Nelson Cruz 40th all Time. He is a Nat.

 Nelson Cruz is 41 years-old, and has had an illustrious career. He is now a part of a rebuilding Nationals team (two years removed from their championship in 2019) and may not have too much gas in his tank. But then again, maybe he has the Julio Franco genes in his blood, a position player who was productive  into his late forties. So maybe Cruz, time and health permitting, may add quite a few more to his career tally. 

As an avid Nats fan I hope that he would hit 40 this year. That would put him at close to 500, which would put him among the elite top 28, where we find current 39 year-old Miguel Cabrera of the Tigers, at 502 all-time. 

More realistically, I think Cruz could hit 30 this season. If he does that, I think that he will be playing again next year at age 42. Great to see for him, the Nationals, and baseball.

Juan the Truth Soto is sitting on 99, and I hope he hits 50 this season. That said, he walks so much (which is great for Cruz behind him, and the team) that 35 or so is likely more realistic. But with global warming, anything is possible.

I will follow the sluggers this season; it is fun to watch.

The Nationals have lost some prominent players since the World Series: Bryce Harper, Anthony Rendon, Trea Turner, Max Sherzer. Even Kurt Suzuki. He was a big part of their championship, to me.

Up next to pass for homers on the all-time list for Nelson Cruz is Carl Yastrzemski at 452. Today is Tuesday. Maybe we will be there by Wednesday. Yaz. The names now are all majestical, when you think of it. Some people don't care. Fine. All time homers, no big deal. But some of us see it as poetry in motion, a sublime way to measure time and place.

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Also, the Nats finally beat the Mets in their fourth game of the series and the season Sunday. Perhaps they can be competitive after smashing the Braves last night. Now 2-3 on the young season. Can the young pitchers get it done? Some experts are only expecting 70 or so wins (85-90 requisite to make the playoffs), so who knows?

THAT IS WHY WE PLAY THE GAME!

Who knows? Who needs Bryce Harper or Max Sherzer to win?

We do need Strasburg, who is still hurt.

Play on! 2022, a return to normalcy, despite inflation and high gas prices.