District Daily: The Washington Nationals needed Ben Zobrist

Sep 17, 2014; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays second baseman

(18) singled during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Good morning DoD readers, start off your Monday with some great Washington Nationals articles from around the web in today’s District Daily:

The Washington Nationals needed Ben Zobrist

(Tim Boyle, Call to the Pen)

Ben Zobrist emerged as one of the most desired players on trade market these last few weeks. The Tampa Bay Rays’ recents adjustments to their roster appeared to signal the end of Zobrist’s time with the team and yesterday, he was traded to the Oakland Athletics.

Zobrist’s contract expires after the 2015 season so it made sense that the Rays part ways. Their postseason hopes look bleaker than they have been in a long time, and getting something for the best super-utility player in baseball served their best interest. Zobrist’s versatility means that he could improve almost any contender in baseball, and it is no surprise that he was connected to many teams this offseason before a deal came together.

One team that could have especially used Zobrist is the Washington Nationals. The reigning National League East Champions, the Nationals could have used Zobrist for his stout hitting at multiple positions. Read full article here.

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Washington Nationals: Why the Nationals are on track to win another division title.

(Julia Dang, isportsweb)

The Washington Nationals have made it clear the past few seasons that being at the top of the NL East is where they belong. When the Nationals came to Washington in 2005, they were looked down on as the underdogs in the majors. After a few disappointing seasons, it seems as though the Nationals finally have something good going for them, winning their division title two out of the last three seasons. With the roster they currently have going into 2015, the Nationals should be well on their way to winning a third NL East title.

Here are the reasons the Washington Nationals can win a third division title with this team. Read full article here.