Washington Nationals: Learning From The Chicago Cubs
By Ron Juckett
YOUNG GUNS
The Cubs offense is built around Bryant, Schwarber and Anthony Rizzo. Washington has Turner and Bryce Harper at a top level now.
Chicago signed Ben Zobrist to mesh in the offense. All he did was win the World Series MVP. Daniel Murphy came to the Nationals and nearly won a batting title.
The Nationals offense scored more runs over 162 games than any other team in Nats/Expos history. Even with a drop in Harper’s power numbers, six players swatted 20 or more home runs, the first time since 1965 that happened in the National League.
Add the young, home grown starters on the staff and the Nats have a solid core of players capable of winning championships. Yes, the injuries to Stephen Strasburg and Wilson Ramos hurt against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Still, the young players are good enough to need co-stars around them, not overpriced veterans.
How the roster is assembled and evaluated is the closest part of the blueprint Washington shares with the Cubs. A fine line of showing growth and patience mixed with the flexibility to get the right player on the market. Because the Nats have a strong farm system, they can develop or trade talent.