will be taking on perhaps the best defensive end tandem in all the country. Da'Quan Bowers, just a sophomore, is turning into a complete monster, and he's one hell of a compliment to senior Ricky Sapp. Sapp is looking like a first round pick in next April's draft, and how he does against Miami's Jason Fox will be a big measuring stick. Fox has had some tremendous games this year, especially against Oklahoma, and he'll have to be dominant if they want to keep Clemson out of Jacory's face. Matt Pipho needs to return to Georgia Tech form really quick as well if he doesn't want to see the pine.2. Spiller and Jacoby Ford rip off 40-50 yarders at will, they're in serious trouble. I know what you're thinking, "thanks John Madden, maybe they should score more points than the Tigers, too."My issue with the big plays is that I'm afraid if the 'Canes fall behind; their defense will lose focus real quick. With what happened against VT, a team that put up points quickly against Miami, though in a different way, it's a real worry that the Hurricanes might not have the counter-punch ready to go before Clemson gets a big lead.3. Put the Ball in Kyle Parker's HandsWhy Because there's a pretty good chance he'll respond by putting it in yours. Five INT in 6 games, and an overall completion percentage under 50 percentage isn't exactly what you're looking for from your starting quarterback. Parker may not be the biggest guy, but he is a good athlete with a strong enough arm to make plays, he just hasn't developed the accuracy so early in his young career. He'll be relying heavily on his line to give him time to throw and his safety valve C.J. Spiller. If Miami can take away Spiller in the short dump offs, and also create pressure on Parker, they should be in for a walk on that side of the ball. Parker may be an All American on the baseball field, but he's not quite there yet on the gridiron. That's it for me, sorry for the shortened version today, enjoy the game. Oh, and keep an eye out for a special treat later on this weekend.. Note: One slide show has the sound of fireworks.We are a diverse nation: the Raider Nation. So, this week our menu is diverse.We don't know if any birds are going to play football with us this week.

However, we appreciate the historical visitation on last week. Here is our "starter" menu.Shrimp Fried Rice (other meats can be included) click link.Raider Card Addict - RCA's Flat foodOne package, Whole grain pitas, 4-8 in a package 1/2 pound sliced oven roasted turkey, any good deli will work. shredded mild cheddar, one package, medium size, or for those who love cheese, large. Small bottle of Ceaser dressing.Prepare by tossing pitas and two slices of turkey on each pita, then warm on the grill. Drizzle ceaser on, let cool 3 minutes, fold and enjoy.Felix's Out Of This World Breakfast Potato Pie RecipeIngredients 4 cups diced ham 1-1/2 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes thawed 1/4 cup chopped green peppers 1/4 cup chopped red peppers 1/2 cup chopped white onion 1/2 cup chopped fresh mushrooms 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese 1 cup sour cream 1 cup cottage cheese 8 eggs 1 teaspoon white pepper 1 teaspoon thyme 1 teaspoon paprikaDirections1 Mix all ingredients together except paprika in a large bowl 2 Bake in two pie plates for 1 hour at 350 3 Sprinkle with paprika 4.

Serve with sour cream and chopped fresh chives.Brent's "Buckle Your Chinstrap Recipe" FrittataIt's going to be spicy:(Men say omelet...) Pie pan lined with hash browns. Saute spicy green chiles, red bell pepper, and onion, as much garlic as you can handle Cut up a turkey sausage (or leftover brats) Throw on top of this stuff Then about 5-6 eggs beaten and poured on top Then about 1 whole cup of mexican ranchero cheese. Bake a while.Brent wrote: "But if you want the key to health, wake up and flush your system with a cup of water Then grind 2 fresh lemons mixed with a little water Dash some cayenne pepper on top Down this.This is strong medicine It opens the gall and liver ducts Get out your juicer. Juice a cucumber, some romaine lettuce, half a beet, two carrots, two celery stalks, some parsley or basil, and fresh cranberries or apples Drink with your supplements.