The nats are in a stretch against the traditionally worst teams in the NL. 10 games vs the Marlins, Pirates and Rockies. This will really set the tone for the start of the season. 8-2? Let’s go team that’s clearly better than the worst! 2-8? Big uh-ohs.
Now of course they are away and will go 5-5 and we’ll learn nothing but I’m pretty interested any way. Especially in the Marlins series. The Pirates and Rockies are legit bad. The Marlins are not, or still least haven’t started so. This could determine what sort of fight these teams are in for in the NL East. Third? Last?
2 comments:
I wouldn't rule out third place for the Nats. It isn't unlikely that one of the three good teams in the division will have a bad season. Nor is it unlikely that the Nats will win a few more games than Pythagorean. But, by the same logic, I can't rule out fifth place, either.
You're never as good as you look when you're winning. But if we can come back from this road trip above .500, I'll be feeling pretty good about the team keeping it interesting into the summer, at least.
Although, that would only make the lack of investment in the team more depressing. If we actually are a true talent 80 win team, then running a $120M payroll is unconscionable.
On another topic, while I'm really trying to delay giving the numbers even a rough look until we finish the third trip through the rotation (so one more day!), here's a fun stat that I couldn't help but notice. Right now, Wood is leading all qualified batters in Best Speed or EV50 (the mean exit velocity of the harder hit half of his batted balls) with 107.6 mph. The other hitters over 107mph are Alonso, Ohtani, and Judge.
Wood is going to be a joy to watch these next few years.
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