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Washington Nationals: Scherzer Headlines Quartet Eligible For Awards

By Chris Lacey

Oct 13, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals center fielder Trea Turner (7) hits a single during the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game five of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball game at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 13, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals center fielder Trea Turner (7) hits a single during the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game five of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball game at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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The MLB offseason is in full swing, and a major component of it is the awards portion of it for the Washington Nationals.

The Washington Nationals had an unexpected postseason appearance, but they have some players and coaches who have a chance to win some offseason hardware.

It was announced on MLB Network tonight that outfielder Trea Turner, manager Dusty Baker, starting pitcher Max Scherzer, and second baseman Daniel Murphy are in the running for National League Rookie of the Year, Manager of the Year, Cy Young and MVP, respectively.

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Trea Turner has stiff competition for top rookie, going up against Los Angeles Dodgers starter Kenta Maeda and shortstop Corey Seager.

Turner did just about everything the Nationals could have asked. He played multiple positions, batted in different spots in the batting order and used his speed to wreak havoc.

Seager is the favorite, but it wouldn’t be shocking to have Turner pull off the upset.

Baker is also in for a tough fight to win the managerial award. He will go up against Dave Roberts of the Dodgers and Chicago Cubs skipper Joe Maddon.

Baker changed the culture around the team and clubhouse. He provided a different atmosphere and players loved him for it.

Roberts is the favorite in this category, but Baker has what it takes to grab the award.

Scherzer had a phenomenal season leading the Nats’ rotation. He led the Senior Circuit in wins, innings pitched, strikeouts and WHIP at 20, 228 1/3, 284 and 0.97, respectively.

The other two options for NL Cy Young are Cubs’ starters Jon Lester and Kyle Hendricks.  Both Lester and Kendricks were terrific for the Cubs, but Scherzer stands out among the trio.

He was just what you want from an ace as Scherzer delivered.

Murphy is fighting an uphill battle for NL MVP; he will be opposed by Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant of the Cubs and Seager from the Dodgers.

Murphy was a hitting machine from Opening Day until the last day of the regular season. He was the Nationals best hitter and came through countless times when Bryce Harper was struggling.

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Bryant is the favorite to win the award, but Murphy deserves some serious consideration for best player in the NL.

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