The first weekend after the All-Star break has turned out all right for the Nats, beating the Brewers 2 out of 3. The Brewers have been good this whole season but are struggling of late. The post break opening Friday night game in D.C. was underwhelming for supposed ace Stephen Strasburg, who fell to 7-7 overall. He gave up four runs and the Nationals only mustered 2 scores, including a late home run by Bryce Harper. But the Nationals rallied to win the Saturday and Sunday games, and are keeping pace with the Atlanta Braves, their division rival having one more win and loss. They are tied in the standings for the
This is the first report in July of this season for them by me, as my updates usually happen every two weeks since the current season began in the spring.
Prior to the All-Break where the American league secured home field advantage (winning 5-3) for the World Series in the fall, the Nats were also tied for the division lead with Atlanta, thus creating statements from players like Jayson Werth that they were pleased with their results so far. This all despite the struggles of pitchers Strasburg and Gonzalez, and an at times anemic offense.
About the pitching staff, it is possibly the best in the majors with a league leading low ERA a little about 3.00, like 3.18. Doug Fister has been a great addition and throws tonight against the lowly Rockies in Denver, while Tanner Roark has been a consistent winner as well. The fifth starter has been Jordan Zimmerman who is overall superior, but due to injuries to gusy like gio Gonzalez thye have started experimentally with guys like Trainen, Blevins and a few others, but things have been pretty good as stated from the 5 rotation. The middle relievers have been decent, the closers good enough, and they have held on to a few good wins or made some comebacks due to good bench pitching overall. Tyler Clippard was the only Nat taken in the All-Star game, which indicates no other teammate is having an outstanding season so far. But things could change. Bryce Harper and a few other position players may be poised for a good second half. More on the possible One...
That is the hope. More health and full positions on defense and the batting line-up, more hits and runs. And more wins. All the hitters are hitting okay but nothing above .280s; that should change for a few like Werth, Harper, Rendon, possibly LaRoche, Span and Ramos. Denard Span needs to get on base more and score runs, as does Harper in his third season, being more productive overall as he has missed many games for injuries and is now at only 3 home runs, down from 22 and 20 his first two seasons and as youngster.
And then there is Mr. National and the one I call the "Natural", Ryan Zimmerman. He can get hot, and normally adjusts to hitting about .290 with 100 RBIs. This is a must for superior offense, but the other guys can carry a lot, too. Anthony Rendon has been consistently clutch and productive.
Bench players are all right, with Nate McClouth and a few others like former starter Danny Espinosa (2B) filling in parts.
Overall, things are looking good. First place, keep up with the Braves. Stay healthy. One more full plus week of July and the real pushing begins.
Overall, I have written that word too much for this three week update.
Blog it. Blog on. EMC.
Overall
This is the first report in July of this season for them by me, as my updates usually happen every two weeks since the current season began in the spring.
Prior to the All-Break where the American league secured home field advantage (winning 5-3) for the World Series in the fall, the Nats were also tied for the division lead with Atlanta, thus creating statements from players like Jayson Werth that they were pleased with their results so far. This all despite the struggles of pitchers Strasburg and Gonzalez, and an at times anemic offense.
About the pitching staff, it is possibly the best in the majors with a league leading low ERA a little about 3.00, like 3.18. Doug Fister has been a great addition and throws tonight against the lowly Rockies in Denver, while Tanner Roark has been a consistent winner as well. The fifth starter has been Jordan Zimmerman who is overall superior, but due to injuries to gusy like gio Gonzalez thye have started experimentally with guys like Trainen, Blevins and a few others, but things have been pretty good as stated from the 5 rotation. The middle relievers have been decent, the closers good enough, and they have held on to a few good wins or made some comebacks due to good bench pitching overall. Tyler Clippard was the only Nat taken in the All-Star game, which indicates no other teammate is having an outstanding season so far. But things could change. Bryce Harper and a few other position players may be poised for a good second half. More on the possible One...
That is the hope. More health and full positions on defense and the batting line-up, more hits and runs. And more wins. All the hitters are hitting okay but nothing above .280s; that should change for a few like Werth, Harper, Rendon, possibly LaRoche, Span and Ramos. Denard Span needs to get on base more and score runs, as does Harper in his third season, being more productive overall as he has missed many games for injuries and is now at only 3 home runs, down from 22 and 20 his first two seasons and as youngster.
And then there is Mr. National and the one I call the "Natural", Ryan Zimmerman. He can get hot, and normally adjusts to hitting about .290 with 100 RBIs. This is a must for superior offense, but the other guys can carry a lot, too. Anthony Rendon has been consistently clutch and productive.
Bench players are all right, with Nate McClouth and a few others like former starter Danny Espinosa (2B) filling in parts.
Overall, things are looking good. First place, keep up with the Braves. Stay healthy. One more full plus week of July and the real pushing begins.
Overall, I have written that word too much for this three week update.
Blog it. Blog on. EMC.
Overall
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