It didn't take long for Julian Tavarez to get baptized as closer for the Washington Nationals. In his second appearance since being anointed closer with Kip Wells, Tavarez got his bell rung to the tune of 5 runs (2 ER) from the St. Lious Cardinals. In all, he gave up 2 hits, 2 walks, and hit a batter before being removed from the game. It wasn't even a save opportunity, but a tie game he came into for the ninth.

Joel Hanrahan did relieve Tavarez and gave up one hit in 2/3 of an inning of work.

This is exactly what we are talking about. Manny Acta is insane. You don't replace your young stud closer with guys like Julian Tavarez and Kip Wells. You allow Joel Hanrahan to work through his problems and get back to the level you expected out of him when you made him closer last year.

Manny Acta is clearly trying to shake things up in Washington in order to hopefully create a winning team or at least attitude. Right now, the Nationals lack confidence in their pitchers and maybe the next person that should get fired is the pitching coach and not the closer.

Hopefully this performance will make Manny Acta rethink his decision to bench his closer. We will see.