2-0 and feeling good. It might be that the Giants are bad. We are still feeling these things out. And definitely San Fran going 1-16 with RISP over the first two games is unsustainable, but as we always say here - you don't have to give the wins back. Take them and run.
As constituted the Nats still aren't playoff contenders but with the Marlins looking like maybe the worst team in baseball all it would take is the Phillies or Mets to disappoint (and both are so far) for the Nats to get a nice 4+ win boost just for being in the right division at the right time. Have some kids get hot and call them up early and you know, 70+ wins may not be crazy.
Of course the Nats suffered their first pitching injury - Josiah Gray taking some time off to deal with forearm strain (but likely not extended time out). Joan Adon comes up in his place and while Joan has never been good (and he wasn't really last night but the Giants as noted couldn't get the big hits) he can't be worse than what Gray was showing in his first two starts. So the injury isn't that significant right now but it leads to the necessity of digging throuugh their shallow starting pool in the minors earlier than they would have liked. A Gore injury or Trevor Williams going back to being NOT the hardest pitcher in the majors to turn balls-in-play into hits against and things could get grim on the mound.
CJ Abrams on a 40/40 pace, ignore that .400 BABIP, it's sustainable, Nats winning the WS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11!1!!1!
ReplyDeleteThey are a better team than last year even before the newbies join.
ReplyDeleteYes, yes, the pitching is still abysmal --- but a step up from last years abysmal.
Also leading the league in stolen bases (and a pretty good % rate on stealing) makes them much more fun to watch than the last few years. Doubt the Braves will be looking over their shoulder, but there’s a lot to enjoy this season (as long as a good starting rotation isn’t your thing….)
ReplyDeleteocw - Does CJ bat for everyone?
ReplyDeleteNattydread - ehhhhhhh
Anon - now this I'll agree to! Steal more bases
So far it looks like Rizzo's bargain basement pickups are doing well. Of course, it's a small sample size.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to Robles living up to his potential in this walk year. Maybe he'll provide value at the trade deadline. Garcia seems to be rising to the challenge.