Monday Quickie - the dead dogs days of late summer

 It's September 12th and the Nats are still looking for win 50. After a brief shining moment that included three wins in a row the Nats have lost 5 of 6 and their plan to play spoiler to the Phillies has only helped Philadelphia firmly ensconce themselves in the WC, now 3.5 games ahead of potential final spot maker Milwaukee.  They face the Orioles next who could really use the help, 5.5 games out as of today. On the flipside if you hate the Os the Nats can put that nail into their coffin.

On the actual gameplay from Mason Thompson has looked great in his return and with my belief in Hunter Harvey I still think there's a weirdly good chance for a solid pen if not in 2023 then 2024. For all the leads they'll have to protect. 

The Nats are hitting - Cesar Hernandez having that run that really would have been useful for trade purposes anytime but now. Abrams, Ruiz are interesting.  Call, Thomas, and the hit factory that is Joey Meneses less so as the youngest of the three is the just turned 27 Thomas, but you take what you can get. 

Eh, it's a Monday. Let's leave it at this. Watch the Rays and Jays duke it out.