Washington Nationals: What Is The Biggest Playoff Storyline?

Nats More Well-Rounded Than In Past Years

The biggest storyline heading into the playoffs is that this is the most well-rounded October team the Nats have had in years. In past seasons, the one glaring weakness was clear: Since 2012 the offense just hasn’t been able to consistently put together good games in the playoffs. Thus, great pitching performances were wasted as a result.

The Washington Nationals will once again have maybe the strongest rotation in the postseason and now the offense is following. This season’s lineup features some serious threats that weren’t present in the past.

Trea Turner is catching fire at the right time; the young center fielder is looking like a future superstar, a speed demon with a knack for contact and occasional big pop. Wilson Ramos got eye surgery and is now one of the MLB’s best hitting catchers. Anthony Rendon is putting together a fantastic second half (.269 batting average) and is still underrated on the national scene.

Danny Espinosa and Ryan Zimmerman have been cold all year, the latter due to the typical injuries. The bottom of the lineup is a concern. But with the above assets, plus the potential of Bryce Harper and Jayson Werth in the high-stakes environment of the playoffs, there should be more support for these starting pitchers than they are used to.

Next is Matt Weyrich, who looks at Daniel Murphy‘s importance this October: