Washington Nationals Riding Success of their ‘Big Three’
May 11, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Washington Nationals pitcher Max Scherzer (31) high fives outfielder Bryce Harper (34) as he celebrates after scoring against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Washington Nationals (27-19) have been the hottest team in baseball since the start of play on April 28th, leading the league with a record of 20-6 and a +45 run differential over that span. Leading the way has been Washington’s “Big Three,” which is composed of their dominant ace, superstar power hitter, and shutdown closer. Max Scherzer, Bryce Harper, and Drew Storen are more than just quality household names, they are bona fide stars propelling their team to the top of their division.
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Between Scherzer’s dominance every fifth day, Harper’s raw talent and established instincts, and Storen’s ability to shorten close games, the Nationals have had their success built upon their three best players. While other teammates have contributed well, some even at an All-Star level, these three deserve the nod for truly carrying this team.
Other teams have tried to assemble a Big Three like Washington, but not many have succeeded in matching the current success the organization is enjoying. The closest comparison would either be the San Diego Padres’ tandem of James Shields, Matt Kemp, and Craig Kimbrel, or the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw, Adrian Gonzalez, and Kenley Jansen. However, neither team has been able to receive MVP/Cy Young caliber production out of all three players thus far this season, whether it be due to injuries or slumps.
Is this the secret formula to winning? Could the success of a team really lie upon the shoulders merely three star players and an above average supporting cast? With the Nationals, it appears to be so, as they have shown no signs of slowing down. But just how dominant have these superstars been? Let’s take a deeper look.
Next: The Ace
May 16, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) pitches during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
The Ace
Who: No. 31, Max Scherzer
The Numbers: 9 GS, 64.2 IP, 8 QS, 5-3, 1.67 ERA, 0.881 WHIP, 2.03 FIP, 72 SO, 9 BB, 3 HR, 2.5 WAR
Best Performance: 04/17 vs PHI → Win, 8.0 IP, 6 H, 1 R (ER), 0 BB, 9 SO, 100 pitches
Rankings*: ERA (4th), WHIP (2nd), wins (T-6th), IP (4th), SO (3rd), BB (4th), QS (T-3rd), WAR (T-2nd)
The Story: The $210 million dollar man has put himself right into the middle of the conversation for the NL Cy Young Award with his consistent, dominant performances game after game. He has gone at least seven innings in eight of his nine starts. Plus, he has carried a pitching staff that has struggled over the first quarter of the season. Before the season began, critics questioned whether the Nationals had too much starting pitching. Now it is evident just how valuable Scherzer has been.
With Scherzer’s contributions, the Nationals own the seventh best rotation ERA in the National League at 3.97. Taking Mad Max’s numbers out, things turn ugly. The Nats’ ERA skyrockets to 4.72, which would be the third worst mark in the NL. Between Stephen Strasburg’s major struggles, Jordan Zimmermann’s slow start, and Doug Fister & Gio Gonzalez’s battles for consistency, Max Scherzer has been the rock this team needed to stay afloat. Thanks to the other two members of the Big Three, this team has been able to accomplish even more than that.
*Among qualified National League pitchers
Next: The Power Hitter
May 24, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) hits a single against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
The Power Hitter
Who: No. 34, Bryce Harper
The Numbers: .331 AVG, .467 OBP, .734 SLG, 51 H, 9 2B, 1 3B, 17 HR, 42 RBIs, 40 R, 40 BB, 44 SO, 2 SB, 4.1 WAR
Best Performance: 05/06 vs MIA → 3-4, 3 HRs, 5 RBIs, 3 R
Rankings**: AVG (4th), OBP (1st), SLG (1st), HR (1st), R (1st), RBI (T-1st), BB (1st), WAR (1st)
The Story: At 22-years old, Bryce Harper already has three major league seasons under his belt, yet has never faced a pitcher younger than him. That’s a scary thought. Harper has been on an absolute tear to start the season, propelling him to the front of MVP discussions and bringing him to national attention. In addition, it has revitalized the Harper vs. Trout debate. In a lineup that has some of its key members battle serious injuries, the Nats’ right fielder has provided patience, power, and consistency from the cleanup spot.
Now the Mike Trout comparisons may be a little impetuous, as Trout is a proven MVP-caliber player who has far and away outperformed Harper over the course of their careers. However, if this truly is Harper’s breakout season into all that he was hyped up to be back when he made the cover of Sports Illustrated at age 16, then we really are in for a show. His pure talent truly makes him one of the most complete five-tool players in all of baseball. With him in the lineup and an ace like Scherzer taking the mound every fifth day, the Nationals look as if they could stack up against anyone. Yet there seems to be one more piece missing…
**Among qualified National League hitters
Next: The Closer
May 9, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals relief pitcher Drew Storen (22) pitches during the ninth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park. Washington Nationals defeat Atlanta Braves 8-6. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
The Closer
Who: No. 22, Drew Storen
The Numbers: 19 G, 15/16 SV/SVO, 20.1 IP, 1-0, 0.89 ERA, 0.787 WHIP, 1.32 FIP, 26 SO, 3 BB, 0 HR, .181 BAA
Best Performance: 05/06 @ ARZ → SV, 1.0 IP, 3 SO, 0 H, 0 BB, 13 pitches
Rankings***: ERA (5th), WHIP (4th), SV (1st), SO (T-2nd), BB (1st), HR (T-1st)
The Story: Yes, the postseason nightmares, the meltdown, and the dreadful 2013 season are vivid memories that always seem to come to mind when the name Drew Storen is mentioned to the DC faithful. However, behind all the misery, the Nationals’ closer has been busy pitching like one of the best pitchers in all of baseball. Since the start of the 2014 season (that would be 76.2 innings), Storen sports a staggering 1.06 ERA across 86 appearances, best among any NL relief pitcher with at least 50 IP in that span.
Now take a look at the Nationals’ 2-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on May 22nd, as this one game perfectly sums the Big Three’s impact. Scherzer pitched eight innings of one-run ball, Harper hit a home run, and Storen earned the save. This game is just one example of how much of an impact these three have been on the field for Washington. With this team rolling, good luck to any opponent standing in their way. With a tandem like this, DC could be in for some pleasant surprises come October.
***Among National League relievers with at least 20 IP